Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for January 26 to February 2

This week: Mexican marionetas, sustainable seafood, brainy karaoke + more

1. Sleeping Beauty Dreams – Friday, January 26 to Sunday, February 4

A contemporary look at a classic tale, Marionetas de la Esquina‘s humorous storytelling and whimsical puppetry re-imagines the famous princess as an overprotected daughter looking for a way to break free of her castle walls to search for true love—and her true self.
Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver; Showtimes: 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7 p.m., Tickets $15

2. Ruined by Lynn Nottage — Friday, January 26 to Saturday, February 17

Lynn Nottage’s daring play tells the story of Mama Nadi, who caters to both sides of the brutal civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo as her bar both protects and profits off the bodies of the women who have become casualties of the conflict.
Pacific Theatre, 1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC; Showtimes: Wednesday to Saturday at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. Sat matinees; Tickets $38.35

3. Into the Arctic — Friday, January 26 to Sunday, March 25

Vancouver Maritime Museum and Queen Elizabeth Theatre host the Canadian premiere of Into The Arctic, an exhibit that encompasses over 50 Arctic oil paintings and three films from artist and explorer Cory Trepanier’s four Arctic expeditions to the furthest reaches of the Canadian North.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; Public reception on January 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver; Cory Trepanier appearances on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. & Saturday, January 27 from Noon to 3 p.m.

4. Annual New Westminster Festival of Volunteers — Saturday, January 27

Start 2018 off on the right foot and find out about volunteer opportunities from 30 local non-profits at this New Westminster festival.
Royal City Centre Mall, 610 6th Street, New Westminster; 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Tickets $20 to 100

5. The High Life Sessions — Sunday, January 28

Sunday is fun-day at R&B Brewing with Music MadHouse Records and other record dealers coming together for this afternoon of craft beer, great food and a lot of vinyl up for sale.
R&B Brewing, 54 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

6. The Events — Until January 28

The healing powers of love, forgiveness and faith are thrown into doubt in one of the decade’s most incendiary and important works, inspired by the 2011 attacks in Utøya, Norway. The Events also showcases Metro Vancouver’s vibrant community choir scene with a different choral group performing on stage each night.
The Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue, Vancouver; Tickets $26 for matinees, $31 regular

7. The Travelling Bartender — Sunday, January 28

Three of Canada’s most well-travelled bartenders discuss the tricks of the trade when it comes to pulling off a successful shift slinging drinks in a foreign place. Find out how to make some extra money while on vacation and discover which tools you need to pull off a pop-up on the other side of the world.
Clough Club, 212 Abbott Street, Vancouver; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Free admission but registration is required

8. Nerd Karaoke — Tuesday, January 30

Nerd alert! Grab the mic and croon space, sci-fi, fantasy and nerddom-inspired karaoke songs by artists such as Weird Al and David Bowie at a fun evening hosted by Carmin Carotenuto from the Adventure.exe podcast.
Storm Crow Alehouse, 1619 West Broadway, Vancouver; 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

9. Body, Soul and Spirit Expo — Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 4

Expand your consciousness and learn more about the wellness industry with presentations from experts—plus check out exhibitors offering products and services that promise to enrich body and soul.
Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; Friday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tickets $15 one day or $35 for all three (includes membership)

10. Ocean Wise Pop-up Cafe — Until February 4

Ocean Wise’s executive chef Ned Bell features dishes from his inaugural cookbook Lure, showcasing sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, with a special three-course menu at this Dine Out pop-up cafe at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver; 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. seatings; Admission $62.35 (including taxes and service charges)