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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for February 25 to March 3

This week: celebrate The Cobalt's seventh anniversary, eat hummus for breakfast, get healthy at The Wellness Show + more

By Amy Watkins /

1. Trapped Grand Opening – Saturday, February 25

Puzzle fans can head to Coquitlam for the grand opening of the latest franchise of Canada’s newest real-life escape room adventure. Book ahead online for a room and enjoy the food, drinks and prizes during the opening weekend of Coquitlam’s hottest new attraction.
#9 – 1300 Woolridge Street, Coquitlam,
Saturday 12 p.m. to 3 a.m., $28 ($25 online, per player)

 

2. Shakespeare After Dark – Saturday, February 25

‘Improv with a buzz’ takes a unique approach to the Bard. Watch a Shakespearean scene performed by a drunken professional actor and then take in a fully improvised tragedy that treats the audience to the Elizabethan-style of theatre with a modern twist.
10 to 11 p.m., Havana, 1212 Commercial Drive
$10 ($8 with Havana restaurant receipt)

 

3. Dancehall with Moiika – Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25

Jamaican dancehall queen and choreographer Moiika is coming to Vancouver, hosted by KETCH DI VYBZ. Currently based in Los Angeles, Moiika has been touring the world sharing her love for dance and culture. Join her for a workshop that covers her unique style of ‘Dancehall Queen’ choreography.
Saturday and Sunday, 7 to 8:45 p.m., $35
Strive Studios, 3685 East Hastings

 

4. The Cobalt Seven-year Anniversary Party – Sunday, February 26

Celebrate seven years of The Cobalt with DJs M!G!H!, Dylan Jones and Sincerely Hana. The party will be headlined by the dark melodies, distorted synths and electronic pop of Vancouver trio Little Destroyer.
8 p.m. to 1 a.m. (invite-only before 10 p.m.)
No cover, 19+

 

5. Jaffa-style Hummus Brunch – Sunday, February 26

Small-batch hummus-maker Hummus Express is bringing its authentic Jaffa-style vegan and veggie brunch to Vancouver’s Main Street, dishing up velvety smooth hummus, falafel, fresh salad and a full bar (after 11 a.m).
Starts at 10 a.m., reservation required
Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street

 

6. Aether EP Release Party – Monday, February 27

Local multi-instrumentalist Alex Maher is releasing his much-awaited EP, Aether on Monday night at the Fox Cabaret, joined by supporting acts Small Town Artillery and Best Night Ever. Alex’s music fuses elements of soul, pop, funk and jazz with insightful lyrics relating to the pitfalls of modern life.
8 p.m., Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street

 

7. Japan Unlayered – Now until Tuesday, February 28

Catch this multi-sensory exhibition, which includes a MUJI pop-up shop and a celebration of contemporary Japanese architecture, design and culture. Curated by master Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Westbank and Peterson, the exhibition combines traditional and contemporary influences to illustrate that the defining principles of Japanese design remain the same despite the evolution of technology.
Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place
Free (reservations required for MUJI)

 

8. LTS Whisk(e)y Dinner – Tuesday, February 28

Whiskey fans can gather in the Irish Heather’s private whiskey bar Shebeen for an Ardbeg cocktail. Follow it with a communal dinner of Guinness-braised lamb shank with thyme demi and burnt sage polenta (or a veggie option) and a flight of Ardbeg whisky that a distillery rep will take you through a tasting of before you eat.
The Irish Heather, 212 Carrall Street, 7 to 10 p.m., $45

 

9. The Wellness Show – Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 5

Get inspired by some of the 300 exhibitors at the 25th anniversary Wellness Show during a weekend of wellness-centred workshops, seminars and stalls. Chill out in the Bodhi Meditation Garden, take the little ones to the BOKS Obstacle Zone or catch local chefs demonstrating healthy dishes on stage.
Vancouver Convention Centre, West building, 1055 Canada Place
Friday 12 to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $14.50

 

10. Vancouver Ukulele Festival – Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 5

Whether you are a uke master or new to the four-stringed instrument, the ukulele festival has a workshop that will take your skills to the next level. Opening with a gala festival on March 3rd at The Rio, the two-day festival features workshops covering everything from doo-wop to bluegrass music.
Saturday 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 to 5:30 p.m. at 3250 Croatian Cultural Centre,
Commercial Drive
$225 for a festival pass