Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for February 2 to 8

Roller skate at the Rio, dive into delicious poutine, celebrate the Lunar New Year + more

1. La Poutine Week – Friday, February 1 to Thursday, February 7

La Poutine Week is here and Fable Diner’s head chef Josef Driemel has created a special fermented French fry poutine with beef gravy, smoked brisket, caramelized onions, Canadian cheese curds and a horseradish cream to celebrate. Over at Bells and Whistles, the signature “Le Chicken and Waffle Poutine” dish features waffle-cut fries, Quebec cheese curds, chicken gravy, buttermilk-marinated naturally raised organic chicken thigh, parmesan and a house-made crumble comprised of 100 percent natural maple syrup candy and green onions.
Various locations; Details online

2. Comedypants: A Stand-up Show – Saturday, February 2

Catch up-and-coming comedy talent at the cozy Avant Garden on the first Saturday of the month. Hosted by Alistair Ogden, the night showcases local talent in a tucked-away venue in a Chinatown mall. Grab seats by booking in advance or buy at the door (possibly standing room only).
The Avant Garden, 729 Gore Avenue, Vancouver; Doors at 8 p.m.; Tickets $10

3. Winter Wander 2019 – Saturday, February 2

It’s fun for all the family as five Vancouver museums open their doors for only five bucks per person today. Look out for local food vendors as you explore the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, City of Vancouver Archives and Vancouver Academy of Music.
Various locations; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $5, with children five and under free; Details online

4. Unicorn Ball – Saturday, February 2

Raising funds for the Vancouver Pride Society, the third annual Unicorn Ball brings some sparkle to the Imperial for a night of costumed fun, with prizes for most creative and horniest horn. Unicorn-Me-Up face painting and a horn-crafting station will be on hand to help you create your costume. Dance to tunes from an all-female DJ line-up and check out the magical photo booth and Love Bus ball pit.
The Imperial, 319 Main Street, Vancouver; Tickets $19.98 online

5. Lunar New Year – Monday, February 4 & Tuesday, February 5

Celebrate the Chinese New Year, aka the Lunar New Year, with a range of events in Richmond throughout the week, including blessing ceremonies, fire and lion dances, countdowns and celebration buffets.
Various locations and times; Details online

6. Theatresports Romance Week — Tuesday, February 5 to Thursday, February 14

Put the “ha” in Happy Valentine’s Day during romance week with Theatresports, showcasing a range of improv shows from classic love matches to improvised rom-com Love Unscripted and the X-rated Red Hot Improv’s take on today’s hook-up culture.
Various locations and times; Details online

7. Blood on the Dance Floor – Wednesday, February 6 to Saturday, February 9

Rooted in Aboriginal dance, theatre and storytelling, this award-winning work—written and performed by Jacob Boehme—is based on his personal experience as a renowned dancer, writer and choreographer from the Narangga and Kaurna nations of South Australia. Blood on the Dance Floor explores the struggle, heartache and enduring spirit of someone living at the intersection of Aboriginal, queer and HIV-positive communities.
SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver; 8 p.m.; Tickets from $35

8. Yoga Play — Thursday, February 7 to Saturday, February 16

Dipika Guha’s new comedy Yoga Play is a hilarious satire that asks what it takes to find authenticity in a world determined to sell enlightenment. Newly-hired Joan joins yoga apparel giant Jojomon after the company’s founder endures a fat-shaming scandal and sales plummet. As ancient spiritual practices run headlong into contemporary consumerism, the desire for truth, meaning and the right kind of yoga pants turns cultural identity on its head.
Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond; 8 p.m.; Tickets from $29

9. Roller Rink – Thursday, February 7

The Rio turns into a roller rink to celebrate 11 years of monthly live variety shows with Paul Anthony’s Talent Time and Rolla Skate Club. Featuring the world’s smallest and slowest roller derby, an audience make-over, Theremin artist Stephen Hamm and comedian Sean Devlin.
The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver; 8 p.m.; Tickets $12 in advance or $14 at the door

10. Science of Cocktails – Thursday, February 7

Experience the physics, chemistry and biology behind cocktail making at Science of Cocktails, inside the geodesic dome of Telus World of Science. Sample sips from award-winning bartenders at 42 beverage stations, including non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine. Enjoy delicious pairings at 14 stations serving food prepared by local restaurants and caterers, as well as plenty of science activities, hands-on demos and programming. Proceeds support the Class Field Trip Bursary Program, allowing over 9,000 kids from underserved schools to visit the geodesic dome in 2019 and 2020.
Telus World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver; 8 p.m. to midnight; VIP tickets $289, with a charitable tax receipt for $150