📫 Things to do in Van: Jan 30-Feb 5

Good morning, Vancouver!

☀️ Hope you got a chance to soak up that rare winter sunshine—because rain is back on the program. And if we're lucky (or not?), we might even see a little snow. ❄️

Fortunately, there's plenty happening around town this week to keep things exciting, including:

• Lunar New Year celebrations 🐉

• Tasty cooking classes to sharpen your skills

• A one-day outdoor motion design festival (today!)

Stay warm out there!

-Mariana

Major Events This Week:

🍫 The Hot Chocolate Festival, January 18- February 14, 2025: It’s cold outside. Hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up.

🍱 Dine Out Vancouver, January 22 - February 9, 2025: Experience curated fixed-price menus at over 350 of Vancouver’s hottest restaurants.

🎶 PuSh: International Performing Arts Festival, January 23 - February 9, 2025: For over 20 years, PuSh has showcased daring and innovative performances by acclaimed local and international artists. Held at venues throughout the city.

🐍 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.

Things To Do This Week:

*note: live music is denoted with a 🎤

Thursday, January 30th:

DEMO Festival: One-Day Digital Art Takeover, various Locations in downtown Vancouver. For one day only, @demo.festival will transform spaces across downtown Van into immersive digital galleries!

UBC Opera: Street Scene, Chan Shun Concert Hall at 7:30pm (Jan. 30, Jan. 31, Feb. 1) and 2:00 pm (Feb. 2). Experience Kurt Weill’s “American Broadway Opera”, a powerful blend of operatic arias, jazz, blues, and show tunes. Set in a sweltering New York summer, this emotionally charged tale explores love, violence, and the struggles of a working-class community.

Timothy Caulfield: The Certainty Illusion, 7:30pm at Revue Stage. Bestselling author and Canada Research Chair Timothy Caulfield joins the Vancouver Writers Fest to explore the misinformation crisis and why separating fact from fiction is harder than ever. In conversation with Marsha Lederman, Caulfield unpacks the forces shaping our information chaos and how we can fight back.

🎤 Cassandra Maze Duo: 4:30pm – 8:30pm; DJ Wonjo: 9:00pm – 11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific

🎤 Dutch Robinson Trio LIVE: 6:00pm - 10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown

🎤 Early Show: MidMay: 7:00pm - 8:45pm; GroundUp feat. Ada Ferguson: 9:30pm - 1:00am | @ Guilt and Co

Friday, January 31st:

Friday Sewcial, 4:00 pm at FABCYCLE Flex Space. Join Vancouver’s maker community for an evening of sewing, sharing, and creativity!

Ramen-Making Class, 6:15 pm at Northwest Culinary Academy. Learn to make fresh ramen noodles, craft a rich umami broth, and perfect a delicious ramen egg in this hands-on class.

Beethoven & Tchaikovsky 6 – Featuring Francesca Dego, 8:00 pm at The Orpheum (also on Feb. 1st). The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents a stunning program led by Maestro Tausk, featuring Francesca Dego’s VSO debut with Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Experience the passion of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony and Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, a powerful exploration of history and belonging.

PuSh Festival: BOGOTÁ, 8:00 pm at Vancouver Playhouse (also on Feb. 1st). Presented by PuSh Festival & New Works Dance, Andrea Peña’s BOGOTÁ is a visceral and transgressive performance inspired by Colombia’s political and spiritual heritage. With nine performers, this raw and intense piece explores themes of chaos, rebirth, and resilience through movement and magic realism.

🎤 Rob Eller: 4:30pm – 6:30pm; Rob Eller Duo: 7:00pm – 10:00pm; DJ Yawn: 10:00pm – 1:00am | @ Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific

🎤 Early Show: Headlong Hearts: 7:00pm - 8:45pm; The Smooth Sailors: 10:00pm - 2:00am | @ Guilt and Co

🎤 Emmett Jerome: 8:00pm - 11:00pm | @ Dublin Crossing

🎤 Mock Media, Cistern, Great Wall: 8:00pm | @ Green Auto

Saturday, February 1st:

Taste of Chinatown: Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, Feb. 1st–2nd (11:00 am-4:00pm). Enjoy culinary pop-ups, special tastings, mural colouring, and more.

Learn Brush Calligraphy, 1:00-4:00 pm, downtown Vancouver. Dive into modern calligraphy with brush pens and markers, building a solid foundation in lowercase script lettering. This beginner-friendly workshop boosts confidence before advancing to paintbrushes, dip pens, and pointed nibs.

Chunky Blanket Workshop – Beginner Class, 1:00 pm at The Painted Loft. Create your own cozy, chunky throw blanket in this beginner-friendly hand/finger knitting workshop—no needles or experience required! Step-by-step guidance and all materials provided.

Dessert Candle Workshop, 2:30 pm at ZOET Studio. Create realistic, mouthwatering dessert candles in this fun, hands-on workshop! Learn about soy wax, colours, and wax whipping techniques while crafting waffle, Canelé, macaron-inspired designs, and more. Enjoy a welcome refreshment and take home 2-3 beautifully crafted candles, complete with gift wrapping and wax sealing.

Tajine & The Taste of Moroccan Cuisine, 6:00 pm at The Skript Kitchen. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours and warming spices of Moroccan cuisine in this hands-on (or sit-back-and-watch) cooking experience. Led by a chef with deep knowledge of Moroccan traditions, you'll learn authentic techniques and enjoy a delicious feast—perfect for meat and veggie lovers alike!

🎤 Khamisa FT Ben Wayne Kyle LIVE: 6:00pm - 10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown

🎤 Early Show: Ana Bon-Bon: 7:00pm - 8:45pm; HB Wild: 10:00pm - 2:00am | @ Guilt and Co

Sunday, February 2nd:

Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 – Year of the Snake, 11:30 am at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Step into the vibrant traditions of the Year of the Snake with a family-friendly celebration featuring cultural performances, demonstrations, delicious food, and community spirit. Get your tickets here.

Detroit Red Wings at Vancouver Canucks, 5:00 pm at Rogers Arena. Watch the Canucks take on the Red Wings in an exciting Sunday night matchup at Rogers Arena.

🎤 Gradient Jazz Trio LIVE: 6:00pm - 10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown

🎤 Early Show: Cassandra Maze: 7:00pm - 8:00pm; San Pedro Cinco: 9:00pm - 12:00am | @ Guilt and Co

🎤 Van Django: 8:00pm | @ Frankie's Jazz Club

🎤 Infidels Jazz presents Sundays at Hero’s Welcome: 2:00pm - 4:00pm | @ Hero’s Welcome

Monday, February 3rd:

Paint Nite at The King’s Head Public House, 6:00 pm in Kitsilano. Unleash your creativity at this fun, step-by-step guided painting event—no experience needed! All supplies are provided, and you’ll leave with a masterpiece to take home.

🎤 Clara's Wandering Friends Duo LIVE: 6:00pm - 10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown

🎤 Early Show: Rossa Murray: 7:00pm - 8:00pm; The Tony Wilson Quartet: 9:00pm - 12:00am | @ Guilt and Co

Tuesday, February 4th:

Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks, 7:00 pm at Rogers Arena. Watch the Canucks face off against the Avalanche in a Tuesday night showdown.

🎤 Bill Coon Trio LIVE: 6:00pm - 10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown

🎤 Early Show: ebonEmpress: 7:00pm - 8:00pm; Underneath the Harlem Moon: 9:00pm - 12:00am | @ Guilt and Co

🎤 Andy Morin, Eric Breitenbach, Goats & Laser, Gross Skeleton: 7:00pm - 11:00pm | @ Green Auto

Wednesday, February 5th:

Sip & Snip Workshop – Valentine's Edition, 7:00 pm at Sonse Home & Floral. Celebrate the season of love with an evening of sipping, snacking, and floral arranging! Create your own custom Valentine’s-themed arrangement, perfect for sharing with a friend, loved one, or as a solo treat.

Final Symphony – Music from Final Fantasy, 8:00 pm at The Orpheum. Experience the magic of Final Fantasy®️ like never before with a stunning orchestral concert featuring beloved music from the iconic video game series. Performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Andrew Crust, this officially licensed event has captivated audiences worldwide with its breathtaking arrangements.

Dumpling Fest – A Dine Out Vancouver Event, 5:30-9:30 pm. Various Locations in Vancouver. Embark on a culinary adventure through Vancouver’s diverse food scene, sampling Italian gnocchi, Japanese gyoza, Mexican empanadas, Nepalese momos, Ukrainian dumplings, and more!

🎤 Q3 LIVE: 6:00pm - 10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown

🎤 Early Show: Todd Johnson: 7:00pm - 8:00pm; Robin Layne & Friends: 9:00pm - 12:00am | @ Guilt and Co

🎤 Wednesdays / Wine / Weeds Returns!: 7:00pm | @ Frankie's Jazz Club

🎤 Soul & Blues - Roger Wolf Duo: 6:30pm | @ Famoso Commercial Drive

City & Provincial Updates:

2025 City of Vancouver Book Award – Submissions Open: Authors, publishers, and designers—submit your 2024-published book for a chance to win $3,000! Open to all genres that celebrate Vancouver’s history, culture, and identity. Deadline: March 5, 2025, at 4:00pm.

Skills Canada BC Regional Competitions 2025: From January to April 2025, Skills Canada BC will host in-person Regional Competitions across the province for K-12 and post-secondary students. Competitors and spectators can explore careers in skilled trades and technology through live competitions and hands-on "try-a-trade" activities.

Coming Soon:

Beginner-Friendly Embroidery Workshop: Capybara. 6:00 pm on Feb.21st at Aloe Beara Artisanal Collective Co. (4429 West 10th Avenue). This beginner-friendly workshop teaches you to embroider a sweet capybara. 🚨 Tickets drop Thursday, January 30 at 5:00pm.

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 – Opening Ceremony, Feb. 8th, 1:00 pm at BC Place. Get ready for a spectacular talent showcase featuring Katy Perry, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado, Roxane Bruneau, and more as they kick off the Invictus Games, celebrating resilience and determination.

Il Centro's cooking classes fill up fast, so grab your spot while you can! Here are three upcoming classes to choose from (highly recommend the pizza-making class! 🍕):

• Carnival Galani - Italian Dessert Class: Feb. 24 @ 6:00 pm

• All About Ravioli: March 3rd @ 6:00 pm

• Italian Pizza Making Class: April 7th @ 6:00 pm

Valentine’s Day Watercolor Card-Making Workshop – Feb 8, 2025, 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm at Zameen Art House. Create beautiful, handmade cards in this beginner-friendly workshop with artist Shadi Zahiri. All materials provided, plus expert guidance, watercolour techniques, and a cozy atmosphere with hot drinks.

Have an amazing week,

Your friends at In the Loop Vancouver