📫 Things to do in Van: Feb 6-13

Good morning, Vancouver! ❄️ How are we feeling about the snow—winter wonderland vibes or ready for spring already?

No matter where you stand, there’s plenty happening this week to keep you cozy, entertained, and well-fed:

❤️ Love & delicious food are in the air
🍳 Even more tasty cooking classes
🎭 A lineup of incredible indoor performances

Stay warm, have fun, and enjoy the week!

– Mariana

Major Events This Week:

🥇The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, February 8 - 16, 2025: Presented by ATCO and Boeing, this event will bring 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 (I tried the Tiramisu Hot Chocolate at Gem Chocolates yesterday and it was perfection).

🍱 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.

🐍 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.

Events & Things To Do This Week:

*note: live music is denoted with a 🎤

Thursday, February 6th:

Mount Pleasant Sip & Shop, Main Street (between 7th-17th Ave), 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Browse 32 unique local businesses offering crafting, clothing, letter-writing workshops, flower arranging, flash tattoos, vintage finds, books, and more. Enjoy a fun evening of shopping and sipping in the heart of Mount Pleasant!

Kissing the Ground You Walked On, UBC Robson Square Theatre, 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm: Kick off the 2nd annual Asian Independent Cinema Showcase with the Vancouver premiere of this award-winning indie film from Macau. Explore themes of queer identity, diversity, and art, followed by a post-screening conversation with director Hong Heng-fai.

Dimanche, Vancouver Playhouse, February 6-8, 7:30 pm: Presented by The Cultch and The PuSh Festival, this visually stunning production blends physical theatre, puppetry, and video to depict humanity’s struggle to maintain normalcy amid ecological collapse. A witty and thought-provoking reflection on resilience and climate chaos.

🎤 Early Show: Dhruv Angrish: 7pm–8:45pm; GroundUp feat. Adam Robert Thomas: 9:30pm–1am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 Cassandra Maze Duo: 4:30pm–8:30pm; DJ Yawn: 9:00pm–1:00am | @ Lobby Lounge
🎤 Thomas Moon Trio LIVE: 6:00pm–10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown

Friday, February 7th:

💖 Valentine's Workshop, Blumen Florals, 6:00 pm: Celebrate love and friendship at the Galentine’s Dried Bouquet Workshop! Enjoy an evening of creativity, connection, and pizza while crafting your own dried bouquet.

Calgary Roughnecks at Vancouver Warriors, Rogers Arena, 7:00 pm: Catch the action as the Vancouver Warriors take on the Calgary Roughnecks in an intense lacrosse showdown at Rogers Arena.

Superman in Concert, The Orpheum, February 7-8, 7:00 pm: Experience the iconic 1978 film like never before as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ triumphant score live to picture.

UBC Choral Union, Chan Shun Concert Hall, 7:30 pm: Experience a powerful performance by the award-winning UBC Choral Union.

Amir Amiri Ensemble, Roy Barnett Recital Hall, 8:00 pm: Experience a mesmerizing fusion of Persian tradition and modern innovation as Amir Amiri and his ensemble blend dazzling virtuosity with global influences. Featuring the santur, oud, ghaychak, viola, and percussion, this performance transcends borders in a unique musical journey.

Neil Cockburn: Award-Winning Organist in Concert, St. James Anglican Church, 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm: Enjoy a captivating solo organ recital by internationally acclaimed organist Neil Cockburn, featuring works by Bach, Stanford, and Vierne.

🎤 Early Show: The DM Electric Ko: 7pm–8:45pm; Toma Zenda: 10pm–2am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 MATTY MILLER & THE BARGE BOYS / CANYON RIDERS / SACRED SOL / IDLE LANE: Doors @ 7pm | @ Roxy Cabaret
🎤 Rob Eller: 4:30pm–8:30pm; Jim Kwan Duo: 7:00pm–10:00pm; DJ Yawn: 10:00pm–1:00am | @ Lobby Lounge
🎤 Good Luck Have Fun, Demps, Tonk, Runner: 7pm–11pm | @ Green Auto

Saturday, February 8th:

Salish Weaving: Weave a Bag Workshop, Museum of Vancouver, February 8-9, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Learn traditional Salish weaving from renowned Indigenous artists in this two-day immersive workshop. All supplies provided.

Forest Journaling and Tea, Stanley Park #19 Bus Loop, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Take a mindful walk through the forest, pausing to observe nature before returning indoors for a cozy tea session.

Lunar New Year Celebration, South Granville, starting at 11:00 am: Enjoy a traditional Lion Dance Kung Fu performance, bringing blessings of happiness and prosperity to the neighbourhood.

Too Cute Pop-Up Market, Heritage Hall, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm: Browse adorable handmade goods from local artists, including art, pins, stickers, apparel, plushies, home decor, and more at this Vancouver Etsy Co. event.

Lunar New Year 2025: Year of the Snake, Cambie Village, from 1:00 pm: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the God of Fortune and the Shao Lin Hung Gar Kung Fu Lion Dancers as they parade through Cambie Village.

What’s that Tree?, Stanley Park #19 Bus Loop, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Discover the towering trees of Stanley Park by exploring their bark, cones, and needles. If conditions allow, create bark rub prints to capture their unique textures.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Vancouver Canucks, Rogers Arena, 4:00 pm: Watch the Canucks take on the Maple Leafs in an exciting NHL matchup.

Asian Street Food Cooking Class, The Skript Kitchen, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Learn to make classic Asian street food dishes in this hands-on cooking experience with expert guidance and delicious tastings.

Flight – Vancouver Opera, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 7:30 pm: A captivating contemporary opera inspired by a real-life refugee’s story, blending humour, drama, and emotional depth in a must-see performance.

UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble: Dreams, Chan Shun Concert Hall, 7:30 pm: Experience a stunning performance by the UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble, featuring works by Holst, Whitacre, Ticheli, and Mackey.

🎤 Early Show: Son de Todos: 7pm–8:45pm; Antonio Larosa: 10pm–2am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤JOE FARNSWORTH QUARTET feat. SARAH HANAHAN: 8pm | @ Frankie's Jazz Club
🎤 Rob Eller: 4:30pm–6:30pm; Rob Eller Duo: 7:00pm–10:00pm; DJ Wonjo: 10:00pm–1:00am | @ Lobby Lounge
🎤 Wildwood Fire LIVE: 6:00pm–10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown
🎤 Saturday Sounds feat. Billy Dixon and His Soul Train Express: 2:00pm–4:30pm | @ Hero's Welcome
🎤 Speak Of The Devil, Nobody, Abject Chaos: 8pm–1am | @ LanaLous Restaurant
🎤 La Lune, Hillsboro, Cherry Pick: 7pm–11pm | @ Green Auto Body

Sunday, February 9th:

Mount Pleasant Lunar New Year Celebration, Sun Hop Park, 12:00 pm: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a Lion Dance Blessing by Chau Luen Athletics to bring good luck and prosperity. Afterward, the lion will visit local businesses for traditional storefront blessings.

The Y Foundation Spring Spectacular Concert, Orpheum, 2:00 pm: Experience a breathtaking classical concert featuring the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, showcasing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

Super Bowl LIX Watch Party, Hero’s Welcome, 2:00 pm – Late: Catch the biggest game of the year on the big screens with sound, enjoy drinks, great food, and a chance to win prizes, including the famous Meat Draw from Windsor Meats.

Sounding Thunder: The Song of Francis Pegahmagabow, Chan Shun Concert Hall, 3:30 pm: A powerful musical journey exploring the life of Canada’s most decorated WWI Indigenous veteran, narrated by his great-grandson and performed by renowned musicians.

💖 Valentine's Watercolour Workshop, The Cider House, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm: Learn essential watercolour techniques and create your own Valentine’s Day cards in a beginner-friendly, creative workshop with all supplies included.

🎤 Early Show: Jeff Bryant: 7pm–8pm; Tambura Rasa: 9pm–12am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 JOE FARNSWORTH QUARTET feat. SARAH HANAHAN: 8pm | @ Frankie's Jazz Club
🎤 Olaf De Shield: 5:30pm–8:30pm; Adam Thomas: 9:00pm–11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge
🎤 Pressley Murillo Trio LIVE: 6:00pm–10:00pm | @ 2nd Floor Gastown
🎤 The Hausplants, Super k, Saving Grace: 7pm–11pm | @ Green Auto Body

Monday, February 10th:

Neko Case: The Harder I Fight, the Harder I Love You, Performance Works, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Join renowned musician and writer Neko Case in conversation with Aaron Chapman as she shares stories from her memoir, tracing her journey from rural Washington to international acclaim. Presented by the Vancouver Writers Fest.

💖 Valentine's Day Oyster Shucking Class, Harbour Oyster + Bar, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Learn the art of shucking oysters like a pro in this hands-on class. Discover different oyster varieties, perfect pairings, and enjoy a fun evening of fresh seafood and good company.

🎤 Early Show: The Foxwoods: 7pm–8pm; The Alvin Brendan Trio: 9pm–12am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 Dave Martone: 5:30pm–8:30pm; Paul Filek: 9:00pm–11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge

Tuesday, February 11th:

Gnocchi, Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm: Master the art of making pillowy, homemade gnocchi in this hands-on cooking class. Learn essential techniques, from preparing potatoes to shaping and saucing, with a glass of wine included.

Schumann Quartet, Vancouver Playhouse, 7:30 pm: Experience the Vancouver debut of this renowned German ensemble, performing works by Mozart, Prokofiev, and Smetana in a program of technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Kaia Kater, York Theatre, 7:30 pm: Montreal-born Grenadian Canadian artist Kaia Kater brings her unique blend of folk, Appalachian, and jazz influences to the stage, performing with her trio in an intimate and dynamic concert.

🎤 Early Show: Steffanie Davis: 7pm–8pm; Uno Mas Trio: 9pm–12am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 David Capper: 5:30pm–8:30pm; Adam Thomas: 9pm–11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge

Wednesday, February 12th:

Noodle Mania Fest Vancouver, Various Locations, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Embark on a delicious tasting tour featuring a variety of noodle dishes from different cultures, including Indo-Chinese chow mein, Japanese udon, Italian bucatini, and more.

💖 Valentine's Steak and Crème Brûlée, Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm: Learn to cook the perfect steak with expert techniques, paired with smashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a beautifully torched crème brûlée. Includes a glass of wine.

💖 Doughnut Love & Sweet Wine, Everything Wine – River District, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Indulge in a perfect pairing of sweet donuts and fine dessert wines. Design your own gourmet donuts and enjoy expertly curated wine selections.

Caleb Teicher and Conrad Tao: Counterpoint, Chan Shun Concert Hall, 7:00 pm: Experience an exhilarating fusion of tap dance and piano in this boundary-pushing performance featuring music from Bach to Gershwin.

National Geographic Live: Wild Wolves of Yellowstone, Vancouver Playhouse, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Biologist Doug Smith shares never-before-seen photos and videos from the project that reintroduced grey wolves to Yellowstone, a landmark in wildlife conservation.

🎤 Early Show: Anna Isabella: 7pm–8pm; Joe Rotundo & the Interstellar Riders: 9pm–12am | @ Guilt & Co
🎤 WEDNESDAYS / WINE / WEEDS RETURNS!: 7pm | @ Frankie's Jazz Club
🎤 OUR COLOURFUL DEMONS / THE JAMMED: Doors @ 8pm | @ Roxy Cabaret
🎤 Rob Eller: 5:30pm–8:30pm; Jim Kwan: 9:00pm–11:59pm | @ Lobby Lounge
🎤 Fusion Duo, Paul Hendriks: 6:30pm | @ Famoso Commercial Drive

Coming Soon:

Citywide Skating Registration, Online on February 13, 7:00 pm: Sign up for Winter 2025 citywide skating lessons.

VCT Family Day Weekend, Queen Elizabeth Theatre on February 15, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Enjoy a morning of free, family-friendly laughs with comedy performances, storytelling, hands-on activities, hot chocolate, and more, in partnership with Just for Laughs Vancouver and Vancouver Public Library.

A February Tasting: BC Wine Love, Broadway Wine on February 19, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Explore the passion and craftsmanship behind BC wines in this curated tasting event, paired with local cheese and charcuterie.

Chocolate Tempering Workshop, Drunken Chocolatier on March 15, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm: Learn the art of tempering chocolate and making rolled truffles and molded chocolate bars in this hands-on class.

Macaron Workshop, Granville Island on March 15, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Master the delicate craft of making macarons in this fun three-hour workshop, where you’ll go home with around 40 macarons in 12 different flavours!

Valentine Gift Spotlight:

I popped into MeTime Aesthetics on Main St. and spotted their Soya Candle Bouquets—and they’re beautiful (yes, they are candles!). Handmade and totally unique, they make for a fun twist on the usual flowers and chocolates. If you want to learn how to make candles, they also offer candle-making workshops.

Have an amazing week,

Your friends at In the Loop Vancouver