What's Happening

Vancouver Adventures: Our To Do Picks for Jan. 11-17

This Week: Eat, drink and be merry (at value prices!) at Dine Out Vancouver, take the family to a Vancouver Giants game, enjoy a variety of performance art pieces at the PuSh Vancouver and more

By Anna Dupas /

Credit: Dine Out Vancouver

Dine Out Vancouver – January 17 to February 2

Resolutions are out and reservations are in at the 12th annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, which will feature fabulous deals on meals at a record-setting 263 eateries around town. And, bonus: plates are priced at only $18, $28 and $38 per person, so even if your post-Christmas budget is blown (join the club!) your social life doesn’t have to come to hit the skids. Check it out from January 17 through to February 2, with all the details online.



Credit: PuSh Festival

A Brimful of Asha – January 16 to February 8

Think your mother is opinionated? Then wait till you meet Asha, an in-your-face Indian mom determined to marry off her heel-dragging son Ravi, even if she has to arrange the wedding herself. Running from January 16 to February 8 at Granville Island’s Revue Stage (1601 Johnston St, Vancouver), A Brimful of Asha is a true tale entertainingly told by a real-life mother and son about how they managed to overcome their odds. For tickets, go online or call 604-687-1644. 



Credit: PuSh Festival

10th Annual PuSh Festival – January 14 to February 2

Dead-of-winter doldrums get you down? Perk up your spirits at the 10th annual PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, taking place from January 14 to February 2 at 16 Lower Mainland locales, including The Cultch, Fox Cabaret and Frederic Wood Theatre. That’s where artists from all over the world are rolling out “envelope-pushing,” “line-crossing” works ranging from theatre and dance to music and multimedia. Buy individual tickets online or save $30 and spring for an all-access PuSh pass.



Credit: Robson Square

Skating at Robson Square – Until February 28

When it comes to the cost of living, Vancouver holds the undesirable distinction of being ranked North America’s priciest city. So thank goodness for us finance-challenged folk that there’s still some free fun to be had, including skating at the Robson Square Ice Rink (800 Robson St, Vancouver). Bring your own blades and drop by daily until February 28, or rent some on site for $4 per person.  



Credit: Flickr / Angsbacka

West Coast Reiki Centre

Not many people relish the idea of being groped by strangers, but that reluctance goes out the window when it comes to Reiki, an ancient form of hands-on energy healing. See what it’s all about at the West Coast Reiki Centre (#8 – 4424 Main St), hosting “reiki exchanges” on the third Wednesday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for a $10 donation per person. Register online for the January 15th session or call 604-618-5082.



Credit: Flickr / Rodefield

Vancouver Art Gallery

Kids and culture go together like oil and water, right? Not according to the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St), who’s now offering free admission every Sunday for children aged 12 and under. This means your little ones will have free and regular access to all of the gallery’s exhibitions as well as the Weekly Family Programs, which include everything from kid-friendly tours to art-making activities.  



Credit: Earls

Earls Kitchen + Bar

Did you know that 95 per cent of New Year’s resolutions involve losing weight and eating healthier? Earls Kitchen + Bar (various locations) can help you make sure this goal is more than just a flash in the pan with its new Resolution Menu, featuring fresh, healthy fare that’s low on calories but big on taste. Check out the power-packed main-plate salads – we recommend the Harvest Crunch! – or go for the lean, herb-marinated steak, lettuce-wrapped chicken tacos or one of the many gluten-free and vegetarian options. Bon appetit!



Credit: Flickr / firstpersonshutter

37th Annual Wedding Fair – January 11-12

So you got an engagement ring for Christmas? Congratulations, and get ready to say “I do!” to the 37th annual Wedding Fair, held January 11-12 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel (1601 Bayshore Dr, Vancouver). With over 150 exhibitors, brides and grooms to-be can find inspiration, fresh ideas and industry pros to help them plan the wedding of their dreams. Plus, check out a fashion show (cat-walking everything from gorgeous gowns, bridesmaid dresses and honeymoon lingerie) and a thousand unique prizes, including a $250,000 Dream Wedding package.  



Credit: Vancouver Giants

White Spot Vancouver Giants Family Pack

Hockey and hamburgers – is there a more perfect pairing for carnivorous Canadians? If you fit the bill, check out the White Spot Vancouver Giants Family Pack. For $99, you’ll receive four tickets to any Giants home game, two legendary burger platters, two Pirate Paks, a $10 Chevron gift certificate and a game-night parking pass. To book, call 604-444-2687.



Credit: Flickr / larryadventure

Heli-Skiing at the Kooetnay Rockies

Did you know that heli-skiing was pioneered in the Kootenay Rockies? Neither did we, but those snow-packed peaks, called the Bugaboos, have provided the perfect backdrop for alpine adventurers ever since. But if you’re not so keen to careen down slippery slopes, you can always check out the region’s world-class snowmobiling terrain instead.