Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for January 9 to 15

Heathers: The Musical – January 6 to 17

This week, The Cultch Theatre is bringing a ’80s cult film to the stage with Heathers: The Musical. The story of Veronica Sawyer’s rise to popularity—and resulting murder—becomes an outrageous musical under the direction of David C. Jones. The production’s strong language, mature subject matter and nudity are not suitable for children, but adult audiences can expect a heartfelt (and homicidal) show

January 7 to 9 and 12 to 16, 7:30 p.m.; January 9 to 10 and 16 to 17, 2 p.m.
The York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, tickets start at $15

Festival of Lights – January 8 to 10 & 15 to 17

Not quite over Christmas just yet? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. VanDusen Botanical Garden has decided to extend its annual Festival of Lights for a few more weekends in January. Though the remaining dates will not include the Dancing Lights show, visitors are welcome to roam the outdoor light exhibits.

$8, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street

The Usual Suspects Benefit Concert – January 9

Beloved Vancouver band, The Usual Suspects, will be playing a benefit concert in support of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada at the Backstage Lounge this Saturday. One in every 150 Canadians is living with Crohn’s or Colitis, ranking Canada among of the most affected countries in the world. With music stylings including classic rock, R&B, Motown, funk and jazz, the Usual Suspects are sure to have guests on their feet for this great cause.

$10, Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
The Backstage Lounge, 1585 Johnston Street, Granville Island

National Ski Day – January 9

Hit the slopes in support of our national ski teams during Sport Chek’s National Ski Day at venues across Canada. Eight ski resorts across the country are offering $15 lift tickets for the day, encouraging families to get outside and get active. Panorama is the only B.C. mountain selling discounted lift tickets, but with more participating resorts just across the Alberta border, the second annual National Ski Day is the perfect excuse for a last-minute weekend ski getaway.

Golden Globes Party – January 10

Whether you’re a dedicated movie buff or just looking to get your red carpet glam on, we suggest you head down to the Rio Theatre for a free Golden Globes party this Sunday. The East Van theatre is hosting a live broadcast of the 73rd annual awards event, complete with trivia and costume contests during commercial breaks. Admission to the 19+ party is free, but be sure to bring two pieces of ID for the licensed bar.

Doors open at 4 p.m., awards start at 5 p.m.
The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway

No Pants SkyTrain Ride – January 10

Inspired by NYC’s Improv Everywhere team, Vancouver’s very own Improv Anywhere has established our city’s annual No Pant SkyTrain Ride. Join other Lower Mainlanders riding public transit pants-free this Sunday to lighten the mood of fellow commuters before a pants-optional after-party. Event organizers remind participants to keep it appropriate: “The mission is to make people laugh, not to piss them off.”

Location TBA

Vance Joy – January 12 to 13

Whether or not you know his name, you likely know the words to Vance Joy‘s hit single, Riptide. The catchy song was first released on the artist’s debut EP in 2013 and has since been a mainstay on international music charts. After touring with Taylor Swift in 2015, Vance Joy (born James Gabriel Keogh) announced a 2016 Canadian tour, which kicks off this weekend at The Orpheum Theatre. The artist will perform two local shows before heading east, with Calgary-based Reuben and the Dark opening both nights.

The Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe Street
Tickets start at $25

Dirty Dancing – January 12 to 17

Broadway Across Canada’s latest tour promises to be the time of your life. This winter’s stage adaptation of Dirty Dancing, the classic 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, is making its way across the country with a high-energy production about love against all odds and crowd-pleasing hits like Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby and The Time of My Life.

January 12 to 15, 8 p.m.; January 16, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; January 17, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, tickets start at $40

Sing It Fwd – January 14 to 15

“The moment a child in poverty learns to play an instrument they are no longer poor.” –Maestro Jose Abreu

#SingItFwd was founded in 2011 to raise awareness and money for the Saint James Music Academy (SJMA), an organization that brings free music education to Vancouver’s inner-city youth. The annual two-night concert series, sponsored by 102.7 The Peak, Nimbus School of Recording Arts and CineWorks, brings stars of the Canadian music community together with SJMA students for a touching tribute to the power of music. This year’s top-secret lineup won’t be released until show day, but past participating artists have included k-os, Hannah Georgas, Said The Whale, and The Zolas. If you can’t attend the event, find out how else you can support SJMA. 

The Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street
Students $35, General Admission $45, Assigned Seating $55

Dine Out Vancouver – January 15 to 31

Canada’s largest food and drink festival returns to the West Coast this week with a 17-day calendar full of culinary experiences. Events range from a Gastown Brunch Crawl to a night of tasting and painting on Granville Island, while some of the city’s best restaurants serve set $20, $30 and $40 three-course dinners. Find a full schedule of events, search by price, neighbourhood or cuisine, or even plan a staycation with participating hotels at dineoutvancouver.com.