With spring just around the corner, bask in all that Vancouver has to offer at these wonderful events! From children’s festivals to a special overnight stay at the aquarium, there’s fun for the whole family or find something special to do for just you and your special someone. Grab a few friends, find a fun activity and celebrate the diversity that comes with living in the Lower Mainland!
Cadre is a South African story of dreams and change.| Photo by Michael Brosilow
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Visualizing a Culture for Strangers: Exploring Chinese Export Painting of the Nineteenth Century
Jan. 30–March 29
Burnaby Art Gallery
6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
604-297-4422
On tour from the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Burnaby Art Gallery presents vibrant watercolour paintings in a special genre from Guangzhou, China. These wonderful pieces of work were exported by China to meet the growing demands of the Westerners. The exhibition explores the importance and significance of exporting these Chinese paintings and how it influenced the work.
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Cezanne and the Modern: Masterpieces of European Art from the Pearlman Collection
Feb. 14–May 18
Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby St., Vancouver
604-662-4719
Held at the Vancouver Art Gallery, come experience and see for yourself the most famous artists of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements. This large exhibition contains paintings and watercolours by Paul Cezanne and features a variety of other works from an array of famous artists.
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The Cultch Presents: Cadre
Feb. 24–March 8
The Cultch Theatre
1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Following the hit from last year, Mies Julie, the Cultch brings to life another mesmerizing story form South Africa. Taking place during a time of turmoil, Cadre is a story of dreams and change. The actors and actresses portray an incredible story that will bring the audiences to tears. For more information on tickets, please visit the website.
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After Hours at the Vancouver Aquarium
Feb. 26, 6–10 p.m.
Vancouver Aquarium
845 Avison Way., Vancouver
604-659-3400
Only one day a year do you get to explore Vancouver’s famous Aquarium after hours! This event allows spectators to watch the wildlife during the darkness of night. Explore and watch as the sea creatures come alive, and experience the Aquarium like never before. With special programming on tropical animals, there won’t be a dull moment. This event is 19+. For ticket purchases, please visit the website.
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Vancouver Opera Presents: Die Fledermaus (The Bat)
Feb. 28–March 8
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Enjoy this exciting performance that combines opera, waltz and a romantic storyline. This event, presented by the Vancouver Opera, is light-hearted and will surely have the audience laughing and dancing along. For more information on ticket pricing and scheduling, please visit the website.
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Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Presents: Pacific Rim Celebration
Feb. 28–March 1
Orpheum Theatre
601 Smithe St., Vancouver
604-876-3434
This year’s Pacific Rim Celebration consists of two concerts that focus on Chinese New Year and musical artists from Japan! Join conductor Perry So as he leads an exciting concert that revolves around the Year of the Sheep. Then, for a second performance, join a variety of musical guests from Japan as they explore the land of the rising sun through music.
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Remembering Steel Skies Raining Tears
March 1, 1 p.m.
Norman & Annette Theatre
950 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver
A part of the Chutzpah! Festival, the talented composer Paul Alexander works in partnership with a variety of musical guests to create a masterpiece. Based on Eastern European Jewish, Hungarian and Armenian melodies, this performance is full of explosive percussion and includes a variety of musical instruments from around the world.
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Gateway Theatre Presents: Miss Caledonia
March 5–14
Gateway Theatre
6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond
This one-woman show takes place in 1955 when Peggy Ann Douglas hitches her wagon to the pageant circuit. Melody A. Johnson brings a variety of characters to life as she performs multiple personalities on stage. Sure to bring the audience to laughter, this is a performance theatre enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
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Ribcage: This Wide Passage
March 3-8
Firehall Arts Centre
280 E. Cordova St., Vancouver
Based on a true story, Esther Brandeau is a Jewish woman who arrives in 18th century Quebec City and poses as a Christian male labourer. Outed from her identity, Brandeau is brought to the authorities upon arrival in Canada. Heather Hermant brings Brandeau’s story to life in this haunting performance of displacement and identity.
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Vancouver International Dance Festival
March 8–28
Multiple Venues
604-662-4966
With multiple venues located all across Vancouver, this year’s Vancouver International Dance Festival is back with famous contemporary dancers on stage. This year’s festival includes dancers from all around the world to perform their signature dances. Ranging from Hungarian dancers to Japanese dancers, the festival promises diversity and fierce dance moves!
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Burnaby Village Museum Presents: Spring Break Scavenger Hunt-Games
March 9-20
Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel
6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
604-297-4565
Fun for the whole family, the Burnaby Village Museum holds an adventurous scavenger hunt! Let the kids use their detective skills to decipher clues and locate answers. The store clerk will have a prize for those who solve the puzzle. Not only will the fun scavenger hunt take place, but there will also be a crafts table and special children’s entertainers!
