5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (February 1-7)

1. La Poutine Week

Feburary 1 to 7

There’s no comfort quite like poutine. This year, La Poutine Week Festival is appropriately partnered with Skip the Dishes, so all of the 30-plus poutines on offer in the city are available for delivery. We’ve got an eye on Colony’s classic poutine (pictured above) and—for something a little more unusual—the Storm Crow Alehouse’s Bibimbap-ity-boo Brisket Poutine.

Credit: Luke Parnell, Bear Mother, 2019

2. Indigenous History in Colour

February 3 to May 9

The Bill Reid Gallery’s newest exhibition is all about transformation—in both Indigenous storytelling traditions and in interpretations of Northwest Coast art. Luke Parnell’s two new large works, eight paintings, short film and accompanying totem pole all explore change in different ways. Bear Mother (pictured above) was originally a sketch Parnell posted on Instagram for National Indigenous Peoples Day, but is now a bright print that tells an ancient Indigenous narrative using pop culture, colour theory, and collage.

When: Wednesday, February 3 to Sunday, May 9
Where: Bill Reid Gallery
More Info: billreidgallery.ca

Credit: Kyle Humeny

3. Slim’s BBQ

Opening February 1

Slim’s BBQ has quietly slid into the Rumpus Room’s old digs, but the Narrow Group’s David Duprey and restaurateurs Shoel Davidson and Christina Cottell (of Dixie’s BBQ) are bringing big flavours to the new Main Street restaurant. The menu includes a build-your own barbecue platter (with options like smoked brisket, ribs, buttermilk biscuits and hot links), fried chicken, and pulled pork. And before you keep scrolling, vegetarians, there’s eats for you too—chili, plant-based burgers and mac and cheese. This grill’s for everyone.

Credit: Emily Cooper

4. Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata

February 5 to 7

This awesome livestreamed show is back—with actors all performing from their own pods, don’t worry—so if you missed it in November, you’re in luck. Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata is exactly what it sounds like: Craigslist personal ads set to music. You know the personals are full of quirky characters (and if you haven’t given that section a look-see, you’re a liar). Look forward to songs like ‘300 Stuffed Penguins,’ ‘Chili Eating Buddy,’ and ‘Decapitated Dolls.’

5. Dineout Vancouver

February 5 to March 7

Three food events in one week? Hey, we still gotta eat. The much-anticipated Dineout Vancouver fest is back, but with less emphasis on the “out.” Almost all restaurants have takeaway or delivery options—here’s a list of the 198 restaurants doing Dineout takeout. As usual there’s over 300 of restaurants participating and hundreds of menu options available (one is DD Mau’s Bahn Mi lunch, pictured above).