15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: February 23 to 25

How is it already the last weekend of February?

Make the most of it by checking out these 15 great events happening around the city from February 23 to 25. We’ve got Matriarchs Uprising, Vancouver International Wine Fest, and more!

For more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.

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Winter Arts Festival Vancouver 2024

VMF Winter Arts Festival (Gabriel Martins/Submitted)

What: The popular Vancouver Mural Festival (VMF) event returns from February 22 to 27 for its fourth year in a row, with public spaces across downtown being transformed into interactive, open-air galleries.

There will also be special programming, including a Curator Talk and the return of Blanketing The City: Lighting the Way.

When: Now until February 27, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free and ticketed events

Chill, Comedy at Just For Laughs Vancouver

What: Chill X Studio in Mount Pleasant is presenting a Just For Laughs Vancouver show on Friday, February 23 as part of the Best of the West series.

Each of the Chill, Comedy showcases boasts a stacked lineup of comics who have been featured on CBC, SiriusXM, World Series of Comedy, and more.

When: February 23, 2024
Time: 7 pm
Where: Chill X Studios — 2270 Manitoba Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Winter Pride Festival 2024

What: Wintertime is heating up around the city in February as the Vancouver Winter Pride Festival returns bigger and better than ever.

Attendees can look forward to exciting and interactive events that build community while celebrating the diversity within the region’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Events also feature free and low-cost admission to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities.

When: Now until February 24, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free and ticketed events; tickets and full details can be found here

Single, Not Single at The Improv Centre

The Improv Centre/Instagram

What: The Improv Centre on Granville Island kicks off its Valentine’s celebration with Single, Not Single. Whether you’re flying solo, in a dynamic duo, throupled, or none of the above, you’ll enjoy the comedians’ exploration of the ups and downs of relationships and singledom.

When: Every Friday and Saturday from February 2 to 24, 2024
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Dark Fields of Winter

What: Dark Fields of Winter is an intimate winter beer-tasting experience featuring beers from Canada and around the world, as well as a special selection of locally invited BC breweries. The event is described as “Not quite a beer fest, bottleshare, or a beer bar, but somewhere unique within those core elements combined.”

When: February 23, 2024
Time: 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: Heritage Hall — 204-3102 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $110, purchase online

Matriarchs Uprising Festival

What: The sixth annual Matriarchs Uprising Festival features a mix of live, on-demand, and community events that celebrate contemporary dance by Indigenous women artists. This year’s festival is themed Noojimo’idizo — she cures herself — and features dance performances, short video works, workshops, and Talking Truths Circle Conversations.

When: February 19 to 24, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Streaming online and at The Dance Centre at Scotiabank Dance Centre – 677 Davie Street, Vancouver
Cost: Pay what you can; register online

Rugby Sevens Kick-Off at Bentall Centre

Bentall Centre/Submitted

What: Vancouver Sevens is gearing up for its huge return to BC Place this month, and to get you ready for all of the action, there’s an outdoor celebration packed with exciting activities.

The Bentall Centre’s Rugby Sevens Kick-Off party on the plaza at 555 Burrard Street takes place on Friday, February 23.

From noon to 4 pm, you can enjoy free live entertainment, treat yourself to tasty beverages and food items, and get pumped up with friends and fellow fans before heading down for the first day of HSBC SVNS Vancouver 2024.

When: February 23, 2024
Time: Noon to 4 pm
Where: Bentall Centre Plaza — 555 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Vancouver International Wine Festival 2024

What: Canada’s premier food and wine festival, the Vancouver International Wine Festival, is officially returning for 2024. And they’re bringing some of the world’s finest makers to town.

Guests of the 45th annual fest will Discover Italy, this year’s themed country, through winery dinners, seminars, lunches, minglers, and the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

When: February 24 to March 3, 2024
Where: Venues around Vancouver

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival 2024

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival

What: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival returns with an epic series of events celebrating climbing, snowsports, mountain biking, and more from February 23 to March 3.

Several theatres in North Van and Vancouver will host a thrilling lineup of films, presentations, and workshops. Guests will also hear from inspiring guest speakers and thought-provoking filmmakers from around the world.

When: February 23 to March 3, 2024 (in-person), February 23 to March 23, 2024 (online)
Time: Various times
Where: Centennial Theatre and Delbrook Community Recreation Centre in North Vancouver, and Rio Theatre, Roundhouse Community Centre, and The Cinematheque in Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online

Love You Weirdo at Slice of Life Gallery

What: Vancouver’s wrestling star Ravenous Randy Myers is hitting the canvas hard, but it’s not in preparation for their next hard-hitting match. Instead, Myers is gearing up for the opening of their first art exhibit, Love You Weirdo, at Slice of Life Gallery from February 22 to 25.

Myers has used a variety of mediums for their artwork. For the Love You Weirdo exhibit at Slice of Life, they will be showcasing mostly acrylic on canvas pieces as well as paint markers and needle-felt projects made of wool.

When: February 22 to 25, 2025
Time: Various times (opening night from 7 to 11 pm)
Where: Slice of Life Gallery – 1636 Venables Street, Vancouver
Admission: By donation

HSBC SVNS Vancouver 2024

What: HSBC SVNS Vancouver 2024 is roaring into BC Place from February 23 to 25 with the most unique sporting atmosphere in the city. It’s the fourth stop on the new HSBC SVNS series and will feature 12 women’s and 12 men’s teams, including both Canada’s Women’s and Men’s Sevens Teams.

Rugby fans are known for wearing their “fancy dress” to sporting events, and Vancouver Sevens is the ultimate costume party. From superhero costumes and animal onesies to face paint proudly representing their country, there are no limits to the unique ideas on display at BC Place. Plus, don’t miss out on the weekend’s epic entertainment and immersive experiences.

When: February 23 to 25, 2024
Time: Gates open at 11 am on Friday, 9:45 am on Saturday and Sunday
Where: BC Place — 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: General admission three-day, two-day and single-day passes are on sale now

Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge

What: Valentine’s Day-themed lights are transforming the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into a pink paradise until February 25, and romantics of all ages are welcome. 

Bring your favourite people to enjoy the glow of the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, and the Cliffwalk’s Arc de Lumina, plus special activities for the season of love.

When: Now until February 25, 2024
Time: 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Available online

The Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at Notch8

What: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver invites you to its Lunar New Year at the Castle happenings, including the new themed Afternoon Tea at Notch8.

The tea room will feature a stunning room design by Koncept Designs, and offers Fairmont’s seasonal selection of sweet and savoury bites from Notch8’s Executive Chef Danai Hongwanishkul.

Think Chilled Char Siu Pork Belly with apple and pork floss and a Dragon Ball Cream Puff, to name just a few. Naturally, you can expect a special red envelope with chocolate coins at the Year of the Dragon-inspired experience.

When: Wednesday to Sunday until February 25, 2024
Time: Seatings at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm
Where: Notch8 Restaurant & Bar – 900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver (Fairmont Hotel Vancouver)
Cost: $34.50 per adult, $40 per child (ages 12 and under); make a reservation

Choir Boy

What: Choir Boy is the acclaimed coming-of-age story of Pharus, a senior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys and the leader of its famed gospel choir. Pharus soon discovers that conforming to the school’s traditions is more difficult than he thought when he learns to accept his identity as a young gay man.

Choir Boy is filled with soaring gospel hymns and is a testament to the healing power of music from the Oscar–winning screenwriter of Moonlight.

When: Now until February 25, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage – 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: Starting from $29, purchase online