The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – Jan 20 – Feb 14, 2018

The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival returns this month bigger and better than ever. Yet even after 8 seasons, it remains a truly local celebration, as no commercial chocolate manufacturers or national coffee chains dominate the program. For its fans from around the world or anyone who just loves chocolate, the Festival shines as a showcase for our city’s most talented artisan food producers, chefs and locally based, independent businesses. Click here for a list of events. 

Vancouver Theatre Sports Romance Week – Feb 6-14 – Improv Centre, Granville Island

This year for Valentine’s forget the box of chocolates; bring your ‘someone special’ for a week of ‘improv and chill’ as we celebrate the fun and funny of romance with three special shows we are calling Romance Week running February 6 – 14 at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. VTSL’s improvisers will tickle your funny bone and put the ha-ha in Happy Valentine’s. Showtimes and ticket information can be found at vtsl.com.

The Father – Feb 7, 8pm – Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall

The Father follows André, an 80-year old man who was once a tap dancer, and now lives with his daughter, Anne, and her husband, Antoine. Or was André an engineer, whose daughter Anne lives in London with her new lover, Pierre? Either way, he’s still wearing his pajamas and he can’t find his watch. He’s starting to wonder if he’s losing control.

Sitting in the audience, we are plunged into André’s world—seeing his life through his eyes as he grips to the familiar and unfamiliar. Ticket info.

Massey Madness Family Arts Fest – Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 – Massey Theatre, New West

The Massey Theatre is bringing an all-inclusive day of arts activities and live theatre performances for the whole family to enjoy.  There is something for everyone.  The day includes theatre performances for young children with Axis Theatre’s Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish, a First Nations story by Joseph Dandurand Confessions of a Grocery Store Clerk, a musical comedy by Capricorn Theatre for youth, and The New Conformity by Cause and Effect Circus and magician / comedian Travis Bernhardt sharing a program, a show for all ages featuring comedy, magic, circus skills and juggling acts. 

In addition to the ticketed events, there are FREE creative family activities in the Lobby and the Plaskett Gallery from 11am – 5pm.  For complete schedule visit:  masseytheatre.com and for tickets: ticketsnw.ca or call 604-521-5050

Show of Hearts Variety Telethon – Feb 11, 2018 9:30am – 5:30pm Global BC

The 52nd Annual Show of Hearts will air live from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Global BC on Sunday, February 11. Originating from the Molson Canadian Theatre at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, the eight-hour show will be broadcast both on-air and online via live stream at Globalnews.ca. Click here to donate.

Sleepover at the Vancouver Aquarium – Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018 – Vancouver

The Aquarium will be hosting a family sleepover on Sunday, Feb 11 called “PJs, Paws and Jaws.” Guests will learn about the fascinating ways that animals – such as seals or penguins – camouflage from their predators by paying a visit to see them outside. Later, they’ll head inside for an evening snack and then get hands-on with cool artifacts like sea otter paws and shark jaws. Then everyone will call it a night and head down to Underwater Steller’s Bay to catch some z’s. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. followed by time to explore the galleries. Click here for more info.

The History of Romance – Feb 16, 8pm – Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall

On the heels of Valentine’s Day comes The History of Romance, a playful and absurd show by comedy duo Hip.Bang! Riffing on everything from Romeo and Juliet to the mess that is modern dating, they’ll make you laugh like a child who has just learned about ice cream.

After intermission, Hip.Bang! will improvise a half-hour set based on a single suggestion. Their sketch comedy thrives on disrupting audience’s expectations, so get ready to be on the edge of your seat. Ticket info.

The Wellness Show – Feb 17, 18, 2018 – Vancouver Convention Centre

This year’s show features 250 exhibitors, plus more than 100 guest speakers, workshops, fitness and cooking demos! 

You can see a list of the exhibitors here, as well as the schedule for the events over the two days. Buy tickets here.

47th annual BC Home + Garden Show – Feb. 21-25, Vancouver

The always popular home and garden show is the most trusted resource for every home improvement project, and today, Marketplace Events is officially announcing its list of must-see attractions at this year’s show. Featuring more than 425 trusted brands and local companies, and appearances from the industry’s biggest names, including HGTV Canada’s Brian McCourt & Sarah Keenleyside, Carson Arthur, Danielle Bryk, and Kenny Gemmill, the 47th annual show promises to be the best one yet.

Buy your tickets online and save $3 courtesy of RenovationFind.com at http://www.bchomeandgardenshow.com/

Vancouver Foodster’s Pizza Palooza –  February 21

Tantalize your taste buds at several restaurants centered in downtown Vancouver! This is the 3rd annual pizza tasting extravaganza and it is presented by Vancouver Foodster. Visit each of the participating restaurants at your leisure by car, transit or walking. Buy your tickets online. 

Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction – Saturday, Feb 24, Vancouver

Part of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, Enjoy the ultimate winery dinner – the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction features ten wines from around the world paired with five inventive courses created by Fairmont Hotel Vancouver executive chef Cameron Ballendine.

Live and silent auctions throughout the evening feature rare and unique wine packages, raising money for Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival.  Buy tickets online. 

Vancouver International Wine Festival –  Feb 24, March 4, 2018

The Vancouver International Wine Festival, Canada’s premier food & wine event, has three mandates: to provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for public and trade; to be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners and to raise funds for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. Buy tickets here.