February 2013 is a month full of annual favourites and new, fun activities. Get ready for Chinese New Year, LunarFest, Valentine's Day, and more!
See also: Top 10 Things to Do on Valentine's Day
Ongoing through February 3
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
What: One of Vancouver’s signature festivals, the PuSh Festival is 20 days of groundbreaking work in the live performing arts: theatre, dance, music and other, hybrid forms of performance.
Where: Various sites around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details
Ongoing through February 3
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
What: Vancouver's annual restaurant event from Tourism Vancouver has 200 participating restaurants offering discount menus for $18, $28 and $38, plus street food promotions and lots of special foodie events and tours.
Where: Various locations throughout Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Set menus of $18, $28 and $38 per person; additional cost for special events
Ongoing through February 14
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
What: 23 Vancouver chocolate makers and artisans come together for this festival that brings 60 new and unusual hot chocolate flavours to Vancouver.
Where: Various locations throughout Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details
Ongoing through February 28
Robson Square Ice Skating
What: Vancouver's only outdoor ice rink is open for free ice skating all winter.
Where: 800 Robson St., across from the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver
Cost: Free; skate rentals are $4
Saturdays, February 2 - 23
February Food Truck Fest at the Vancouver Winter Farmers Market
What: The Winter Farmers Markets doubles its food carts--hosting 18 total--for this food truck fest, which includes covered seating and live music.
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium, 30 & Ontario Street
Cost: Free
Sunday, February 3 - Sunday, February 10
WinterPRIDE 2013
What: Whistler's annual winter Pride event, promoted by Gay Whistler, includes parties, dances, tours, "apres ski" events, comedy shows, and--of course--skiing and snowboarding.
Where: Whistler, B.C.
Cost: Various; see site for details
Thursday, February 7 - Sunday, February 17
Vancouver ComedyFest
What: The 8th annual ComedyFest brings comedy performers from across Canada and the US to Vancouver for a week of some of the best comedy around. Performers include Maria Bamford, Margaret Cho, John Dore, and Tig Notaro.
Where: Various locations in Metro Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details
Monday, February 11
BC Family Day
BC Family Day: 10 Things to Do on BC Family Day in Vancouver
Thursday, February 14
Valentine's Day
Your Guide to Valentine’s Day in Vancouver
Friday, February 15 - Sunday, February 17
CIBC LunarFest Vancouver
What: The free LunarFest arts-and-lunar-new-year festival returns for its fourth year with exhibitions, performances, a Lantern Jungle, and the mini-food festival Dumplingfest.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Sunday, February 17
Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade
What: The annual Chinese New Year Parade through historic Chinatown is free fun for all ages!
Where: Chinatown, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Tuesday, February 19 - Sunday, March 3
Talking Stick Festival
What: The annual Talking Stick Festival is a celebration of Aboriginal performance and art, featuring music, dance, theatre, visual art and storytelling.
Where: Various locations around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: $12 - $29
Friday, February 22 - Sunday, February 24
Winterruption Festival on Granville Island
What: The annual Winterruption Festival is an all-ages arts festival that includes theatre, live music, food, and local and international arts. The mix of free and ticketed events include kids' theatre, art walks, open art studios, and live music from Coastal Jazz and Blues Society .
Where: Granville Island, Vancouver
Cost: Various; see site for details; many events are free
Monday, February 25 - Sunday, March 3
Vancouver International Wine Festival
What: Formerly the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival (now partnered with Bard on the Beach), this incredibly popular wine festival includes multiple tasting events, wine seminars, and gala evenings.
Where: Various locations around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details
Tuesday, February 26
Take a Hike Foundation: Moonlight Snowshoe
What: Take a guided moonlit snowshoe on Mount Seymour with great people, warm soup, hot apple cider and chocolate fondue to raise money to support youth at risk in Vancouver.
Where: Mount Seymour, 1700 Mount Seymour Rd, North Vancouver
Cost: $20 Registration fee
