Don't have tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games? Don't worry! You can still enjoy the spirit of the games, party with thousands, and watch the competitions on outdoor screens at these FREE events around Vancouver.
1. LiveCity Yaletown
Image Courtesy of City of Vancouver
One of the centrepieces of Vancouver's outdoor, free Olympic celebrations, LiveCity Yaletown will feature Olympic-sponsor pavilions, Olympic highlights on giant screens, live entertainment on its main stage in the afternoon and into the night, and a dynamic, nightly laser-light show.
Where: Yaletown's David Lam Park
When: February 13 - 28, 2010, from 11am - 11pm daily
2. LiveCity Downtown
Image Courtesy of City of Vancouver
Like LiveCity Yaletown, this major celebration site is one of downtown Vancouver's Olympic star-attractions. Situated near both BC Place Stadium (site of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies) and GM Place (the Olympic hockey venue), LiveCity Downtown will feature the Canada Pavilion, an enormous outdoor viewing screen, street entertainment, and live entertainment into the night.
Where: At the juncture of Georgia St. and Beatty St., near the Stadium SkyTrain Station in downtown Vancouver
When: February 13 - 28, 2010, from 11am - 12:30am; March 12 – 14 and March 18 - 21, 2010, from 1pm to 9pm daily
3. Vancouver Art Gallery
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
The Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) is offering free admission throughout the Olympic Games, and has assembled an amazing array of exhibits to entice visitors, including the Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man, the contemporary art Visceral Bodies, and CUE: Artists' Videos, which will turn VAG's exterior into an outdoor exhibition space. VAG is also home (on the 4th floor) to the BC/Canada Pavilion.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, downtown Vancouver
When: Free admission from February 12 - 28, 2010
4. Robson Square / GE Plaza
Photo © Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images
A major hub for free, live entertainment and activities, the Robson Square / GE Plaza Celebration Site has two stages, free ice skating (rentals are $3), daily Meet the Mascots ice shows, a free zip line, art exhibits, and more.
Where: 800 Robson St., next to the Vancouver Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver
When: Open from 9am - 9pm daily
5. French Quarter on Granville Island
Image Courtesy of Place de la Francophonie 2010
Granville Island--home to the über-popular Granville Island Public Market, restaurants and shops--will be transformed into the place to celebrate Canada's French heritage. Dubbed the French Quarter for the duration of the Olympics, there will be live music and shows, a farmer's market, shopping, exhibits from francophone artists, and Club Adrénaline, a night-spot complete with wide screen TVs broadcasting in French.
Where: Granville Island, Vancouver
When: February 11 - 28, 2010, from 11am - 12am
6. The O Zone
Image Courtesy of O Zone, Richmond
Richmond's mammoth, free Olympic celebration covers 17 days and nights of live entertainment from around the world, plus cheering-on our Olympic athletes via a massive HD screen, outdoor ice skating, interactive exhibits, food, and fireworks.
Where: Richmond City Centre, near the Canada Line's Richmond-Brighouse Station
When: February 12 - 28, 2010; Monday - Friday from 3pm - 11pm, Saturdays & Sundays from 12pm - 11pm
7. Holland Heineken House
Image Courtesy of O Zone, Richmond
The epicentre for Dutch athletes, family and fans, the Holland Heineken House can host up to 4,000 people in its main hall, making this party central for Dutch medal ceremonies, complete with beer, Dutch entertainers and live DJs.
Where: Minoru Arenas (MA), 7551 Minoru Gate, Richmond, near the Canada Line's Richmond-Brighouse Station
When: February 12 - 28, 2010, from 9am - 2am daily
8. Russia's Sochi House
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
Russians are famous for their Olympic celebrations, and the focal point for all things Russian at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be Sochi House, which will also aim to give visitors a taste of the 2014 Winter Olympics. (Note: Sochi House will move to Whistler for the Paralympics, March 12 - 21.)
Where: TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
When: February 8 - 28, 2010
9. Vectorial Elevation
Image Courtesy of Vectorial Elevation
This large-scale installation--considered one of the largest interactive artworks--will cover the sky over English Bay with a canopy of searchlights, day and night, as designed by participants over the Internet. Watch, or participate.
Where: Visible around English Bay, with the best spots at Vanier Park, Sunset Beach, and English Bay Beach
When: February 4 - 28, 2010
10. 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion
Image Courtesy of Four Host First Nations Society
Showcasing Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion will include a Coast Salish Longhouse, arts and crafts, and special theme days that will showcase cultural arts, including Inuit throat singing, Métis jigging and First Nations hoop dancing and drumming.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, downtown Vancouver
When: February 13 - 28, 2010
11. Canadian Pavilions: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada
Image Courtesy of Atlantic Canada House
Learn about living and working in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador) at their provincial pavilions, each of which has its own food and entertainment for visitors to enjoy.
Where: Alberta House, corner of Robson St. & Beatty St., downtown Vancouver
Saskatchewan Pavilion, Ontario Pavilion & Quebec Pavilion, all at Concord Place
Atlantic Canada House, Granville Island
When: February 13 - 28, 2010
12. Bell Ice Cube
Image Courtesy of Bell Canada
At Bell Canada's high-tech "ice cube" in the heart of downtown, visitors can watch ceremonies and competitions on multiple, HD plasma screens, and enjoy entertainment, Olympic ticket give-aways, and interactive product demonstrations.
Where: Corner of Robson St. & Beatty St., downtown Vancouver
When: February 11 - 28, 2010, from 11am - 11pm
