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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for January 24 to 30

This week: embrace ice cream in the winter at Soft Peaks, join local stars and party like it's the '80s, join a week-long race where you set the pace, and more

By Kirsty Chan /

Credit: Soft Peaks

Soft Peaks Ice Cream

Ice cream in the middle of winter? You bet! Soft Peaks, situated on 25 Alexander in Gastown, is serving up the delicious dessert in a way that might suprise you. The soft serve ice cream is made with Avalon organic milk and served smooth with only a hint of sweetness. But don’t worry – the magic comes in the toppings. Think Tim Tam flakes, Himalayan pink salt or toasted coconut. But our personal favourite is their signature Honeycomb peak, which comes with a hunk of sweet and gooey local honeycomb. It turns ice cream into an experience, and is something you can’t currently find anywhere else in the city.
 



Credit: Flickr/Ariane Colenbrander

Afro-Cuban Performance and Dance Party – January 24

Spice up your Saturday at the Afro-Cuban Performance and Dance Party at Studio 1938 on Granville Island. They’re kicking off the night with performances by dancer Silfredo la O Vega accompanied by live percussion, and music by Latin four-piece Rumba Calzada. Afterwards guests will get a chance to hit up the bar and show off their own moves with DJ Marc Fournier spinning all your favourite Caribbean tunes.



Credit: Flickr/Gord McKenna

Movies Under the Stars – January 24

Catching a flick under a sky full of stars is a summertime staple in Vancouver, but now you can enjoy it year-round with Movies Under the Stars at H. R. MacMillan Planetarium. First up will be a showing of Star Trek: Into Darkness this weekend. So boldly go (or comfortably settle) into your seats and watch as Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew embark on a journey to stop a “one-man weapon of mass destruction”. 



Credit: Flickr/Vancouver Film School

Icons Vintage Market 1-Year Anniversary – January 25

The Icons Vintage Market is a flea market unlike any other. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing to retro knick-knacks to pop culture collectables. Check it all out at Mount Pleasant’s Biltmore Cabaret. Anything goes at this wild market, and to celebrate its first birthday, expect the celebration to be big. Stop by to catch all the crazy fun and to shop for one-of-a-kind finds. 



Credit: Flickr/Patricia Mellin

Valentine’s Snail Mail Social – January 27

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s not too early to start preparing. Everyone loves getting mail so stop by the Valentine’s Snail Mail Social at Guildford Library to write out a loving letter for your friends, family, and significant other. They’ll have typewriters and fun stationary supplies available for use so that you can make your note extra special. Mail it off right after the event and it should arrive just in time. 



Credit: Flickr/Sara Robertson

Feast on Film – January 28

Dinner and a movie go together like PB and jam, and Dine Out Vancouver’s Feast on Film Event is playing up this fantastic combo. Feast on Film will be screening the Mexican film Like Water for Chocolate, a tale of food and love. Before the show starts, guests will be served an amuse bouche to awaken their senses, halfway through they’ll be served a second dish, and then after the movie there will be, of course, dessert. All food is prepared by the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and will have accompanying VQA wine pairings.



Credit: Flickr/Stephen Rees

A Play, a Pie, and a Pint – January 28

If live theatre is more your style then have no fear, there’s a food and entertainment combo for you too. Centennial Theatre is presenting its A Play, a Pie, and a Pint event for its Lunchtime Theatre. The crew will be performing the hit musical How Can I Keep From Singing, a tribute to singer Eva Cassidy. After the show guests can enjoy a pie from the Aussie Pie Guy food truck and a drink of their choice.



Credit: Flickr/Michelle Edwards

vanCOVER Party Like it’s 1983 – January 29

Music lovers can celebrate the best of the oldies and the best of Vancouver’s up-and-coming artists. VanCOVER is partying like it’s 1983 with five local artists who will be playing covers of some of the ’80s biggest hits. Hosted by The Imperial, bands will include Bend Sinister, Gay Nineties, Chersea, Jon Bryant, and Vince Vaccaro. You can buy tickets online with all proceeds going to Music Heals. 



Spark FWD – January 29 to 31

Movie and tech buffs alike can revel in Vancouver’s most unique film festival, Spark FWD. Spark FWD is a festival of visual effects in film, from the cutting edge technology to the artistic brilliance behind it all. There will be two days of panels, lectures, and presentations as well as evening screenings of visual effects gems. You can hear from the minds that brought you movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, The Hobbit, Interstellar, and more.  



Credit: Flickr/Michael Kwan

Dale Mackay at Fable – January 30

Vancouver foodies have no shortage of gastronomic events to attend, but on January 30 there’s a collaboration worth making time for. Former Top Chef Canada winner Dale Mackay will be working with Fable owner Trevor Bird to create a spectacular five-course dinner. Fable is known for their rustic farm-to-table approach and fresh local ingredients. You can purchase tickets online and reserve your seating. 



Credit: Flickr/Josiah Mackenzie

Bagel Chase – January 31 to February 6

Bagel Chase is a race like unlike any other that takes place for the entire week of January 31 to February 6. Participants are invited to run their 5k course as many times as they can throughout the week. Sign up as a team or on your own and be entered to win prizes for overall individuals, overall teams, and random participation prizes. The route will take you from Siegel’s Bagels, across the Burrard Street Bridge, to Cactus Club Café by English Bay, and back again.