Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for February 23 to March 1

This week: check out the Vancouver Wine Festival, get buzzed on hops and beans, laugh at some live comedy + more

 

1. Changed Utterly – Friday, February 22 until March 16

Set in Dublin in 1916, on the eve of a rebellion that will impel Ireland on its way to Independence, Changed Utterly follows Constance (the third in command in the military) in her transformation from rich playgirl to committed rebel. It’s a verbatim theatre play, so the actual words of the participants are used together with the songs and poetry of the day.
Jericho Arts Centre; Tickets $28 for adults, $24 for seniors and students, online or at the door

 

2. Pet Lover Show – Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24

Fans of four-legged friends can celebrate their pets at the annual Pet Love Show—your doggo could be the next star of SuperDogs or you can visit the exhibitors and check out seminars such as Hiking With Fido to learn more about the furry members of your family.
Tradex, Abbotsford; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tickets: Adults $14, Senior $10, Youth $10 and Family Pass $34

 

3. Hopwired Festival – Saturday, February 23

Craft-coffee-meets-craft-beer in this celebration of the two buzz-making beverages. Taste coffee and beer from craft makers, try some unique collaborations, and listen to expert speakers talk about the respective industries.
Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive; 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tickets from $65

 

4. Vancouver International Wine Festival – Saturday, February 23 to Sunday, March 3

Now in its 41st year, the Vancouver International Wine Festival brings winery principals, representing 160 wineries from 15 countries, to Vancouver to pour and discuss their wines at 54 events over eight days. In 2019, the focus will be on California with the main event being the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where 725 wines are available for sampling, with an additional 145 wines available at trade tastings. Additional events include a gala dinner and auction, wine seminars, trade events, and food and wine pairing at top Vancouver restaurants.

 

5. No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks – Sunday, February 24

Based on the life of the legendary American poet Gwendolyn Brooks—the first African-American to ever win the Pulitzer Prize in 1950—this multimedia performance includes live music, shadow puppetry, live acting and multi-channel sound design.
Chan Centre, UBC; 7 p.m., Tickets from $20, 604-822-2697

 

6. Wine Dinner at Fable Kitchen – Tuesday, February 26

Fable Kitchen teams up with award-winning Little Engine Wines for a five-course menu from chef Trevor Bird. Little Engine’s owner Steven French will showcase five outstanding wines paired with chef Trevor Bird’s five-course menu. Limited seating and tickets are available in advance from Fable Kitchen.
Email: food@fablekitchen.ca or call 604-732-1322. Tickets are $150 + tax per person ($157.50 total); 6:30 p.m

 

7. FlyOver America – Friday, March 1 to Sunday, April 14

Take a trip across the U.S of A with FlyOver America and glide, dive, swoop and soar over some of the State’s most popular destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska and New York on an exhilarating 10-minute flight ride.
999 Canada Place; 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 

8. Brazil Carnaval – Friday, March 1

Celebrate Carnaval with lively Brazilian music featuring Sambacouver, Bloco Sambatá, Samba Fusion, and DJ Nanda, playing the country’s most popular hits.
Harbour Event Centre, 750 Pacific Boulevard; Tickets $15 to 45

 

9. Whose Live Anyway – Friday, March 1

With additional shows on March 2nd and 3rd at River Rock Casino, the improv crew from the hit TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway comes to the Lower Mainland for a few nights of impromptu laughs.
Hard Rock Casino, Coquitlam, 8 p.m., Tickets from $60 (solo seats only left)

 

10. Talking Stick Festival – Now until Saturday, March 2

Explore Indigenous culture through the arts. With an expected attendance of upwards of 20,000 people, the Talking Stick Festival features theatrical performances, music concerts, master classes and workshops, film screenings, artist talks, and the Celebration of Indigenous Dance and Artisan Fair. Go online for a full schedule.