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5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (February 13-19)

A Matriarchal Indigenous Dance Festival, a documentary premiere highlighting rising stars in the Vancouver comedy scene and the VMF Winter Arts Festival.

By Kerri Donaldson /

Your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, send an email to kdonaldson@canadawide.com.

Credit: Erik Zennstrom (Pictured) Daisy Thompson and Sophie Dow perform Maamawi Feb. 18 at The Dance Centre

1. Uplift Indigenous Women in Dance at the Matriarchs Uprising Festival

February 13-18

For a contemporary dance festival by Indigenous female artists that’s all about Indigenous futurism, the Matriarchs Uprising Vancouver (in its fifth year) promises to be just that… all while highlighting and uplifting a culture and inspiring innovative use of technology in dance. Along with some amazing dance performances, check out these events occurring during the week as well: a short videos series on the theme of Indigenous futurism running all week long,  various masterclasses including one on a Contemporary Indigenous dance methodology with Olivia C. Davies  (February 13th) and various community workshops and online conversation circles. There’s also a VR film screening from Atamira Dance Company.

When: February 13-18
Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre
Cost: Pay what you can, register at matriarchsuprising.com
More Info: thedancecurrent.com

Banner for event with text and picture of cherub
Credit: www.earlymusic.bc.ca

2. Enjoy Some Classical Music from the Comfort of Home with Concerto D’Amore

February 14

With a title like Concerto D’Amore: Overcoming Rivalry, it doesn’t sound like the most romantic option for Valentine’s Day, but it’s classical music with a harpsichord so it will undoubtedly sound deeply romantic (and isn’t that the most important part?) Maybe you’re baroque this February 14, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t impress your date with their own private performance of this concerto by one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative ensembles, Pacific Baroque Orchestra, right in your living room. It’s an easy way to turn a night in into a romantic gesture of love (just skip the heart-shaped pizza, I implore you!)

When: February 14
Where: Online
Cost: $20
More Info: earlymusic.bc.ca

Picture of a woman in fur coat speaking into a mic and looking away
Credit: Ellen Marple (Pictured) Lil Clitty

3. Killjoy Comedy Premieres

February 14

It should come as no surprise: Vancouver has a killer comedy scene. To celebrate the unique talents here helping us laugh off our Seasonal Affective Disorder, is the premiere of a new documentary series, KillJoy Comedy, on OUTtvGO that promises to be a showcase of queerer, fatter, ‘diasporic-ier’ voices in Vancouver comedy (sorry not sorry, “white boy comedy”). Produced and directed by Vancouver’s own Shana Myara, this local comedy doc is a six-part series that features some of Canada’s most exciting new voices in comedy (get to know these names now so you can have bragging rights later: Lil Clitty, Ashlee Ferral, Sasha Mark, Joanne Tsung, Sunee Dhaliwal and Tin Lorica).

When: February 14
Where: Online
Cost: (Subscription $3.99/mth)
More Info: OUTtvGO

Poster for show: with text and drag performer arms stretched out facing forward behind blue backdrop
Credit: Photo by Matt Barnes and art direction by Andrea Tetrault. (Pictured) actor Dillan Chiblow

4. Fall in Love with this Queer Indigenous East Van Drag Love Story: Starwalker

February 16-March 5

Are you a fan of musicals and drag (show me one person who isn’t?!) Then Starwalker is your must-see modern romance that gives a unique look at the East Van queer indigenous community as told by Children of God creator Corey Payette. Musically, it’s a blend of pop and rock, with indigenous drumming and choreographically (is that a word?), Ralph Escamillan blends different facets of queer movement and traditions to create a unified piece of modern romance that takes place in the heart of East Van.

When: February 16-March 5
Where: York Theatre
Cost: From $25
More Info: thedancecurrent.com

Outside of the festival entrance with lights and an inflatable statue
Credit: VMF

5. Downtown Transforms for VMF Winter Arts

February 16-26

If you wander over to downtown Vancouver anytime starting February 16, you might notice it looks a little bit different. That’s because it’s the return of VMF (Vancouver Mural Festival) Winter Arts and it’s time to celebrate with a free, family-friendly, interactive open-air gallery of public art and entertainment. The third-annual fest brings together local and international art with very cool live experiences: including music, dance, markets, tours, a gallery, talks, parties, food and drink. New this year: the Bentall Centre Gallery featuring indoor and outdoor art (the plaza will even include some laser light animation!) Don’t miss out on the festivities or the lasers!

When: February 16-26
Where: York Theatre
Cost: Free
More Info: Winterartsfestival.com