27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: March 22 to 24

The first weekend of spring is upon us! Enjoy the new season with these 27 things to do in Vancouver on Friday, March 22, Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Vancouver International Auto Show, UBC HOLI Festival, and more.

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

See also

• Dance duo Chromeo is playing at Vancouver's Malkin Bowl this summer
• For 4 days only, get up to 80% off designer items at this sample sale
• RuPaul's Drag Race "Werq The World" tour is coming to Vancouver

Friday, March 22

The 99th Annual Vancouver International Auto Show

What: Explore 370,000 ft. of event space and see more than 400 vehicles on display. The world’s top brands will be showcasing their latest vehicles, concepts, and technology displays — including many of the leading exotic brands from around the world. Take Instagram photos of every kind of vehicle you could imagine from modified supercars to sedans, electric vehicles, lifted jeeps, trucks, classics, and one-of-a-kind creations. Featured vehicles will include the Genesis Essentia Concept Car, the Felino Supercar, and a throwback to one of the most iconic cars of the 60s and 2000s, the 2020 Toyota Supra.

When: Now to March 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West — 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Price: $17 – $20 for general admission | $13 students and seniors | $5 kids | $37 to $42 for a family pass — Tickets available via Vancouver International Auto Show website

WHL Playoffs: Vancouver Giants vs Seattle Thunderbirds

What: Vancouver Giants take on the Seattle Thunderbirds in WHL Playoff action at Langley Events Centre.

When: Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm (Friday), 7 pm (Saturday)
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Shen Yun Performing Arts Vancouver 2019

What: Shen Yun Performing Arts features dance as the centrepiece, with classical and folk styles from China’s many ethnicities set to a live orchestra which combines Chinese and Western instruments. You’ll witness performers adorned in an array of beautiful and traditional hand-made costumes performing and interacting with an animated backdrop, as well as vocalists singing opera in Chinese. The performance is guided by hosts who narrate everything in both English and Chinese.

When: March 22 to 31, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Price: Starting at $95 — Tickets available online

Spring Break at the Nature House

What: Get out and enjoy nature this spring break. The nature house at Burnaby Lake will be open with activities and crafts to help you and your kids get outside and experience spring. All ages are welcome.

When: Now to March 22, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Meet at Burnaby Lake Nature House – 4519 Piper Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Festival du Bois

What: The 30th annual Festival du Bois is a weekend celebration of francophone and French-Canadian culture, and the largest in BC. Enjoy music and dance, traditional food, shows for kids, fun activities, and more.

When: March 22 to 24, 2019
Time: Friday (7 to 10 pm); Saturday (11 am to 8:30 pm); Sunday (10 am to 4:30 pm)
Where: Mackin Park – 1046 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online

Designer Sample Sale

What: Hosted by the largest sample sale company in Canada, The Sample Sale Guys, this event features everything from winter parkas to jackets, shoes, clothing and accessories, by brands like Canada Goose, Superdry, Mackage, Buscemi, Ugg, Parajumpers, Save the Duck, Vegan Coats, Soia & Kyo, Fred Perry, Wildfox, Soia & Kyo, Kendall + Kylie, and more.

When: Now to Sunday, March 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Sheraton Hotel — 7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond
Price: FREE entry — Sign up via thesamplesaleguys.com to get an additional discount

Vancouver Warriors Country Night

What: The Vancouver Warriors are capping off their game against the Colorado Mammoth with a concert featuring one of country’s biggest stars. After the Warriors take on their division rivals for a key game at 7 pm, Canadian Country Music Association Award winner and multiple Juno nominee Aaron Pritchett will perform a concert.

When: Friday, March 22, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena, Vancouver
Tickets: From $19.95, online

Saturday, March 23

BLOOM Into Spring at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet

What: On Saturday, March 23, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver will welcome Spring by giving away complimentary tulips in partnership with Abbotsford Bloom Tulip Festival. With over 2,000 bouquets, this will be a great opportunity for Vancouverites to get a sneak peek of what’s to come at the tulip festival. In addition to the complimentary tulips, guests are also invited to stop by the colourful floral swing for the perfect Instagram shot for Spring. The event will start at 12 pm until all the tulips are given away.

When: Saturday, March 23, 2019
Time: Starts at 12 pm
Where: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet – 7899 Templeton Station Road, Richmond
Admission: Free

UBC HOLI Festival 2019

What: The highly anticipated festival is celebrating equality with colours, and UBC’s Indian Students Association wants you to be a part of it. Come to the event dressed in all white and be prepared to have a ton of fun. Acclaimed Bollywood music maker, Khanvict, from Decibel Entertainment, will be spinning his favourite tracks throughout the day to celebrate Holi and keep you dancing. The event will feature scrumptious Indian food truck so you can enjoy the aromas and flavourful food on offer.

When: March 23, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 6359 Agronomy Road, UBC
Price: Online, $5 – $10

Spring Break at Vancouver Aquarium

What: Did you know that a sloth only goes to the bathroom once a week? Or that a penguin has fleshy hooks on its tongue? These are just some of the 50,000 creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium, where weird is normal. Enjoy special family programs and shows including ‘Meet a Penguin’ or ‘Shark: A 4-D Experience’. Then get up close and personal with your favourite animal during an animal encounter.

When: Now to Sunday, March 31, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Cold Fighter Series

What: To help bring awareness to the many ways you can stay healthy and strong during the cold and flu season, Vancouverites are invited to take part in free boxing classes hosted by Jamieson Vitamins from March 20 to 24. Taking place on various dates in March, fitness enthusiasts can lace up and join the free boxing class and wellness session at Kondi Fitness, HIIT Fitness and Lift Fitness.

When: Now to March 24, 2019
Time: Varies from 5 pm – 6:20 pm, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, 5:30 pm – 7 pm and 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Kondi Fitness, Hiit Fitness and Lift Fitness
Price: Free

Spring Break Mystery in the Museum

What: Explore the historic cannery and find clues to solve the mystery of the missing fortune, ‘stolen’ from inside the safe of the Plant Manager’s Office, and set during the Great Depression in 1930. Offered throughout Spring Break from March 18 to 29, this activity is best suited for children 7 to 10 years old, and will be available on a drop-in basis.  One detective kit will be provided per paid Adult or Senior admission, for families or friends to share.

When: Now to March 29, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Gulf Of Georgia Cannery – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Admission: Adults $11.70, Seniors (65+) $10.05. Youth 17 and under are free of admission at all Parks Canada sites; all youth who enter must be accompanied by an adult.

Vancity Richmond Clothing Fix it

What: Bring your clothes that need to be repaired and a team of expert fixers will show you how you can repair the clothes yourself. Sewing machines, threads, needles and all sewing supplies will be provided on site. No experience necessary and all are welcome.

When: Saturday, March 23, 2019
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Vancity Blundell Centre community branch – 6020 Blundell Rd Unit 130, Richmond,
Register: Online, Free

Savage Love Live!

What: The Savage Lovecast is coming to Vancouver for a live performance of Dan Savage’s popular sex-and-relationship-advice podcast. Join Dan, Nancy, the tech-savvy, at-risk youth and get all of your questions answered live on stage. With special musical guest Rachel Lark and comedian Corina Lucas.

When: Saturday, March 23, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $30

Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames

What: The Vancouver Canucks face off with the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena.

When: Saturday, March 23, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Competitive Paint Off at Surrey Art Gallery

What: Join Surrey Art Gallery Association for an action-filled evening where twelve professional artists will face off in four 25-minute rounds using oil sticks. As a member of the audience, you’ll watch and vote for your favourite artist after each round. Winners from the first three rounds will compete in the final, fourth round, and the audience will decide on the “People’s Art Champion” at the end of the evening.

When: March 23, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Gross Misconduct

What: A tale of revenge and redemption. Now in his early fifties, Deke has been in Millhaven Prison without a cellmate for the past twenty years. He is surprised and annoyed when Corey, a twentysomething rich kid, joins him in his cell. As a complicated bond slowly forms between the two unlikely cellmates, tensions rise as they debate the nature of their crimes, and the men must re-evaluate how they see each other after the true nature of their respective crimes is revealed.

When: Now to March 23, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre – 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online

Matthew Good

What: One of Canada’s leading alternative rock bands of the 90s, the Matthew Good Band was based around the central figure of Burnaby-born singer-songwriter Matthew Good. Good has been performing as a solo artist since 2003. Featuring special guest Poesy.

When: March 23, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

24 Hours of Winter at Grouse Mountain 2019

What: Grouse Mountain is once more hosting its annual 24 Hours of Winter event, giving all you powder hounds a chance to celebrate on the slopes from sundown to sunrise. The non-stop event will take place from Saturday, March 23 to Sunday, March 24, and features skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating and more. Attendees can dance or skate the night away under starry skies as DJs spin your favourite tracks. Glide down The Cut while taking in a spectacular Vancouver sunrise or enjoy one of the many round-the-clock activities.

When: March 23 to March 24, 2019
Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
More Info: On the Grouse Mountain website

Jesus Christ: The Lost Years 

What: Ever wonder what Jesus was really up between the ages of 13 and 30? Or how Jesus reacted when told – “Joseph isn’t your real father!”? Find out in this remount of Monster Theatre’s Jesus Christ: The Lost Years.

When: Wednesday to Saturday until March 23, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $15-$20

Sunday, March 24

Canada’s Men’s National Team vs French Guiana –  CONCACAF Nations League Qualifier

What: On Sunday, March 24, world-class soccer is returning to Vancouver when Canada’s Men’s National Team plays an international match against French Guiana in Concacaf Nations League Qualifying. This match is crucial for Canada on route to the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup and as part of their journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

When: Sunday, March 24, 2019
Time: 3 pm
Where: BC Place — 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Price: $24 to $67 — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Richmond Outdoor Spring Carnival

What: West Coast Amusements, the largest Canadian midway operation in Western Canada, will be making a stop at the Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. They’ll be setting up for 10 straight days with a massive array of rides, games, and traditional carnival eats.

The outdoor carnival will be open from March 21 to March 31, 2019, with hours of operation varying by date and weather. Attendees can ride six attractions for $16.99 or purchase a daily wristband for $40. Tickets for rides may also be purchased individually and in groups of 20 and 40.

When: Now to Sunday, March 31, 2019
Time: 12 to 10 pm, hours may change based on weather.
Where: Lansdowne Centre – 5300 #3 Road, Richmond
Tickets: Available on-site

Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets

What: The Vancouver Canucks take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena.

When: Sunday, March 24, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Spring Break at the Space Centre

What: Do you have a young space enthusiast in the family? Join the Space Centre over Spring Break for some special activities and programming focused on “Exploring the Sun” and “Exploring the Moon.” These family-friendly activities will run daily throughout Spring Break. They will also be premiering the film “The Sun: Our Living Star” in the planetarium star theatre.

When: Now to Sunday, March 31, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Admission: Online

Vancouver International Dance Festival

What: The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) is a three-week-long festival with internationally revered artists and lauded Vancouver performers, workshops, and interactive dance activities. The 2019 VIDF will showcase Canadian premieres from Japan’s Dairakudakan, three world premieres from Vancouver’s Vision Impure, Olivia C. Davies, and Leslie Telford, free performances by V’ni Dansi and Harbour Dance ITP & Platform, and more.

When: Now to Saturday, March 30, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online

Eastside Flea

What: Eastside Flea is a modern-day flea market that takes place bi-weekly in Vancouver, BC. Each event hosts over 50 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade independent maker wares to vintage clothing, collectibles, plants, artisan eats and more. You’ll also find food trucks, live vinyl deejays, pinball, an outdoor courtyard, and more.

When: March 23 and 24, April 6 and 7, April 20 and 21, May 4 and 5, May 18 and 19, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Location: The Ellis Building – 1024 Main Street, Vancouver
Admission: $3

Spring Break at the Carousel

What: Burnaby Village Museum is throwing open the gates for 12 days of Spring Break family fun. Stroll the streets of a 1920s village and visit businesses and homes. Take in demonstrations, ride the carousel, play games and activities, learn about Indigenous culture, and chat with costumed towns-folk. Browse the Carousel Gift Shop and enjoy a treat or lunch at the Ice Cream Parlour.

When: Now to March 29, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free. Carousel Rides $2.65 each

Vancouver Kids Fashion Week!

What: Vancouver Kids Fashion Week’s runway celebrates multiculturalism and emerging talent. They strive to identify undiscovered designers and provide exposure to project designers into the next stages of success. A portion of ticket sales will go to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation:

When: Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, 2019
Time: 10:30 am to 1 pm
Location: David Lam Hall, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver – 50 E Pender St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Gem Show

What: Western Canada’s largest Gem show features over 100 of the best gem, mineral and jewellery vendors from across Canada. Discover unique gems, fine crystals, rare fossils, handmade jewellery, fancy beads and findings, lapidary art, and more. The weekend will boast lectures and demos, as well as hourly door prizes.

When: Friday, March 23 to Sunday, March 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Healthy Family Expo 2019

What: Canada’s largest food and health event for families is back at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Featuring over 200 exhibitors, a 35,000-sq-ft Active Kid Zone, and a star-studded line-up on stage.

When: Sunday, March 24, 2019
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – East Building – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online