27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: January 17 to 19

Don’t let the snow get you down! Warm up your weekend with our list of 27 things to do in Vancouver on January 17, January 18 and January 19. There’s Ballroom Brawl, Dine Out Vancouver, and more.

For more things happening around town, be sure to check out our events section.

Friday, January 17

Vancouver Warriors vs Colorado Mammoth

What: The Vancouver Warriors take on the Colorado Mammoth in NLL action at Rogers Arena on January 17.

When: January 17, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Comic Strippers

What: A fictitious male stripper troupe (played by a cast of top improvisational comedians) perform a sexy improv comedy show. Featuring interactive scenes, dance breaks, and more.

When: January 17 (North Vancouver) and January 18 (Maple Ridge), 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Centennial Theatre — 2300 Lonsdale  Avenue, North Vancouver (January 17); The ACT Arts Centre — 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
Tickets: Online

Gramma

What: Playwright and actor Maki Yi presents the world premiere of her new one-woman show at Pacific Theatre. Gramma is a story about human connection in the loneliest of circumstances.

When: Wednesday to Saturday from January 17 to February 1, 2020
Time: 8 pm (plus 2 pm on Saturdays)
Where: Pacific Theatre — 1440 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

ECCW Ballroom Brawl XIII

What: This winter, you can witness the rope-jumping, high-flying action first-hand. On January 17 and 18, the Elite Canadian Championship Wrestlers (ECCW) group is bringing another Ballroom Brawl to the Commodore.

ECCW is Canada’s largest and longest-running independent wrestling promotion. Putting on quality shows for 19 years in the Lower Mainland and around BC, the ECCW has been the birthplace of several WWE Superstars. Fan favourites from all over North America like Douglas James, Tony Deppen, and Jake Atlas, will get in the ring and compete with ECCW’s roster.

When: January 17 and January 18, 2020
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street
Price: Starting at $35 for single-evening tickets (plus service charges) — tickets available via Ticketmaster

Dine Out Vancouver 2020

What: Dine Out Vancouver is an annual festival boasting 17 days of culinary experiences from over 300 restaurants. Events include guided dining adventures, brunch crawls, cocktail masterclasses, wine debates, guest chef dinners, BC VQA wine and craft beer tastings, street food markets, and more.

When: January 17 until February 2, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: $15, $25, $35 and $45 per person(plus tax, gratuity and beverages). Special event tickets are on sale now

UBC Thunderbirds Winter Classic hockey game

What: UBC Thunderbirds’ biggest hockey game of the year is Winter Classic 2020. UBC Thunderbirds Men’s Hockey Team will take on the Manitoba Bisons. There will also be a pre-game festival on the arena concourse, outdoor festival zone in front of arena, entertainment, giveaways, and more.

When: January 17, 2020
Time: 7 pm (doors open at 5 pm)
Where: Thunderbird Arena at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre — 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

House and Home

What: The world premiere of House and Home by Jenn Griffin. An insightful comedy about Vancouver’s current real estate crisis, the play follows Hilary and Henry and their struggles to keep their house. Directed by Firehall Arts Centre’s Artistic Producer, Donna Spencer.

When: Tuesday to Sunday until January 25, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Firehall Arts Centre — 280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Saturday, January 18

Coastal Lunar Lanterns

What: The Asian-Canadian Special Events Association has created an iconic installation for Lunar New Year. From January 18 to February 9, eight gigantic lanterns designed by Indigenous artists will be set up and illuminated at the Jack Poole Plaza, using the mountains and water as a backdrop.

When: January 18 to February 9, 2020
Where: Jack Poole Plaza — 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Mariana Mazza

What: Quebec comedian Mariana Mazza brings her one-women show to Vancouver. She has won the Olivier of the Yearaward at the Gala les Olivier and a Félix award for Best Comedy Show of the Year. She also appeared in Bon Cop, Bad Cop 2 and De père en flic 2. Mariana will also be holding an informal discussion with the audience after the show.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Norman Rothstein Theater — 950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Birding Walks in Surrey Parks

What: A local naturalist leads a birding walk through a Surrey park where you can see the various birds of the city.

Walks are drop-in and will happen rain or shine but may be cancelled due to high winds or extreme weather conditions. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Binoculars will be available to borrow as well.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: 9 am to 11 am
Where: Elgin Heritage Park – 13601 Crescent Road, Surrey
Admission: Free

North Shore Chinese Spring Festival Gala 2020

What: The North Shore Chinese community hosts a Spring Festival Gala at Centennial Theatre. The event features live entertainment, and is a fundraiser for West Vancouver Youth Band Society.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Centennial Theatre – 2300 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver
Tickets: Online

A Celebration of Robbie Burns Supper and Concert

What: Place des Arts’ annual celebration of Scotland’s National Bard, Robbie Burns. Fiddler Rosie Carver with Celtic band Blackthorn and a special guest piper will showcase Scotland’s musical traditions with a special focus on Burns’ poems and songs.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

What: Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is back for its 10th year celebrating all things hot chocolate. There are 44 participating ‘chocstars’ at this year’s fest, all of which are local purveyors. Each cafe, dessert bar, and restaurant has created sugary wondrous concoctions that take classic hot chocolates to a whole new level – there will be 114 drinks in total to explore.

When: January 18 to February 14, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Venues around Vancouver
More Info: Online

North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex Grand Opening

What: Surrey’s Mayor and Council lead the grand opening of the city’s newest recreation facility. The afternoon includes free public skating with free skate and helmet rentals, skating demos, and live entertainment.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex – 10950 126a Street, Surrey
Admission: Free

Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band 15th Annual Burns Night

What: An evening of poetry and Scottish music dedicated to the great poet Robert Burns, accompanied by a full traditional buffet dinner that includes haggis, roast beef, neeps and tatties. Entertainment will be provided by the Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band, The Christie Highland Dancers, and dancing provided by a live DJ. Also featuring a scotch tasting bar, beer and wine bar, silent auction and more.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: 5 to 11 pm
Where: Bonsor Banquet Hall — 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: Online

New West Winter Farmers’ Market

What: The market features farm-fresh produce, plants, quality crafts from local artists and artisans, gourmet prepared foods, community information, live entertainment, and more.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Belmont Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free

BBQ, Fried Chicken & Brewery Tour

What: This tour takes attendees from Juke Fried Chicken to Memphis Blues to Vancouver’s newest craft brewery, Container Brewing. Part of Dine Out Vancouver 2020.

When: January 17, 18, 24, 25, February 1, 2020
Time: 4 to 7:30 pm
Where: 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver (Meet Inside Waterfront Station)
Price: $105.99; buy online

Sunday, January 19

Cold War Kids

What: California indie rockers Cold War Kids are on tour to support their latest release, New Age Norms 1. They play Commodore Ballroom on January 19 with guests Overcoats.

When: January 19, 2020
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 867 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Lion in Winter

What: Stage 43 presents The Lion in Winter, set in Christmas 1183 in Chinon, France, with aging King Henry II hosting a reunion to name a successor to the throne of England. A play of backstabbing, deceit, and family dysfunction.

When: Now until January 19, January 22 until January 25, 2020
Time: 8 pm (matinee performance at 2 pm on January 19)
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre – 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online

Movie & Games Night at The Study

What: The Study Public House screens Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on the big screen on January 19. Attendees are also invited to play board games for free during the evening.

When: January 19, 2020
Time: Starting at 6:30 pm
Where: The Study Public House — 8888 University Drive, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Aberdeen Centre’s Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair

What: The hallways of Aberdeen Centre will be transformed into a Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair, featuring vendors selling including gifts, decorations, fresh flowers, crafts, food, home goods, and more. There will also be a Golden Dragon and Lion Dance on January 25 at 11 am and 12:15 pm, hosted by Mayor Malcolm Brodie and three-level government officials.

When: January 18 until January 26, 2020
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Aberdeen Centre – 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Admission: Free

Lights at Lafarge Lake

What: Lights at Lafarge Lake is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver and features more than 100,000 twinkling lights. The outdoor display wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading visitors on a 1.2-km loop through 10 themed zones. The display is located just steps from SkyTrain’s Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, and the lights will remain on from dusk each night until 11 pm.

When: Now until January 19, 2020
Time: Dusk to 11 pm daily
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

The WonderWombs

What: The Dust Palace from New Zealand presents The WonderWombs, a feminist circus party with aerial performers, comedy, costumes, and more. Part of The Cultch’s Femme Series.

When: Now until January 19, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) 2 pm (Sunday)
Where: York Theatre — 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

“Cabane à Sucre” Dinner Series at St. Lawrence

What: St. Lawrence’s “Cabane à Sucre” dinner series features a welcome Sugar Shack-inspired cocktail, multi-course menu of Cabane-styled cuisine, cognac, and dessert.

When: January 19 until January 23, 2020
Time: Seatings at 5:30 pm and 8 pm
Where: St Lawrence Restaurant – 269 Powell Street, Vancouver
Price: $125 per person; buy online

Sunday Night Movie Series at Bells and Whistles

What: Enjoy movies every Sunday night at Bells and Whistles. January screenings include The Naked Gun on January 19. Enjoy free popcorn.

When:January 19, 2020
Time: 9 pm
Where: Bells and Whistles – 3296 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Infinity

What: Infinity from award-winning playwright Hannah Moscovitch tells the story of Sarah Jean, a skeptical, cynical daughter of a composer and a theoretical physicist. During the comedic drama, Sarah Jean’s talented yet dysfunctional family learns that love and time itself are connected in astounding ways.

When: Various dates until January 19, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Historic Theatre, The Cultch — 1895 Venables St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Chinese New Year Market Place at Bodhi Meditation

What: Bodhi Meditation Vancouver hosts Chinese New Year Market Place on January 18 and 19. Featuring live performances, food and games, shopping, cultural activities, and more.

When: January 18 and 19, 2020
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Bodhi Meditation Vancouver — #140-7740 Alderbridge Way, Richmond
Admission: Free