Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for February 10 to 16

This week: make a piñata with love, celebrate the comedy of romance + more

1. Woodward’s Valentine’s Market — Saturday, February 10

Pick up some sweet treats or a handmade gift for your bae at VHS Markets & Woodward’s weekend pop-up! The community event brings together local artists, crafters and vintage goods sellers for an afternoon of artisan fun.
Woodward’s Building, 128 West Cordova Street, Vancouver; Noon to 6 p.m.; Free admission

2. ’80s vs. ’90s Valentine’s Prom Party — Saturday, February 10

It’s just like all the best moments from your favourite high school dance… but with no teachers and more booze in the punch bowl, at the Fox Cabaret’s vintage ’80s vs. ’90s Valentine’s Prom Party. Dress to impress in retro outfits to win the crown of Prom King or Prom Queen. There will be corsages on hand and the space will be decked out with balloons, streamers and red tinsel for an authentic experience.
Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street, Vancouver; 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Advanced tickets $10 or $15 at the door

3. Smash Your Love — Sunday, February 11

Curio shop This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven presents Smash Your Love, a piñata-building workshop… just in time for Valentine’s Day. Led by professional piñata artist Meaghan Kennedy from Your Piñata, the workshop includes everything you need to craft a piñata based on a loved one’s look. (Or create a perfect replica of your ex to stuff with candy and bash with a bat.)
This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven, 2244 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; Noon to 3 p.m.; Registration $60 per person, including piñata-building supplies and candy

4. Strange Art Session #2: Ink & Brush Drawing — Monday, February 12

Making art accessible in unexpected places, each Strange Art Session explores a different theme, technique or material. Bring your Valentine—or friend—and enjoy a beer whilst learning how to create blind contour portraits using ink and brush.
Strange Fellows Brewing, 1345 Clark Drive, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Admission $10 including a beer, materials and instruction, but first come, first served

5. My Funny Valentine — Wednesday, February 14

Hosted by none other than Cupid himself, along with the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite (a.k.a. Venus), Vancouver TheatreSports League brings the love-themed shows of Romance Week to a climax with an evening featuring three “improv couples” in an audience-inspired competition to prove that love conquers all.
The Improv Centre,1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver; 7:30 p.m.; Tickets $31.50

6. Talking Stick Festival — Wednesday, February 14 to Saturday, February 24

Bringing together 18,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous attendees alike, the 17th Talking Stick Festival features 11 days of traditional and contemporary visual arts, film, theatre, dance and music. Highlights include Sokalo, a vibrant work by [ZØGMA], a professional percussive dance company hailing from Quebec, the four-day Schayilhen Industry Series forum, three days of Indigenous films at Reel Reservations plus spoken word and musical events.
Various locations, Tickets $5 to 45 with VIP pass for $60 to 90 (Some events are pay what you can)

7. PechaKucha Night Vol. 44 — Thursday, February 15

Get inspired as part of the global PechaKucha series of live events that brings 12 interesting people to the stage to share unique insight into their works and ideas… in just 20 slides x 20 seconds. Hosted by Caroline Boquist, co-owner of design boutique Walrus, the Vancouver edition includes local talents from industries ranging from food to fashion, as well as local speakers from non-profits such as Hives for Humanity.
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; Doors at 6:30 p.m. with show at 7:30 p.m.; Tickets $19, including membership and facility fees

8. Salt Water Moon — Thursday, February 15 to Sunday, February 24

By the light of a moon-filled night in 1926 Newfoundland, two lovers contemplate their future in this bold, lyrical interpretation of a classic Canadian play. Reimagined by Dora Award-winning director Ravi Jain, with its boldly spare staging, this production asks “Can you ever truly return home?”
Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond; 8 p.m. nightly (except Sunday and Monday) with matinees on Saturday, February 17 & Sunday, February 18 at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, February 20 at 1 p.m.; Tickets from $29

9. Murakami-inspired Tasting Menu — Until February 28

From palette to palate, Market by Jean-Georges launches its five-course Murakami-inspired tasting menu, in celebration of Vancouver Art Gallery’s new Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg exhibit. Influenced by the Japanese artist’s bold colours and imaginative approach, dishes will include delights such as Roasted Beet Risotto with Charred Octopus and Nori Tenkasu plus Flower Ball floral panna cotta with wild rose crumble and basil, inspired by Murakami’s signature animated flowers.
Market by Jean-Georges, 3rd floor – 1115 Alberni Street, Vancouver; $120 per person, with advanced tickets to Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg available as an add-on; Reservations available

10. Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg — Until May 6

Canada’s first major retrospective of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s paintings spans three decades of his career—from epic paintings of the 1980s to new, never-before-seen works. More than 50 paintings and sculptures showcase his uninhibited imagination and his wide range of conceptual and cultural reference, from folklore to art history and pop culture.
Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver; Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays until 9 p.m. by donation; Tickets $6.50 to 24