Who’s ready for February fun?
Fill your time with our checklist of 15 great events happening around Vancouver from January 31 to February 2. Lunar New Year Parade, Black History Month at VIFF, and more!
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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LunarFest
What: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with LunarFest and discover the many stories of the snake through The Lantern City.
Guests are invited to take a walk through five different locations in downtown Vancouver and on Granville Island to see 36 lanterns created by artists of diverse cultural backgrounds
Then head back to Granville Island every weekend from February 1 to 16 for an artist market, crafts workshops, food, games, and more at Ocean Artworks. Free admission for all ages to enjoy.
When: Various dates in January and February 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free and ticketed events
What: The Taboo Show is an upscale adult playground dedicated to enhancing lifestyles, romance, personal betterment, and all things taboo. The 19+ event features entertainment, unique shopping from over 100 vendors, provocative and educational seminars, fashion shows, bar and food, and live demonstrations.
When: January 31 to February 2, 2025
Time: 5 pm to midnight (Friday), 1 pm to midnight (Saturday), Noon to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East Building – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $33.50 plus fees for a single pass; purchase online
What: Songs of Freedom is a celebration of Black music and culture at Christ Church Cathedral. The 13th annual concert in honour of Black History Month features performances by Candus Churchill, Krystle Dos Santos, Dawn Pemberton, Star Trickey, Minnijean Brown-Trickey, and the Marcus Mosely Ensemble. Diane Lines and Tim Porter will also be providing accompaniment.
When: February 1, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Christ Church Cathedral – 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Cost: $45 plus GST and fees; purchase online
What: One of the city’s largest annual parades is returning to Chinatown this week to help kick off Lunar New Year celebrations in Vancouver.
The 51st Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration is happening on Sunday, February 2, 2025, the fifth day of the Year of the Snake. The popular event is expected to draw over 5,000 participants and more than 100,000 spectators to the neighbourhood, with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and more for everyone to enjoy.
When: February 2, 2025
Time: 11 am (parade start), 2 to 4 pm (fair)
Where: Various locations throughout Chinatown
Cost: Free for parade and fair
La Poutine Week
What: The most gravy-filled, cheesiest time of year is nearly upon us, as La Poutine Week is returning for its 11th year this month. The annual celebration of all things fries, cheese, gravy, and more will take place in cities across Canada, including Vancouver, from February 1 to 7.
There are three poutine creations to discover locally this year, including Vancouver Aquarium’s Slow Braised Short Rib Poutine, Blaze Gourmet Burgers’ Crispy Chicken Poutine (Halal), and Thai Express’ Thai Poutine.
When: Various days of operation from February 1 to 7, 2025
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various restaurants across Vancouver
What: VIFF Centre presents two series of films that shine a spotlight on Black film, artists, and creators.
Akojo Film Collective presents six films exploring the ever-changing concept of home in African Cinema Now!‘s Dreaming of Elsewhere.
Celebrating Black Futures focuses on the themes of mythical and corporeal transmutations and is curated by Kika Memeh. It is also presented in partnership with the Vancouver Art Gallery.
When: Various dates from February 1 to 27, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online
What: Silk Road Music blends the historic traditions of Asian and non-Asian music for a Lunar New Year celebration at Gateway Theatre on February 1.
The celebratory concert will showcase why Silk Road Music has won two Best World Music awards from the West Coast Music Awards, been featured on BBC International Recital, and spotlighted at festivals all over North America.
When: February 1, 2025
Time: 2 pm
Where: Gateway Theatre — 6500 Gilbert Road, Vancouver
Tickets: $25, purchase online
What: The 32nd annual Wellness Show explores new approaches to nutrition, fitness, and physical and emotional well-being. Discover over 250 exhibitors and more than 100 speakers while learning about different health and lifestyle resources. You can also stop by the Cooking Stage, Living Well Stage, and the Zen Fitness Stage throughout the weekend for live presentations and talks.
When: February 1 and 2, 2025
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: $12, youth and children 15 and under free. Purchase online
Dine Out Vancouver
What: Dine Out participants will have the one-of-a-kind chance to dine among the jellyfish at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Guests will be able to enjoy a three-course meal prepared by the aquarium’s culinary team, paired with a glass of wine from a BC-based winery.
When: January 31 to February 6, 2025
Time: 7 to 9 pm. Dinner starts at 7:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Tickets: $125 per person; $100 for members
What: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is hosting Year of the Snake celebrations on February 2, with Lion Dances, cultural street cuisine, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and more. The garden will also be decorated with plenty of red lanterns for the perfect Lunar New Year photo.
When: February 2, 2025
Time: 11:30 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $6 to $8 plus fees, free for children four and under. Purchase online
What: The most romantic month of the year is just around the corner, and you can take your next date night to great heights with the return of Capilano Bridge’s Love Lights.
Valentine’s Day-themed lights will transform the park into a pink paradise from January 31 to February 23, and romantics of all ages are welcome.
Bring your favourite people to enjoy the glow of the suspension bridge, several sparkling photo opportunities, and special activities for the season of love.
When: January 31 to February 23, 2025
Time: 10 am to 8 pm (until 9 pm from February 13 to 16)
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Available online
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The 15th annual Hot Chocolate Fest is returning once again this year. Enjoy tasty and unique hot chocolate creations from numerous spots in and around Vancouver. This year, there are 180 different flavours to try.
When: Now until February 14
Where: Participating restaurants and cafes in and around Vancouver
What: The Polygon Gallery at The Shipyards in North Vancouver hosts a showcase of new work by the finalists of the Philip B. Lind Prize for Emerging Artists. This is your opportunity to see the best in emerging BC-based artists working in the mediums of photography, film, or video.
When: Now until February 2, 2025
Time: Wednesday, 10 am to 5 pm; Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm; Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
What: Hero’s Welcome is throwing a huge Royal Rumble Watch Party on Saturday, February 1, and you can catch all of the action starting at 3 pm. There is no cover, though seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to book their tables ahead of time.
When: February 1, 2025
Time: 3 pm start
Where: Hero’s Welcome — 3917 Main Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
What: No plans for Lunar New Year in Vancouver? Think again! The Met is hosting several fun activities to enjoy.
Take in a traditional Lion Dance, where two teams will parade through the Grand Court and hand out red envelopes for good fortune. In collaboration with the Chinese Canadian Museum, cultural workshops will also be taking place, including Chinese lantern-making, abacus learning, and family-friendly fun.
Lunar New Year celebrations at The Met run until February 16. Check out more of the fun programming online and get ready for the best year yet.
When: Now until February 16, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown — 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Tickets: Free to attend, open to the public