📫 Things to do in Van: Feb 13-19

February 13, 2025

Good morning, Vancouver!

The long weekend is almost upon us, and fortunately, there’s plenty to do. Let’s get right to it, since it’s a long list!

-Mariana, Publisher of In the Loop, Vancouver

Major Events This Week:

🥇The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, February 8 - 16, 2025: Presented by ATCO and Boeing, this event brings together up to 550 competitors from 25 nations to compete in adaptive sports.

🍫 The Hot Chocolate Festival, January 18- February 14, 2025: Make sure not to miss out before it’s over this Friday!

🐍 LunarFest, January 27 - February 22: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with craft workshops, concerts and film screenings taking place in various venues throughout the city. Check out the lantern-themed installations throughout downtown Vancouver.

🐋 Family Days at the Vancouver Aquarium, Feb. 7-17: Get free child admission (ages 3-12) when you purchase regular admission.

🤹 Free Family Day Weekend Activities at Vancouver Community Centres: Feb. 14-17.

🎭 Primary Trust, Feb. 6–March 2 at the Granville Island Stage, various showtimes: Watch the Canadian premiere of a Pulitzer-winning drama about a laid-off bookstore clerk discovering courage through his small town’s warmth.

Things To Do This Week:

*note: live music is denoted with a 🎤

Thursday, February 13th:

The Phil Lind Initiative – Adam Kinzinger, Chan Shun Concert Hall, 6:30 pm:
Join Congressman and CNN commentator Adam Kinzinger as he dissects modern American politics and the GOP’s transformation under Trump, offering a candid insider’s perspective presented by UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.

Jason Cheny, Vancouver Playhouse, 7:00 pm (Doors: 6:00 pm) & 9:30 pm (Doors: 9:00 pm): Join Taiwanese American stand-up comedian Jason Cheny as he delivers hilarious insights from his global tour, offering a night of sharp wit and energetic humour.

Orbis Wine & Paint Night, UBC Medical Student & Alumni Centre, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Unleash your creativity with guided painting sessions, wine, and light refreshments while supporting Orbis’s mission to eliminate preventable blindness worldwide.

Be My Romance, ANNEX, 7:15 pm: Dive into an unconventional fashion show where designers compete with live performances and interactive judging, all vying for the title of Mr./Ms. Designer Vancouver.

Flight, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 7:30 pm (also on Feb. 16): Inspired by the heart-wrenching true story of an Iranian refugee stranded for 18 years at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport, Jonathan Dove’s Flight is a wildly engaging, melodically accessible comedy.

Vancouver Story Slam, The Pleasant, 8:00 pm: Enjoy a night of live storytelling paired with delicious new food features and drink specials, where captivating narratives set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

🎤 Early Show: Sarah Lewis: 7:00pm–8:45pm; GroundUp feat. The Scott Verbeek Quintet: 9:30pm–1:00am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 JEREMY WONG: 8:00pm | @ Frankie's Jazz Club
🎤 Shaughnessy Redden LIVE: 6:00pm–10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown
🎤 Rob Eller Duo: 4:30pm–8:30pm; DJ Wonjo: 9:00pm–1:00am | @ Lobby Lounge

Friday, February 14th:

9:30 am – 12:30 pm: Le Marche St. George is hosting a kids’ Valentine's Day event featuring cookie decorating, crafts, and hot chocolate.

Galentine's Day Candle Workshop: Studio, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Design your very own candle and matchbox in a cozy, festive workshop perfect for a laid-back Galentine’s celebration.

Death by Chocolate: A St. Valentine’s Cocktail Mystery, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Indulge in an evening of decadence, deception, and deadly delights at this elegant soirée where love and intrigue intertwine over sparkling wine, a murder mystery performance, and delicious food.

For the Love of Chocolate: A Valentine’s Day Baking Class by Blind Owl: Liquids + Solids, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Join a hands-on baking class dedicated to crafting irresistible chocolate treats—ideal for a romantic date night, a fun outing with friends, or a solo culinary adventure.

Sugar Sammy: Vancouver Playhouse, 7:00 pm & 9:30 pm (also on Feb. 15): Catch one of the hottest comedians on the international circuit as Sugar Sammy delivers fearless, culturally savvy humor with masterful crowd work and an engaging stage presence.

Behind the Keys: ANNEX, 7:30 pm: Join Maestro Leslie Dala for VBFC’s annual Valentine’s concert fundraiser, featuring romantic solo piano performances paired with chocolates and wine.

VOCES8: Draw on Sweet Night: Chan Shun Concert Hall, 7:30 pm: Embark on a nocturnal musical journey with the acclaimed a cappella octet VOCES8, whose repertoire spans from the Venetian Renaissance to contemporary cross-genre works.

Saint-Saëns' The Egyptian: Orpheum, 8:00 pm (also Feb. 15): Set sail on the Nile with Saint-Saëns’ final piano concerto, featuring Spanish soloist Javier Perianes and Parisian conductor Chloé van Soeterstède.

Barenaked Ladies: River Rock Casino Resort, 8:00 pm: Enjoy an electrifying live performance by Barenaked Ladies as they deliver their signature blend of catchy tunes and dynamic stage presence at River Rock Casino Resort.

🎤 Early Show: Domino: 7:00pm–8:45pm; Mike Henry's 'Cassette Playas': 10:00pm–2:00am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 VALENTINES DAY with JAMILE featuring MIKI YAMANAKA & STEVE WILSON: 8:30pm | @ Frankie's Jazz Club
🎤 Grisfolk - Matt Bell: 8:00pm | @ The Wise
🎤 The Corps, Nim Vind, Kidz Help Fone: 7:00pm | @ Green Auto
🎤 Lucas Furseth: 8:00pm–11:00pm | @ Dublin Crossing
🎤 Rock N' Roll Valentine: 8:00pm | @ Lana Lou's
🎤 Nightingale North Featuring Herb Weber LIVE: 6:00pm–10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown
🎤 Georgina Manterola Duo: 4:30pm–8:30pm; DJ Buddha Sax: 9:00pm–1:00am | @ Lobby Lounge

Saturday, February 15th:

Family Day Weekend at VCT, Queen Elizabeth Theatre lobbies, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Join a morning of free, family-friendly laughs and activities in the theatre lobbies, celebrating Family Day in partnership with Vancouver Public Library and Just for Laughs VANCOUVER.

Soap Making Course – Cold Process | For Beginners, 3607 W 4th Ave, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Learn the fundamentals of cold process soap-making—from safely handling lye to crafting a 700g batch of your own handmade soap—in this beginner-friendly workshop.

Riley Park Farmers Market, 50 East 30th Avenue & Ontario St., 10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Explore one of Canada’s largest and most vibrant farmers markets, featuring fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and community connections.

Natural Dye Explorations: Shifting Colours with Mordants & Modifiers, Slocan Community Hall, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Discover the art and science of natural dyeing by experimenting with local plants, mordants, and modifiers—and take home a skein of uniquely dyed yarn.

Valentine's Resin Jewelry Class, Chu Chu Chinatown, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Craft your own one-of-a-kind resin jewelry piece in this hands-on Valentine’s Day class, perfect for making a cherished keepsake or gift.

Orpheum Tours, The Orpheum, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Join guided walking tours led by the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame at one of North America’s most beautiful concert halls, and uncover fascinating behind-the-scenes stories—including a legendary mishap with Frank Sinatra.

James and the Giant Peach – Family Day | VIFF Kids Club, VIFF Kids Club, 11:00 am:
Kick off BC Family Day with creative activities like bug antennae headband making and face painting, followed by a classic matinee screening of this imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale.

Dumpling Darlings: A Gluten-Free Valentine’s Cooking Class for Food Lovers, The Skript Kitchen, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Learn to make gluten-free steamed dumplings and healthy chocolate truffles—while toasting your creations with a glass of bubbly.

Eyes on Eagles: Nest Spotting, Stanley Park #19 Bus Loop, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Explore eagle nests in Stanley Park, learn how bald eagles prepare for new eaglets, and discover the techniques used by park ecologists to monitor nest success.

Paint Night, Three Bentall Tower (595 Burrard St.), 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Unleash your creativity with guided painting sessions in a vibrant setting.

Wine & Board: A Valentine’s Charcuterie Masterclass, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Master the art of assembling the ultimate charcuterie board paired with expert-selected wines, perfect for elevating your Valentine’s or Galentine’s celebration.

EMBARK: Moving Dance Forward, ANNEX, 7:30 pm (plus additional dates): Experience an electrifying competitive company show featuring intermediate and senior showcase teams alongside professional talents from Harbour Dance.

Mostly Jokes, Vancity Culture Lab, 8:00 pm: Enjoy Aaron Foster’s darkly funny, critically acclaimed comedy show.

🎤 Music Saves the World: 4:00pm | @ The Wise
🎤 We Found a Love Bird Album Release Party: 7:00pm–11:00pm | @ Green Auto
🎤 Rocky and the Gems LIVE: 6:00pm–10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown
🎤 Early Show: Luvinya & The Retrolytes: 7:00pm–8:45pm; Retrofitz: 10:00pm–2:00am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 Adam Thomas: 4:30pm–8:30pm; Adam Thomas Duo: 7:00pm–10:00pm; DJ Yawn: 10:00pm–1:00am | @ Lobby Lounge
🎤 ONSHUDA / TOO MUCH OF ANYTHING / GARDEN MICE / DIAL NINE: 7:10pm–9:40pm | @ Roxy Cabaret

Sunday, February 16th:

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5: Orpheum, 2:00 pm: Experience a luminous matinee as the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5—a journey through rich, emotional landscapes featuring conductor Ian Parker and rising piano star Allen Ding.

Tom Borrow, Vancouver Playhouse, 3:00 pm: Be captivated by Tom Borrow’s remarkable performance—showcasing works by Schubert, Schumann, Scriabin and more—after his celebrated Canadian debut that left audiences clamouring for an encore.

The Inheritance: Celebrating Black Futures, VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre, 3:30 pm: Delve into a heady yet playful narrative as writer-director Ephraim Asili explores a Philadelphia house turned commune.

Invictus Games Closing Ceremony 2025, Rogers Arena, 6:00 pm: Watch the finale featuring performances by Jelly Roll, Barenaked Ladies, and The War and Treaty as the Invictus Games conclude.

Benjamin Clementine, Chan Shun Concert Hall, 7:00 pm: Immerse yourself in an intimate performance by Mercury Prize-winning Benjamin Clementine, whose haunting vocals, incisive lyrics, and piano mastery blend avant-garde chamber pop with poetic storytelling.

Paint & Sip, The Charlatan, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Join Marie Goulet for a relaxed, creative evening where you’ll enjoy guided painting, craft drinks, and tasty bites—no prior experience needed!

RIOT Vancouver Sketch Comedy, Hero’s Welcome, 8:00 pm: Laugh out loud as RIOT Vancouver Sketch Comedy serves up an unhinged spoof of local issues—from snowmageddons to bagel-barons—in a wild, city council-style sketch show presented by Just for Laughs Best of the West and SiriusXM.

🎤 Y La Bamba: 8:00pm | @ The Wise
🎤 Benefit Show to Support Los Angeles Fire Recovery: 7:00pm–11:00pm | @ Green Auto
🎤 Paco Ha Trio LIVE: 6:00pm–10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown
🎤 Early Show: Robyn Froese: 7:00pm–8:00pm; The JD Rich Quartet: 9:00pm–12:00am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 Olaf De Shield: 4:30pm–8:30pm; Jim Kwan: 9:00pm–11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge

Monday, February 17th:

Family Day at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, 10:00 am – All Day: Join the Vancouver Maritime Museum for Family Day 2025—a day filled with excitement for family members of all ages. Admission is free with donations welcome.

Family Day at the Gallery 2025, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Discover new ways to learn, dream, and connect through art at this engaging Family Day event hosted by the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Lucas Debargue, Vancouver Playhouse, 3:00 pm: Experience Lucas Debargue’s Vancouver recital debut as he presents inspired interpretations drawn from literature, painting, and jazz, promising an unforgettable classical performance.

Bhangra Class, The Beaumont Studios, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Embrace the rhythms of Bhangra in this weekly class at The Beaumont Studios. Join for a drop-in or with a class pack and get moving to energetic beats.

🎤 Early Show: Martin Acosta: 7:00pm–8:00pm; Paul Caldwell & the Human Condition: 9:00pm–12:00am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 Dave Martone: 5:30pm–8:30pm; Paul Filek: 9:00pm–11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge

Tuesday, February 18th:

The Friends of Chamber Music present Schumann Quartet, Vancouver Playhouse, 7:30 pm: Hear profound artistry from returning chamber musicians steeped in American and Russian traditions. Enjoy intimate renditions of Haydn’s Piano Trio in A Major, Beethoven’s Piano Trio in G Major, and Dvořák’s “Dumky” Piano Trio No. 4.

Full Pint Comedy, Brewing August, 8:00 pm: Experience a night of top-tier stand-up from professional comedians in a vibrant brewery setting. Enjoy a variety of drinks, snacks, and a lively atmosphere.

🎤 Early Show: Alex Flock: 7:00pm–8:00pm; Organ.ic Chemistry Organ Quartet: 9:00pm–12:00am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 David Capper: 5:30pm–8:30pm; Adam Thomas: 9:00pm–11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge

Wednesday, February 19th:

🎤 WEDNESDAYS / WINE / WEEDS RETURNS!: 7:00pm | @ Frankie's Jazz Club
🎤 Fusion Duo, Ricky & Darren: 6:30pm | @ Famoso Commercial
🎤 Paul Filek: 4:30pm–8:30pm; Jim Kwan: 9:00pm–11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge
🎤 SWEET QUEENS OF CHAOS / 9 SIGNS: 8:45pm–10:30pm | @ Roxy Cabaret

Coming Soon:

Other Fun Stuff:

Have an amazing week,

Your friends at In the Loop Vancouver

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