After Christmas, it is always a challenge to find affordable arts activities that don’t further increase the dreaded post-holiday visa bill. Here is a list of some art activities to light up your nights.
There are still a number of Lunar New Year celebrations happening in February. Granville Island is hosting an artisan market at Ocean Artworks on February 1 to 2, 7 to 9 and 14 to 17 from 11 to 4. Lantern City exhibits will be displayed at Granville Island, 800 Robson Plaza, Pendulum Gallery and Bentall Centre. On Saturday, February 8, at 1, Cambie Village is hosting a free Year of the Snake parade. For an older crowd aged 45 and up, the Roundhouse Community Centre is holding its annual Lunar New Year and Karaoke party on Friday, February 7, from 12 to 230. The event includes Chinese food and dance lessons. Creekside Community Recreation Centre is holding its Year of the Snake festival on Sunday, February 9, from 11 to 4 in the gym. For further information, check out the website at www.lunarfestvancouver.ca.
Several artisan markets are held at Heritage Hall on Main Street in the winter. Vancouver Etsy is hosting the Too Cute Market on Saturday, February 8. Forty vendors will sell craft supplies, seconds, and one-off pieces up to 80% off. A sample sale called Bibs + Bobs Samples and Seconds sale will be held on Saturday, February 22, at 11. Then on March 16, it’s the First Pick Handmade show.
Another perennial favourite is the Portobello West Roundhouse Spring Market 2025, which will be held from April 5 to 6 from 10 to 5 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. For a $5 admission fee, you can see a variety of fashion, jewellery, art, home décor, skincare, and gourmet treats.
For literature lovers, the Book Warehouse on Main Street hosts its Book Club on the second Monday of every month from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Writer and editor Carla Mont hosts the club. The February event features The Husbands by Holly Gramazio, and on March 10, The North Woods by Daniel Mason. Registration is free and must be done in the store. Books are available for purchase at the store or online at www.blackbondbooks.com.
A new art exhibition is opening at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art on Saturday, February 1. The exhibit is by Kihl ‘Yahda’ Christian White: Master Haida Artist. In addition, the gallery offers food and beverages, dance performances, and a visit from the artist. The exhibit is the first major solo exhibit by the artist and features works spanning his 50-year career. It is supported by the City of Vancouver, The Audain Foundation, the Province of BC, and the British Columbia Arts Council. For more information, see the gallery website at www.billreidgallery.ca.
The Firehall Theatre features a satire called Women of the Fur Trade from February 8 to 23. Directed by Donna Spencer, the play by Frances Koncan features three women in the 1800s having tea during the Red River Resistance and discussing life and love, and Louis Riel. Ticket prices range from pay-what-you-can Wednesday matinees to $39.
In April, A History of Motown will be performed from April 2 to 13, the Frontliners from May 1 to 11 and Inner Elder from May 22 to May 31. For more information, see their website at www.firehallartscentre.ca.
The Arts Club’s winter productions at the Stanley Theatre include The Three Musketeers until February 16, Cambodian Rock Band from March 6 to April 6, and Casey and Diana from April 24 to May 25. The Granville Island stage offers Primary Trust from February 6 to March 2 and Burning Mom from March 27 to April 20. For more information, go to the website at www.artsclub.com.
Jazz lovers will want to check out the fifth Jazz at the ‘Bolt music festival on February 15 and 16 at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts at Deer Lake. Local saxophonist, band leader and recording artist Cory Weeds organizes the event along with Tim Reinert of The Infidels Jazz. The weekend pass costs $140 for adults and $120 for seniors and students. An adult day pass is $80 prior to the festival and a senior or student day pass is $65. Local performers include the John Lee Trio, Trilogy, Cory Weeds, Feven Kidane, Dave Sikula, and the Brad Turner Trio. For more information see www.jazzatthebolt.
A free family day event is being held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre lobbies on Saturday, February 15 from 9 to noon. The event includes standup comedy, a story program, a joke factory station, an art exhibit from local artists Bronwyn McIvor and Joy Munt and complimentary hot cocoa. The Vancouver Maritime Museum hosts free family day activities on Monday, February 17, at 10.
