Find your weekend vibes with our checklist of 15 fantastic things to do around Vancouver!
There is a lot to see and do between Jan. 16 and 18, including epic dance parties, exciting arts events, and more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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How We Connect Art Party
Surrey Art Gallery
What: The Surrey Art Gallery hosts a celebration of its winter exhibitions this weekend.
Exhibiting artist Atheana Picha and Curator of Art & Education Initiatives Alanna Edwards will be in dialogue at the How We Connect Art Party. Guests can also create a woven lantern, make felt-embroidered bookmarks, experience an eco-artmaking activity, and witness a piñata breaking.
Also on view during the event is the exhibit Lay Me Down in Praise by artist Justen LeRoy.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free
Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2026
What: Taking place from Jan. 17 to Feb. 14, 100 vendors in the Greater Vancouver area will be serving up tasty and unique hot chocolate creations. There will be 100 participating vendors and a whopping total of 234 different flavours to try.
Previous years saw plenty of wacky and wonderful drinks like a hot chocolate with marinara sauce and Hot Cheetos, a Dragon Ball Z-themed drink, and even some hot chocolates that are illegal south of the border.
When: Jan. 17 to Feb. 14, 2026 (specific vendor/drink dates may vary)
Where: Locations in and around Vancouver
Friends of the Richmond Library January Mini-Sale
What: Find your new favourite book at the Friends of the Richmond Library January mini-sale. Discover favourite and new genres and authors at the Cambie Branch, with gently used (and some unopened) books in both English and Chinese languages. The best part is that all books are priced at individual, low prices.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Richmond Public Library–Cambie Branch 150 – 11590 Cambie Rd, Richmond
Admission: Free
Canada Strong Pass
Fort Langley National Historic Site
What: Those wanting to watch their spending this time of year, while discovering some amazing attractions and destinations near Vancouver, are in luck this year with the return of the Canada Strong Pass.
Until Jan. 15, 2026, families can once again enjoy free and discounted access to parks, national galleries, museums, and even rail travel.
When: Various days of operation
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various attractions and destinations near Vancouver. See the list online.
Bradley Sakawsky’s Pro Comedy
What: Vancouver comedian Bradley Sakawsky presents a radical night of laughs inside a skateboard shop. Get ready for a lineup of the city’s funniest comedians curated by Sakaswsky, with huge laughs, unique points of view, and more.
Performers include Dave Harris, Alannah Sharp, Jonny Divito, and more.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Flatspot Longboard Shop — 112 East Pender St., Vancouver
Tickets: Early bird at $14.95, $20 at the door, purchase online
Pataka Esports Festival 2026
What: Gamers, spectators, and video game fans are invited to the Pataka Esports Festival at Surrey City Hall. Players from across North America will battle in several games, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, TEKKEN 8, Street Fighter 6, and more. There will also be open set-ups for casual games throughout the weekend.
When: Jan. 17 and 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Ave., Surrey
Tickets: Online
Nature Work Parties
City of Surrey
What: Help remove invasive plants and clean up litter at various parks in Surrey this winter. Tools and training will be provided, and all ages are welcome.
Nature Work Parties are drop-in, rain or shine, though events may be cancelled in high winds or extreme weather conditions. Participants are also asked to wear appropriate clothing for outdoor winter activities.
When: Jan. 17, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. staggered start times
Where: Various parks in Surrey
Cost: Free
Whose Live Anyways?
What: “Whose Live Anyway?” features Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff Davis and Joel Murray. Together, they perform many of the hilarious games made famous on their Emmy-nominated TV series, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which aired from 1998 to 2004 and returned to the airwaves from 2013 to 2024.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers
What: The Canucks welcome Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers for a matchup at Rogers Arena on Saturday, Jan. 17.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Vancouver International Boat Show
Vancouver International Boat Show
What: Think you might need a bigger boat? Whether you have one or not, head to the Vancouver International Boat Show to tour some of the finest watercraft on the market and think about sailing away to somewhere warmer.
There will be live seminars, exhibits, prize giveaways, and more to discover at this year’s show. Presented by BoatingBC Association.
When: Jan. 14 to 18, 2026
Time: Various plans
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre and Granville Island
Cost: Various prices; children 16 years and under are free. Purchase online
Shrek Rave
What: The Shrek Rave, presented by Modo-Live, is notorious for people’s costumes of iconic characters from the classic tale. Get some friends together and dance the night away dressed as Lord Farquaad or the Three Blind Mice.
DJs will play memorable Shrek hits, while the visuals from the hit films will make you feel as happy as an ogre in a swamp.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: Doors 10:30 p.m.
Where: The Pearl — 881 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: $25.59 to $39.46 plus fees; purchase online
MENA Film Festival
What: Films from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA) regions get the spotlight at the seventh edition of the festival, which is happening at the Vancouver Playhouse (opening ceremony) and the VIFF Centre. Check out over 40 shorts and feature films, industry events, panel discussions, and more.
When: Jan. 15 to 23, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Vancouver Playhouse and VIFF Centre
Cost: Various prices, purchase online.
Hockey Day in Canada Punjabi – Live from Surrey
Hockey Day in Canada Punjabi
What: Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada brings Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi to Surrey for a full day of events.
The broadcasters will be live on site at the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex from 1 to 7 p.m. Then, from 7 to 10 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), head to the Museum of Surrey for a free evening screening of the Edmonton Oilers versus Vancouver Canucks game.
There will be exhibitor booths, light refreshments, hockey-themed interactive activities, and more.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: 1 to 10 p.m.
Where: Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex and Museum of Surrey
Cost: Free
Family Saturdays at Chinatown Storytelling Centre
What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 12 to 3 p.m. and includes themed activities for guests and free admission for youth 17 years and under.
When: The third Saturday of each month.
Time: 12 to 3 p.m. (Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: 168 East Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free for youth 17 and under; an adult must accompany guests under 12. Admission is $10 to $12; purchase online
Vancouver Giants
What: The Vancouver Giants continue their WHL season by taking on the Penticton Vees on Friday, Jan. 16 and the Prince George Cougars on Sunday, Jan. 18 at the Langley Events Centre.
When: Jan. 16 and 18, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. (Friday), 4 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th St, Langley
Cost: Various; purchase online