Vancouver Events | A Good News Weekly Page

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2012

2012-01-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

This is the 92nd Annual Polar Bear Swim! Do you have the courage to carry on the tradition?
The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year's Day. The swim has grown from 10 in the first year, to thousands present day.

The swim takes place at 2:30pm on January 1st. Costumes and the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race are the highlights of this event. To become a club member, you must register before the swim in front of the English Bay Bathhouse from 12:30pm - 2:30pm on New Year's Day. You may also register by clipping out the coupon in the Province Newspaper and presenting it at the registration desk the day of the swim. Don't forget to fill out the prize entry form at registration. Donations of non-perishable food bank items will be accepted.

Your free membership includes a commemorative button after you take the plunge, and who knows, maybe you will win one of the great prizes available. Regardless, you can be proud to say you joined this 'chilly' club and can call yourself truly Canadian after all.

More info found here: http://vancouver.ca/parks/events/polarbear/history.htm

When: January 1, 2012
Time: 2:30pm
Where: English Bay Bathhouse

Breakfast With Santa at Canada Place (2011)

2011-12-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

Santa is a popular guy so this events sells out fast! Taking your kids to Breakfast with Santa will score a lot of parenting brownie points. Plus proceeds go to a great cause; the Strathcona's Community Centre's Food Security for Children, a program that helps feeds children on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

Each Breakfast with Santa is a magical experience. The events will include visits with Santa, a superb buffet-style breakfast and the best in kid’s entertainment.

There will also be the chance to win a very exciting prize. Each two dollar donation will enter you into a contest to win an all-inclusive trip for 2 to Mexico! What a great break from the cold and drab winter!

This sounds like a wonderful Christmas event. Hmmm, wondering if adults are allowed to visit Santa too??

For More info: http://www.christmas.canadaplace.ca/Breakfast_with_Santa/Ticket_Sales

Tickets are SOLD OUT

When: December 17 and 18, 2011
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Where: Canada Place

Rogers Santa Claus Parade Vancouver (2011)

2011-12-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town!

That's right! Santa Claus is coming to our town on December 4 for the Rogers Santa Claus Parade! The parade will take place in the heart of Downtown, as Santa will begin his trek from West Georgia/Broughton and work his way to the end of the parade on Howe/Davie. The parade will run along West Georgia and Howe so be sure to get a spot on one of these streets to assure you to see the man himself!

The parade will feature over 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups. Given the expected cold weather, we advise that you bundle up in layers and wear your rain gear (umbrellas are not allowed).

For more information on the event such as how to volunteer, parade etiquette, and how to meet Santa, follow this link: http://rogerssantaclausparade.com/home

When: December 4, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM
Where: Downtown Vancouver

Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk (2011)

2011-12-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Help Santa get some exercise this Christmas by participating in The Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk! The Santa 5km run and Elf 1km walk brings families & friends together and supports a great cause, The Salvation Army.

This merry event of bells & antlers helps The Salvation Army to assist families & individuals in need. There will be post-event refreshments, awards, and prizes. One pledge of $50 dollars gets you a free T-shirt, and other great prizes for more money raised! Not able to participate? You can still head down to Stanley Park and cheer on all the brave Santas and Elfs.

There is still time to register. Call 604-684-9771 or visit http://www.santashuffle.ca

When: Dec 03, 2011
Time: 10am
Where: Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park

Bear Creek Christmas Park Train (2011)

2011-12-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Take a train ride through the Christmas Forest display and meet Santa and his reindeer! This holiday event goes through the entire month of December and is a great event for the whole family. All kids will receive a candy cane and a reindeer craft kit.

When: December 3 - January 1, 2011 - 2012
Where: Bear Creek Park in Surrey
Hours: 10am - 4pm
Website: http://www.bctrains.com/

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge (2011 - 2012)

2011-12-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

The holiday season has hit the North Shore and that can only mean one thing: The Canyon Lights are back and lighting up the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This holiday tradition has become a staple in Vancouver and is a must see holiday event for the whole family.

Over 250,000 lights help illuminate the Bridge and Rainforest to create a spectacular display that is sure to help make your Christmas season merry and bright. On top of the beautiful light display, guests will also get to participate in gingerbread cookie decorating, see live seasonal music, and join Malcolm McFadyen in glass ornament blowing which is always a traditional favourite.

Prices are as follows:

$25.00 for Adults
$5.00 for Children (6 - 12 years old)
$50.00 for a family of four (two adults & two children)

When: Dec. 2 - Jan. 1 (2011 - 2012)
Time: 5pm - 9pm daily
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge
Website: http://www.capbridge.com/specialevents.php

Skating at Robson Square (2011 Hours of Operation)

2011-12-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

It just wouldn't be winter without the skating rink at Robson Square! After being one of the central hubs for the 2010 Olympics, the Square has had enough time to recover and get itself ready for an annual Vancouver tradition. As usual, skating at Robson Square is free of charge if you bring you choose to bring your own skates. Lines aren't generally too bad, but they do pick up on Friday and Saturday nights.

Skate and helmet rentals, skate sharpening, and a concession stand are available on site. Rentals are $3.

For more information and to be noted of any closures, check out: www.yougottabehere.com

When: December 1st until February 28th
Time: 9am-9PM (11PM on Friday and Saturday)
Where: Robson Square

Christmas in Kerrisdale now open! (2011)

2011-12-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Time in the city of Kerrisdale! For the entire month of December, take part in "Christmas in Kerrsidale" which has a variety of fun holiday activities for the whole family. Every Saturday and Sunday, be sure to come see Santa and his Elves who will be spreading cheer and granting wishes to all in attendance. Also on the weekends, there will be live music with Christmas Quartets playing all throughout the day.

If you're looking for something relaxing, catch a lift on one of the Horse & Carriage rides through Kerrisdale Village which run every Saturday in December.

With all these holiday events, this is a can't miss family event for the Christmas Season!

When: Month of December
Where: Kerrisdale Village
Time: 12pm - 5pm daily
Website: http://www.kerrisdalevillage.com/

Vancouver Christmas Market (2011)

2011-11-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

German Christmas markets are a centuries old tradition in Germany bringing together the community with fun, laughter, good food and drink. This European notion has now spread throughout North America. The Vancouver Christmas market combines an authentic Christmas German Market and is so much more than just a craft fair. The rows of little wooden huts that are decorated in pine branches, strung with little white lights provide a festive and romantic setting, a focal point in the city.

There will be a variety of performances on the market centre piece stage including traditional European choirs and dance performances. There will also be daily workshops such as chocolate making presentations, drumming workshops and bee keeping demonstrations! That’s pretty cool!

There will be a kids market where children can make their own Christmas gifts. Business people will find a fun meeting place for a quick bite or a drink after work.

There will be a mix of food and merchandise booths including some German specialties such as Bratwurst, suckling pig, and lets not forget the amazing hot spiced red wine (Gluehwein)! This market looks like it is going to be an enchanting time! We can’t wait to go!

Visit: http://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/

When: November, 24- December 24, 2011
Time: 11:00am-9:00pm
Where: Plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (on Georgia between Cambie and Hamilton)

Vancouver Aquarium: Luminescence (2011 - 2012)

2011-11-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

No matter what the occasion, the Vancouver Aquarium is always the place to be for great family entertainment! This holiday season head on over to the new Luminescence Exhibit, and meet Scuba Claus. The holiday exhibit is perfect for the whole family.

You can immerse yourself in a Jelly Swarm, a unique light installation created by Tangible Intervention in collaboration with origami artist, Joseph Wu. Over a hundred jellies with LED lights will fill the entire ceiling of a gallery. Control the lighting yourself at the touch of a button and create beautiful patterns of light throughout the amazing swarm hanging above you.

Christmas Tree switched on by the Electric Eel: The traditional favourite is back at the Vancouver Aquarium! Witness the sparkle and lights of a special Christmas tree that the electric eel helps light through electricity generated when it feeds. A must see for anyone who hasn't witnessed this before!

Scuba Claus: Back for his annual dive into the Strait of Georgia exhibit, watch Scuba Claus swim amongst the halibut, herring, sturgeon or sea stars.

When: November 24 - January 2
Where: Vancouver Aquarium
Website: http://www.visitvanaqua.org/events/magic-of-the-north

Festival of Trees in Vancouver (2011 - 2012)

2011-11-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

The Festival of Trees is a fundraising event that has become a holiday “must-see” tradition in Vancouver for thousands of people, and raises money for BC Children’s Hospital. This year is the 25th anniversary!

For corporate and individual sponsors, it’s an opportunity to showcase community leadership, creative flair and innovative themes all put to action in the decorating of some pretty amazing Christmas Trees! This is just the kind of event that will leave you feeling merry and festive all around!

The Festival is open to the public, who are invited to browse through the holiday display at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and upper lobby of Pacific Centre to cast a ballot for their favorite tree. Award categories include People’s Choice, Most Child-like, Most Creative and more!

There is no admission cost, but we suggest a minimum $2 donation to BC Children's Hospital Foundation for every vote cast for your favorite trees. Come out to support a great cause and enjoy the Christmas spirit!

When: November 23 - January 3 (2011 - 2012)
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 West Georgia Street) and Upper Lobby of Pacific Centre (700 West Georgia Street)

LunarFest Vancouver 2011

2011-02-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

What began with the intention of being a Vancouver Winter Olympics Legacy event, LunarFest has become Canada’s premier presenter of Asian arts and culture. The event’s main purposes are to share and celebrate the diversity of Canada from Coast to Coast and to encourage the collaboration of Canadian and International presenters.

During the Olympics, LunarFest was a can’t miss event as it was listed in the Georgia Straight’s Top 10 list of “Cultural Olympiad Events” and was experienced by more than half a million people in the Downtown Core. Last year, LunarFest had over 2,000 lanterns submitted to them by children all over the world and created the world’s first ever “Lantern Forest”. This year, the event will be revealing the world’s first “Lantern Aquarium” in what is shaping up to be a can’t miss attraction during the one year celebration of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

When: February 3 – February 11
Where; Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza
Time: 4PM-11PM Daily

Hennessey Haircut-a-thon

2011-01-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

Need a haircut? Feel like giving to a worthy cause? Then knock down 2 birds with 1 stone by coming to the Hennessey Haircut-a-thon! An event for everyone of all ages, the proceeds from the benefit go towards Wigs for Kids B.C., which helps kids with cancer or another serious illnesses by providing human-hair wigs and money for drugs and feeding supplies which are not covered by B.C. Medical.

Wigs for Kids B.C. has been around since 2006, and in that time, they have raised over $300,000 with every penny going towards the cause. Come out and support this great cause, and get a great haircut while your at it!

Get a cut and style for a minimum of $20 donation for men and $40 donation for women.

When: January 30th
Time: 10am-6pm
Where: Hennessey Salon at Richmond Centre
Website: www.wigsforkidsbc.com

Hard Core Logo: Live (at the Rickshaw Theater)

2011-01-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun, local, and unique show to see in 2011? Look no further than "Hard Core Logo: Live" which will be playing live at the RIckshaw Theater for 2 weeks.

The show is about a has-been punk rocker, Joe Dick, who had his 15 minutes of fame when he was the front man for a Vancouver rock group called "Hard Core Logo". Currently living in East Vancouver and without any prospects, Dick decides to get the group back together for one last, ill-fated tour.

Michael Scholar, Jr., the force behind The Black Rider, adapts this cult classic into a punk-ass piece of music theatre, featuring original music by D.O.A.’s Joe Keithley

Note: The show does contain coarse language and may not be suitable for all audiences.

When: January 26 - February 6
Where: The Rickshaw Theatre on East Hastings Street

Dine Out Vancouver 2011

2011-01-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

Dine Out Vancouver is back to showcase the best and most delicious that British Columbia's restaurants have to offer. Dine Out Vancouver is a city-wide celebration of food and British Columbia wine and is the largest restaurant promotion of its kind in Canada.

Vancouver's premiere restaurant event will be held from January 24th-February 6th and includes several restaurants from all over the province including The Boathouse, Sanafir, Las Margaritas, and many many more.

For a full list of restaurants, click here:http://www.foodvancouver.com/event.php?event=vancouver-dine-out-vancouver-2011

Each restaurant will off special three-course menus at fixed prices of $18, $28, and $38. Reservations are now being accepted

Where: All across the Lower Mainland
When: January 24th- February 6th

Game Design Expo Vancouver 2011

2011-01-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

You a fan of Angry Birds? Yeah, so are we. So find out how the best selling iPhone game of all time, along with several other games, found their way to the top of the gaming world. At the Game Design Expo, you'll see leading designers, executives, and producers talk about a variety of gaming topics including "How to Design a Hit Game for the iPhone". You'll also be able to hear from the makers of Microsoft Kinect, Dead Space 2, and Playstation Move.

Saturday's guest speakers will feature the brains behind "Angry Birds" as well the makers of "World of Warcraft". This is a must see event for any gaming fan young and old!

For information on tickets, check out: http://www.gamedesignexpo.com

Where: Vancity Theatre
When: January 22-23

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

2011-01-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

One of Vancouver's favourite festivals is back, as the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival returns to present the best of the best in the live performing arts. Since 2003, the Festival has showcased international, Canadian, and local artists and presents the very best in contemporary performance.

There are several free shows at this years PuSh Festival including La Marea (The Tide) and Iqaluit, as well as "City of Dreams" which will be playing for a month at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. In total, there are 17 Main Shows that will be featured all across the Lower Mainalnd including performances in Gastown, UBC, and Yaletown.

For a full schedule of shows, check the PuSh Festival's website: http://pushfestival.ca

When: January 18 - Feb 6
Where: All across the Lower Mainland. See the website for more details

Vancouver Comicon 2011

2011-01-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

No this is not the San Diego Comicon, but then again, what is? Vancouver's Comicon has been around for over a decade, and puts on a series of one-day comic book conventions, card shows, and toy and collectible shows. Special guests this year include Ken Steacy (Star Wars), Robin Thompson (Hemp Island), Ken Boesem (The Village) and many more!

Previous years have seen several comic legends come to Vancouver including Kaare Andrews (cover artist for Wolverine, Adventures of Spider-Man, and the Incredible Hulk), Steve Lieber (artist for Hawkman and Detective Comics), and J.H. Williams (artist of "Son of Superman"). This year should be no different and is a must see for any comic book lover.

Check out: http://www.vancouvercomiccon.com
Where: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
When: January 16
Time: 11am-5pm
Admission: $4.00 (Kids under 14 are free)

Casino Royale themed New Years Eve Party at Red Card Sports Bar and Eatery

2010-12-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

Feeling lucky? Then don't miss out on one of Vancouver's hottest New Years Eve parties at Red Card Sports Bar and Eatery! Try your hand at black jack, horse races and more while DJ Darren Butler provides live music to keep the party going all night long. With the evening themed red, black, and silver, be sure to style up in your best "Casino Royale" attire and ring in the New Year in fine fashion.

With dancing, live music, and a “play for fun” casino, this is sure to be one the best NYE spots in all of Vancouver! There will be lots of prizes to be won including a 3 nights stays in Vegas with Ceasar’s Entertainment and two boxed tickets, a dinner at Red Card, and a night at Moda Hotel.

When: December 31, 2010
Where: Red Card Sports Bar and Eatery

Donnelly Pub Events (New Years Eve)

2010-12-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

As per usual in Vancouver, the Donnelly Pubs are the place to be if you’re looking to have a good time. We got the lowdown on 5 Donnelly Pubs that will be partying hard on New Years Eve

Academic

The Westside’s favourite new pub is looking to ring in 2011 in style. Classic tunes new and old, custom cocktails, and a welcoming staff will help you start 2011 off on the right foot!

Doors open at 9pm, and the party rocks until 3am (if you can make it until then).

Dinner Package - enjoy a delicious 3-course meal, champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00am for only $30.00

Regular package - champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00am for $15.00

Calling

This year celebrate 2011 at Vancouver's most intimate public house - The Calling. Long a favourite of West End residents, this year the Calling is offering a 3-course sit down dinner in addition to its yearly NYE celebration. Enjoy perfect music, classic cocktails and an extensive craft beer list til 3am.

Early-bird ticket prices are as follows:

Dinner Package - enjoy a delicious 3 course meal, champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00 am for only $30.00

Regular package - champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00 am for $15.00

Cinema

Cinema Public House is the Donnelly Group’s newest addition to the Granville Entertainment District. The two-room hotspot goes til 3am this NYE. Enjoy classic music from then and now, custom cocktails and excellent food and service until 3am.

Early-bird ticket prices are as follows:

Dinner Ticket - enjoy a delicious 3 course meal, champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00 am for only $30.00

Regular package - champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00 am for $15.00

Library Square

The Library Square is proud to present this special NYE of the ever-popular Show Me Love 90s night. DJ Ana and guests play your favourite 90s hits and misses until 3am for the final party of 2010. NYE 2011 ticket prices are as follows:

Early-bird ticket prices are as follows. These will not last long – the Square sells out in advance every year.

Dinner Ticket - enjoy a delicious 3 course meal, champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00am for only $35.00

Regular package - champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00am for $25.00

Lamplighter

A guaranteed sell-out every New Year’s Eve, Vancouver’s busiest and best pub is also offering an early dinner before 11:00. See below for prices on both packages. Be forewarned – these tickets will not last long. The Lamplighter’s NYE celebration has become legendary amongst Vancouverites.

Dinner Ticket - Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal, champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00am for only $40.00

Regular Ticket - champagne at midnight and canapés at 1:00am for $25.00

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

2010-12-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

The December Solstice, known as the dance of the sun and earth has inspired a celebration of the human spirit expressed through art and music. The Solstice is acknowledged in every part of the world although the effects are different.

For those of us living in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, so what better than to celebrate the elongated night with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, music and dancing!

This year December 21st marks not only the winter solstice but a lunar eclipse as well! Come celebrate this rare celestial alignment with a glowing constellation of lanterns shining in five Vancouver neighborhoods of East Side, Yaletown, Granville Island, False Creek, and Chinatown. These five little festivals are community-based and reflect the unique nature of each neighbourhood. Intimate and accessible, each invites your participation. Wherever you wind up, it is a chance to feel connected to a community, city, and universe.

For more information, visit: http://www.secretlantern.org

When: December 21, 2010
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Different neighborhoods, see website for locations

Ellie Kings - Alice in Wonderland

2010-12-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

The Royal Canadian Theatre Company presents Ellie King's "Alice in Wonderland". "Alice in Wonderland" has always been about the weird, magical, and strange and Ellie King's adaptation promises to deliver all this and more!

The show that's full of "magic, music, merriment, and mayhem" will have all of your favourite Alice characters including The Red Queen, The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and of course the white rabbit. Feel free to cheer the good guys, boo the bad guys, and get lost in the magical world that is Wonderland.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults: $24.25
Seniors: $20.25
Under 12 years: $15.25

When: December 16-January 2
Where: Surrey Arts Theatre
Website: http://www.rctheatreco.com/

Robert Adams: The Place We Live

2010-12-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

For the last 40 years, photographer Robert Adams has become one of the most original chroniclers of Western American Landscape. Now for the first time, a large-scale exhibit of Adams' work has come to Canada in this can't miss exhibition. "The Place We Live" has 300 master photos handpicked by Adams himself, including shots from the Colorado prairie and images from the rain forests in the Pacific Northwest.

This will certainly be one of the cant-miss exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery in 2011!

When: Now - January 16th
Where: The Vancouver Art Gallery
Website: http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/exhibit_robert_adams.html

Stomp It Off

2010-12-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

Get into the swing of things at Stomp it Off!

Stop it Off is a weekly swing dance night with a lesson and music by 2 local DJ's. The event is put on by Jungle Swing Productions who host all of the top Swing Dance events in Vancouver. The event is open to both beginners and experts, as well as anyone looking to have a great time! DJ Joel and The Company B Jazz Band will keep the party moving with great live music all the way until 1am

This will be the first Stomp it Off event since the Movember Party in late November.

When: December 11th
Where: Grandview Legion Auditorium, 2205 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC.

VanDusen Botanical Garden's 2010 Festival of Lights

2010-12-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens is back for another year, and this year it looks as good as ever. Whether you are a family, a couple, or group of friends, this is just the type of event that will bring the light and cheer associated with the festive season. This year's event features several holiday themed activities including "Community Choir Concerts", "The Candy Cain Model Express Train", "The Make-a-wish Candle Shrine", and much more.

While you're walking around the Gardens, be sure to stop into Santa's Living Room which will feature the man himself during special nighttime hours up to the 24th. Also, the Dancing Lights on Livingstone Lake is a must see, as there will be multiple shows alternating every half hour.

If you get hungry, be sure to stop by Mrs. Claus' Kitchen as she'll be serving hot dogs, chicken fingers, apple turnovers, and everything in between. Best of all, you can enjoy the attraction right into the new year! Visit http://www.vandusengarden.org for all the info!

When: December 10-January 2, 2010 (except December 25)
Time: 4:30-9:00pm
Where: Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak Street