District Local | Vancouver Events and Lifestyle

Passion and Performance Vancouver Presents: Candy Cane Cabaret 2024
2024-12-14 18:00 - 22:30 (America/Vancouver) | Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St, Vancouver, V5L 2H6, Canada
Join us on Saturday, December 14th, at the Historic Cultch for The Candy Cane Cabaret, a holiday celebration like no other! Get dazzled as we bring you two unforgettable shows in one night. Snag your double feature tickets for the full experience, or pick a show to kick off your holiday cheer.
Between shows & during intermissions, explore our holiday market featuring local vendors, festive drinks, and seasonal treats! Whether you’re in for the whole evening or a single show, it will be a magical night.
Expect a variety of styles, from drag to tap, ballet to burlesque, and everything in between. And remember, this is still a P&P production, so while the Naughty Show will land you on Santa’s coal list, the Nice Show will still have a dash(er) and dance(r) of mischief!
From first-timers to seasoned pros, our performers of all levels and abilities can’t wait to bring the holiday spirit to life with a mix of class, sass, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Don’t miss this festive twist on the season!
·General Tickets: November 15 – December 8
Showtimes: 7 PM & 9 PM
Section A – Double Feature $72
Section B (Nice or Naughty) – $50
Section C (Nice or Naughty) – $42
· Rush Tickets: December 9-14
Section A – Double Feature $77
Section B (Nice or Naughty) – $55
Section C (Nice or Naughty) – $47
Bring your friends, don your festive best, and make The Candy Cane Cabaret a night to remember!
About the show and our studio:
Passion and Performance strives to make performing arts accessible to all who wish to participate. As such, you will see performers of all ages, genders, and skill levels, from brand-new beginners to advanced performers. Our company is a safe space for performers, so please be advised that you will be seeing amateur and professional entertainment.
This show will feature mature content, including partial nudity, coarse language, mature themes, and lots of jiggles. It is strictly 19+.
Questions? Email desiree@passionandperformance.com
Do you own a small business? We will be hosting a mini-market at our Holiday show. If you want to participate in the market, sell your products, or promote your business just in time for Christmas, contact yvrsponsorships@passionandperformance.com for more details.

Have Bow Will Travel
2024-12-15 16:00 - 18:00 | The Annex, 823 Seymour St, Vancouver, Vancouver
HAVE BOW WILL TRAVEL showcases bowed string instruments from diverse cultures. Sina Ettehad, Marjan Alekhamis, and Mohammad Amini perform Persian fiddles – kamancheh, kamancheh alto, and ghaychak alto, joined by Babak Banihoseini on Iranian drums. Lan Tung will give the world premiere of Montreal composer Tim Brady’s energetic electroacoustic work “Concerto Etude” for solo erhu (Chinese violin) and fixed media.
Crossbridge Strings brings together all-star improvising musicians from Iranian, Taiwanese, Indonesian, avant-garde, jazz, and western contemporary music backgrounds: Meredith Bates (violin), Joshua Zubot (violin), James Meger (bass), Sina Ettehad (kamancheh), Lan Tung (erhu & vocals), and Sutrisno Hartana (rebab, suling, vocals).
While the strings weave together vibrant tapestries, Hartana and Tung add rich colours and nuances with their unique vocals, and bass and Indonesian drums provide a rhythmic foundation. The sounds from various genres naturally emerge and evolve, revealing distinct characters of each instrument/player to the foreground through spontaneous orchestration and dynamic shifts. Traditional and contemporary sounds meet unexpectedly to transcend cultural/genre boundaries and demonstrate improvisation in different approaches.

Mobb Deep Havoc, Big Noyd & DJ L.E.S.
2024-12-18 21:00 - 23:00 | Hollywood Theatre, 3123 W Broadway,, Vancouver, BC, V6K 2H2
Mobb Deep’s Havoc teams up with Big Noyd and DJ L.E.S. to bring an unforgettable night of classic East Coast hip-hop to Vancouver on December 18, 2024. Known for gritty tracks like “Shook Ones Pt. II” and “Survival of the Fittest,” Mobb Deep’s legacy runs deep in the hip-hop world, with Havoc continuing to honor the group’s impactful legacy following Prodigy’s passing. Big Noyd, a frequent collaborator on iconic Mobb Deep albums, adds his unique storytelling flair to the mix, while DJ L.E.S. brings his legendary skills on the turntables, famed for his work with Nas and other rap greats.
This night promises to deliver the raw, unfiltered sound that defined New York hip-hop in the ’90s, transporting audiences back to an era of hard-hitting beats and powerful lyricism. Fans can expect an electric setlist of Mobb Deep classics, Noyd’s standout verses, and turntable magic from DJ L.E.S., all contributing to a powerful tribute to hip-hop’s golden era. This event is a must-see for old-school hip-hop fans and anyone eager to experience the uncompromising sound of true rap legends.

Holidaze Pop-Up Market hosted by Made in the 604
2024-12-21 11:00 - 2024-12-22 17:00 | Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V5T 3G7, Canada
Who’s Ready for our 🎄✨ Holidaze Pop Up Market? ✨🎄
🛍️ Get your last-minute shopping done at our last market of 2024!
Join us for a weekend filled with fun, food, and fantastic finds at our Holidaze Pop Up Market on December 21-22, 2024! We’re bringing the spirit of the season to the 🎵 Heritage Hall 🎵 with over 45 local businesses showcasing their coolest items and tunes to keep the smiles rolling!
🎁 BONUS: The first 25 people in line on Saturday, December 21st will receive market money to spend at any vendor booth! So grab a friend and line up early!
📍 HOLIDAZE POP-UP MARKET
📌 Location: The Heritage Hall – 3102 Main St, Vancouver
📅 Date / Time: Saturday, December 21 & Sunday, December 22, 2024
🕚 Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM
🐾 Dog-friendly venue
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION!
📆 Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend of ❄️ winter and holiday cheer! We can’t wait to see you there! 😊

Vancouver Cantata Singers - The 21st Christmas Reprise at Holy Rosary Cathedral
2024-12-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Holy Rosary Cathedral, 646 Richards St, Vancouver, V6B 3A3, Canada
We are thrilled to present our 21st Christmas Reprise! Join the Vancouver Cantata Singers in this popular concert of traditional carols and contemporary Christmas compositions filling the resonant space of Holy Rosary Cathedral. In the bustle of the holiday season, let the beauty of a cappella singing calm your spirit and transport your soul as the choir sings works by Miles Ramsay, Shane Raman, Cecilia McDowall, Franz Biebl and Ola Gjeilo, with special guest, cellist Trisha Doo.

Beat the post-holiday blues with Tropical Santa at Metropolis at Metrotown
2024-12-27 10:00 - 2024-12-30 21:00 | Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, V5H 4M1
Beat the post-holiday blues at Metropolis at Metrotown and meet with Tropical Santa on vacation from December 27-30!
After a long season of hard work, building and delivering presents to kids around the world, Tropical Santa returns to BC’s largest shopping centre as part of his post-holiday vacation. With a blissful beach vibe, and fun holiday-accents like a playful surfing gnome and vibrant blue waves, Tropical Santa invites locals and visitors alike to warm-up at the Met and see what Santa gets up to after the holidays.
Decked out in his holiday attire, Tropical Santa will be at the Met from December 27-30, where he’ll be available for personal meet-and-greets, along with professional photos and photo souvenirs for the entire family. Each photo gives back to a good cause, with partial proceeds being donated to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
Be sure to visit Tropical Santa before he flies back to the North Pole to prepare for another holiday season next year!
Seasonal offerings at Metropolis at Metrotown are available now through till December 30, 2024. The shopping centre is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-9pm; and Sundays, 11am-7pm. Special holiday hours apply November 29, 8am-10pm; December 22, 10am-9pm; December 24, 10am-6pm; December 26, 8am-10pm; December 31, 11am-7pm; and January 1, 11am-7pm. The centre will be closed on Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com.

Federico’s NYE Celebration
2024-12-31 18:30 - 2025-01-01 01:00 | Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
An epic New Year’s Eve celebration at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver! Enjoy a 4 course meal, dancing to live music to the popular hits performed by Federico and Fire and the countdown to 2025!

New Year's Eve at Anh and Chi
2024-12-31 19:00 - 23:30 | Anh and Chi, 3388 Main St BC, Vancouver, V5V 3M7
Celebrate the incoming new year in true Main Street style at Anh and Chi!
This year’s end-of-year celebration is fresh and jazzy and includes an incredible 5-course tasting menu by Bib Gourmand Chef Ly Nguyen, complimentary bubbles to ring in the New Year, and a genre-blending jazz, funk, and soul performance by Canadian artist Alex Maher.
As always, turn up the party vibes with creative cocktails by Bar Manager Joel Trotter, and a low-intervention wine list or optional wine pairing by Sommelier Jade McMaster.
Early bird pricing is available until December 8th, with options for multiple seating times. Spend the final night of 2024 with us!

Rec Room's Countdown to 2025
2024-12-31 21:00 - 2025-01-01 01:00 | 1920 Willingdon Ave Unit 21-06 Burnaby BC, 1920 Willingdon Ave Unit 21-06 Burnaby BC, Burnaby
Consider your final plans of 2024 covered: The Rec Room is throwing a party, and you’re invited! Join the celebration on December 31st for games, live entertainment, and a midnight toast. You wouldn’t want to miss out!

Prophecy New Year’s Eve 2025
2024-12-31 21:00 - 2025-01-01 03:00 | Prophecy, 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, V6C 1P7
Join Prophecy for a night of celebration! Ringing in the new year by remembering the past and toasting the future.
Ticket includes: Welcome Moet Champagne, Signature Martini Station, Passed Canapes (Caviar and Dessert). Tickets are for standing only, book a table by emailing management@prophecybar.com.
Formal Attire, dress to impress!

Bradley Sakawsky's Pro Comedy
2025-01-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Underground Comedy Club, 120 w hastings st, Vancouver, Canada
Get ready for big laughs at Bradley Sakawsky’s Pro Comedy! Vancouver’s best comedians + surprise guests on Jan 9 at Underground Comedy Club (120 W Hastings). Doors: 7 PM, Show: 7:30 PM. Tickets: $14.95. Unforgettable comedy in an intimate setting—grab tickets now before they’re gone!

Shimbashi Station, The Starling Effect & Theo Emy
2025-01-10 19:30 - 23:00 | KW Studios, 111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1H4
Live music from local indie-pop band Shimbashi Station, alt-rcok act the Starling Effect, and singer-songwriter Theo Emy.

Lunar New Year Celebrations at Metropolis at Metrotown
2025-01-13 - 2025-02-16 | Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, V5H 4M1
Welcome the Year of the Snake at Metropolis at Metrotown, beginning January 13 until February 16!
This Lunar New Year at the Met, visitors and locals alike can experience a mix of traditional and inventive Lunar New Year activities like the highly-anticipated inaugural Chef Series – a celebration of Asian cuisine, featuring a line-up of some of BC’s most celebrated chefs, including the recent winner of Top Chef Canada. On February 2 and 9, each chef will take the stage in the Grand Court to share dishes representing their heritage and culinary philosophy, exploring the ways food contributes to memorable Lunar New Year traditions.
Visitors will also be able to witness a colourful Lion Dance come alive in the Grand Court on February 1. The dancers will split into two teams to parade throughout the centre, chasing away evil with their lively music. Throughout the performance, the God of Fortune will hand out red envelopes to lucky shoppers, each containing various special offers. New to BC’s largest shopping centre this year is a Lion Dancing workshop on the same day (February 1 from 11:30am – 12:30pm). Learn the heart-pumping traditional kung fu and Foshan-style lion dancing from martial artists at Bak Mei Kung Fu and Lion Dance.
The Chinese Canadian Museum will be live at the Met, contributing to Lunar New Year celebrations with a series of free educational workshops (February 6 to 9, 12pm – 4pm). Activities include an abacus learning station, lantern making and family tree colouring sheets. The workshops will take place on the ground level of Metropolis at Metrotown, near Fossil.
Take part in a Dumpling Eating Contest at Metropolis at Metrotown on February 2nd. Guests and shoppers can watch as 7 hungry contestants chow down on as many dumplings as possible, and cheer on their favourite contestant to win the grand prize. Shoppers are welcome to sign up for a chance to eat their way to glory.
A local artist will also join the celebrations to lead a calligraphy workshop (February 1, 11am – 3pm). Those interested can also join the fun of making Chinese lanterns by folding red pockets for the Lantern Festival. All ages are welcome to join.
Enjoy music and dance performances from local artists on February 8 from 12pm – 2:30pm.
Starting January 28 (10am – 9pm), get in the spirit of Lunar New Year and shop for new items to start the year anew. With over 330 stores at Metropolis at Metrotown, there are plenty of choices of how shoppers can refresh their lives for the Year of the Snake. Spend $200, and earn a $20 gift card, along with a lucky new year gift.
Lunar New Year celebrations at Metropolis at Metrotown begin January 13 and run until February 16, 2025. The shopping centre is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm, and Sunday, 11am – 7pm. For more information, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com.

The Three Musketeers
2025-01-16 19:30 - 2025-02-16 21:30 | Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver, V6H 3J3, Canada
Adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, this tale follows the adventures of Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and the young D’Artagnan. Double-crossings, extravagant swordfights, and sweeping romance remind us of a time when love and honour ruled the world. Packed with wit and action, The Three Musketeers will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Explore the World Beneath You at Discovery Day
2025-01-19 10:00 - 14:00 | Vancouver Convention Centre East, 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, V6C 3C1
Curious about the world beneath you? Bring the whole family to Discovery Day, hosted by the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME), on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 10 AM–2 PM at the Vancouver Convention Centre East.
Discover BC’s fascinating world of minerals and mining through interactive, hands-on exhibits:
3D metal printing and scanning demonstrations
VR mine modeling showcasing cutting-edge technology in mineral exploration
Interactive activities featuring electric currents and magnetic fields
Explore ancient fossils, touch billion-year-old rocks, and see tech-driven innovations in action!
Explore exhibits from leading organizations like Below BC, Britannia Mine Museum, Science World, SFU Earth Sciences Lab, UBC Geering Up, and Women in Mining BC.
Free family fun, including:
Face painting, balloon twisting, stickers, and colouring books
Tasty treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and hot chocolate
Meet mascots Buddy and Betty the Miners, Spike from Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Bob the Bear from the Vancouver Canadians!
Recommended for ages 4–12, but fun for all! No registration required.

Duck Pond
2025-01-22 | Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St, Vancouver, V6B 2P1, Canada
Duck Pond, a vibrant, full-length contemporary dance-circus hybrid, is a cheeky re-imagining of the world’s most romantic ballet, Swan Lake, with mesmerizing acrobatics, burlesque, and slapstick comedy sequences.

The performance merges Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with contemporary percussive tracks and dance beats, balancing physical daring with delicate artistry for a result that is “boldly dramatic in its chaos and also charmingly magical in its whimsy” (Blue Curtains Brisbane).

Circa has been one of the world’s leading contemporary circus companies in Brisbane, Australia, since 2004. After performing in Vancouver, Circa will continue the Canadian leg of its tour to Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.

The BC premiere of Circa’s Duck Pond takes the stage at the Vancouver Playhouse Jan 22-25, 2025, presented by DanceHouse and The Cultch.

Solve The Legend of the Gastown Gold at Dine Out Vancouver
2025-01-22 16:00 - 2025-02-09 18:00 | Delta Hotel, 550 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Solve the Legend of the Gastown Gold, a Vancouver Mysteries game experience set in the Wild West Coast in 1886. A detective will start your mystery and help with clues if you get stuck. A Vancouver Mysteries character actor will meet you in the hotel’s lobby lounge with everything you need to play including a crate full of artifacts that you will need to use to solve the mystery. You have 90 minutes to figure out where the gold is buried. Can you solve the puzzles, crack the codes and unlock the boxes to collect the clues?
This experience includes one drink per person (house beer/wine) and a delicious Stock Board to share between two people. Sign up in teams of 2 to 10 people. This Dine Out Fest experience is a partnership between Vancouver Mysteries and Stock and Supply restaurant.
January 22 through to February 9, 2025, daily at 4PM and 7PM every night (except Fridays and Saturdays)
$70 per person
This experience is 19+ unless you buy out the time slot (if so, the recommended age is 12 and up.)

Whisky Global
2025-01-24 18:00 - 2025-01-25 22:00 | Paradox Hotel, 1161 W Georgia St, Vancouver, V6E 0C6
Canada’s premier whisky festival is back on January 24th and January 25th! The tenth-anniversary edition of Whisky Global, the highly anticipated event that celebrates the rich and diverse world of whisky promises to be an exceptional experience for whisky connoisseurs and novices alike.
Held at Paradox Hotel, the event will feature over 140 whisky SKUs available for tasting. Explore a diverse range of global flavours and profiles. Each ticket includes samples of the finest whiskies, a whisky-infused dinner, coat check & commemorative souvenir glass alongside a memorable night of mingling and live music.

Murder is a Drag: Dinner Theatre in Gastown
2025-01-24 19:00 - 2025-02-09 21:00 | Water Street Cafe, 300 Water Street, Vancouver
Vancouver Mysteries is thrilled to launch the third chapter in our popular Murder is a Drag series in Gastown at the Water Street Cafe during the 2025 Dine Out Festival. In 2024 we started with Dinner Date with Death. Then we all gathered again for two sold-out back-to-back shows of Wake the Dead, and now…
RHINESTONES ARE FOREVER
Rhinestones Are Forever is the third chapter in the wildly successful “Murder is a Drag” series written by Tanya Bennett and produced by Vancouver Mysteries. Rhinestones Are Forever is a murder mystery set at a wedding reception – and you are all wedding guests! But be warned, there WILL be a murder. Can you help host Dragatha Christie solve it?
This show takes place upstairs on the 2nd Floor of Water Street Cafe at 300 Water Street, right across from the Gastown steam clock. Choose from a Friday night dinner show that includes a 3-course menu or a Sunday brunch 2-course menu.
January 22 through to February 9 2025 (Friday dinner shows and Sunday brunch shows).
Show Times – 7PM Dinner Shows (doors at 6PM), 12PM Brunch Shows (doors at 11AM).
$125 per person for dinner or $95 per person for brunch inclusive (unlike our other
The dinners are 19+, and the brunches are for all ages (please contact us if you have any questions).
Dine out, solve a mystery and enjoy drag performances all at the same time!

Lunar New Year Market at UBC Botanical Garden 2025
2025-01-25 10:00 - 2025-01-26 16:00 | UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Welcome back to UBC Botanical Garden’s Annual Lunar New Year Market, celebrating the Year of the Snake. All are invited to experience the cultural traditions and connect with the Asian Garden, with something for everyone of all backgrounds to enjoy.
Our market will feature over 40 local makers and food trucks. UBC Botanical Garden will also offer fresh auspicious flowers, dried floral arrangements, and potted plants for sale. Enjoy a lion dance and kung fu performance by the UBC Kung Fu Club, and participate in workshops like calligraphy, sweet dumpling dessert-making and more. Tickets include admission to the garden, where you can learn about both cultural and horticultural wonders.

Swank Wedding Show 2025
2025-01-25 11:00 - 16:00 | Cascades Casino Delta, Cascades Casino Delta, British Columbia 17A, Delta, V4K 5B8
Join us for a day filled with wedding inspiration, beautiful displays, and top vendors to help you plan your dream wedding. Whether you’re looking for the perfect dress, stunning decor ideas, or delicious catering options, the Swank Wedding Show has everything you need.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your special day unforgettable!
*Vendor applications are now open!

The Canvas of Light and Sound
2025-01-25 19:00 - 21:30 | Gallery 881, 881 East Hastings, Vancouver, V6A 3Y1
Prepare to immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind sensory journey that blends live music, fluid art creation, and curated scents into a transformative experience.
The Canvas of Light and Sound brings together the mesmerizing live oud performances of Ahmed Maher, a Vancouver-based musician renowned for his fusion of traditional Middle Eastern melodies and modern improvisation, and the breathtaking visual artistry of Jessica Charter, whose fluid art creations take inspiration from music, movement, and light.
This is not just a show—it’s a dialogue between sound and colour, a living, breathing performance where the lines between artist and audience blur. Each moment is unrepeatable, making this an unforgettable evening of creativity and connection.
Event Highlights:
Live Oud Performance: Witness the enchanting sounds of Ahmed Maher’s oud, blending tradition and innovation.
Fluid Art Creation: Watch Jessica Charter’s artistry come to life as she paints live, guided by the music.
Curated Scents: Engage your senses with scents designed to enhance the immersive experience.
Saturday, January 25 | Doors Open: 7 PM | Show Starts: 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 26 | Doors Open: 5 PM | Show Starts: 5:30 PM
Gallery 881
881 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
Tickets are limited—reserve your spot today!

Gung Haggis Fat Choy
2025-01-26 11:30 - 14:30 | Floata Seafood Restaurant, 180 Keefer St #400, Vancouver, V6A 4E9
Join us for this cosmic countdown to start your year! Enjoy an afternoon of intercultural fusion at Gung Haggis 2025 with food, music, readings, and scotch!
This year’s schedule of events include:
– A menu with the now world-renowned haggis wonton
– More readings, more music, and more fun!
About Gung Haggis:
It was 1998, and as the Chinese Lunar New Year fell only two days away from Robbie Burns Day, which is always January 25, Todd decided to celebrate the Scottish Bard’s birthday along with the Lunar New Year. “Gung Haggis Fat Choy!” said Wong, “I can celebrate two cultures simultaneously.” Thus, the Vancouver cultural premiere was born, and culinary and media personalities have come to celebrate this cultural mashup that features deep-fried haggis wontons, haggis dim sum, and haggis lettuce wrap with a glass of scotch each year.
Gung Haggis Fat Choy started twenty years later, it serves dinner at the biggest Chinese Restaurant in North America and has spun off a CBC television performance special and the SFU Gung Haggis Fat Choy Canadian Games as a small fundraiser of 16 people in 1998 in a crowded living room. Twenty years later, it serves dinner at the biggest Chinese Restaurant in North America. It has spun off a CBC television performance special, and the SFU Gung Haggis Fat Choy Canadian Games.
For more information, visit https://www.gunghaggis.com/.
Food Menu:
– A selection of dim sum
– Including our deep-fried haggis wonton dumplings
– Traditional Scottish-Cdn haggis served with traditional Chinese-Canadian lettuce wrap
– Chinese chicken wings
– Chow Mein/Long Life Noodles
– Dessert
Tickets are available for individual purchase or a table of ten people.

Yoga and Entrepreneurship: Mindful Entrepreneur
2025-01-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Laura O Reillys Yoga at the Quay, #213 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, V3M 6B9
Join us for Yoga and Entrepreneurship, a Futurpreneur event designed to empower entrepreneurs with practical tools to thrive both personally and professionally. Held at Laura O Reillys Yoga at the Quay Studio, this unique session combines yoga-based stress management techniques with actionable strategies to boost creativity, focus, and resilience.
Discover how to create the life and business you truly want while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy opportunities to network with like-minded entrepreneurs in a supportive and inspiring community. Leave feeling inspired, recharged, and ready to tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Please note this is scent restriction event.
Complimentary light food and refreshments provided.

Chinatown Cocktail Showdown
2025-01-31 17:30 - 20:30 | Chinatown Storytelling Centre, 168 E Pender St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1T3, Canada
The Chinatown Cocktail Showdown is a vibrant event that brings together some of Chinatown’s top bars and restaurants for a friendly competition, showcasing their extraordinary mixology excellence. We’re proud that our iconic neighbourhood boasts one of the city’s highest concentrations of Michelin-starred establishments and acclaimed culinary talent.
Taking place alongside Dine Out Vancouver – a major culinary event – the second annual Chinatown Cocktail Showdown is an amazing opportunity to experience Chinatown’s dynamic bar scene.
Hosted by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, this event will feature eight of Chinatown’s best bars and restaurants, each crafting a signature Lunar New Year-inspired cocktail accompanied by small bites from Chinatown eateries throughout the evening. Guests will be given a scorecard to rank their top three cocktails, as will a panel of 5 senior figures in the community. At the end of the evening, two awards will be presented: People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice.
The event goes beyond cocktails, it’s a celebration of Chinatown’s vibrant small business community. Our goal is to welcome visitors to Chinatown, support local businesses and spotlight the incredible talent within Chinatown’s nightlife while raising funds for the Foundation. By partnering with businesses, organizations and supporters in and out of Chinatown, the Chinatown Cocktail Showdown! is a toast to our community’s culture, creativity, and resilience.

The [M.] Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause
2025-02-01 10:00 - 16:00 | VIFF Centr – Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, V6B 3M7
The [M.] Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause — the first documentary on menopause — is screening at VIFF Centre, Vancouver on February 1st!
Join us for this powerful and groundbreaking film, and be part of an essential conversation aimed at raising awareness and breaking the silence around menopause. Whether you’re attending for education, empowerment, or inspiration, there’s a screening time for everyone!
Showtimes: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM
Tickets: $10
Info: https://www.christinamichael.ca/

FREE Family Day at the Vancouver Police Museum & Archives
2025-02-01 10:00 - 17:00 | Vancouver Police Museum & Archives, 240 East Cordova street, Vancouver, V6A 1L3
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the VPMA! Join us for a FREE Family Day at the Vancouver Police Museum & Archives on February 1st. Enjoy free admission all day and celebrate the Year of the Snake with us!
Highlights:
Lion Dance Performance (1 pm to 2 pm): Witness a captivating performance by the VPD’s very own lion-dancing team!
Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in exciting and interactive activities designed for all ages.
Explore the Museum: Discover the fascinating history of policing in Vancouver through our engaging exhibits.
Free admission all day!

The Wellness Show
2025-02-01 10:00 - 2025-02-02 18:00 | Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, V6C 0C3
Western Canada’s largest holistic wellness event returns to Vancouver. This year’s event is set to spotlight trends in holistic health, sustainability, and wellness technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive booths from close to 200 exhibitors, offering a wide range of products and services—from natural skincare to the latest in nutrition and fitness.

Metropolis at Metrotown: Lunar New Year Chef Series
2025-02-02 | Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, V5H 4M1
Welcome the Year of the Snake at Metropolis at Metrotown with its first-ever Chef Series, a celebration of Asian cuisine, featuring a line-up of some of BC’s most celebrated chefs – including the recent winner of Top Chef Canada.
With food an integral element of Lunar New Year celebrations, Metropolis at Metrotown has invited some of BC’s top chefs to demonstrate their techniques at the Chef Series. On February 2 and 9, each chef will take to the stage in the Grand Court to share dishes representing their heritage and culinary philosophy, exploring the ways food contributes to memorable Lunar New Year traditions.
BC’s largest shopping centre’s chef line-up includes:
Quang Dang, who has Vietnamese and Scottish heritage. Formerly the executive chef of award-winning West Restaurant and D.I.C.E.D., a culinary social enterprise organization, he is now proprietor of QD Catering & Hospitality.
Katy Cheung, who was born in Vancouver and raised in Hong Kong. She has been a sous chef for over five years at MICHELIN Starred Burdock & Co.
Chanthy Yen, who is originally from Cambodia. In addition to working at some of the world’s best restaurants, he served as personal chef to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and was the 2024 winner of Top Chef Canada. Chanthy is currently the executive chef at Bacaro.
Haan Palcu-Chang, who is a Taiwanese-Romanian chef from Toronto. Haan recently appeared on the 2024 season of Top Chef Canada. He currently lives on Salt Spring Island, where he runs cooking workshops, caters private dinners and events, and runs many food-related initiatives.
Be sure to mark your calendars to witness some of BC’s most celebrated chefs in action at Metropolis at Metrotown on February 2 and 9th.
Lunar New Year celebrations at Metropolis at Metrotown begin January 13 and run until February 16, 2025. The shopping centre is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm, and Sunday, 11am – 7pm. For more information about Metropolis at Metrotown’s Lunar New Year celebrations and activities, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com.

A Doll's House, Part 2
2025-02-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Pacific Theatre, 1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, V6H1M8
Fifteen years after Nora Helmer slammed the door on her stifling domestic life, a knock at that same door. Nora has returned – but why? And what will it mean for those she left behind? Tony-nominated playwright Lucas Hnath follows Nora back into the dollhouse as she confronts her husband, daughter, and the nursemaid who raised her children. Sharp, witty, invigorating.
