10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Jan. 19-23)

We’ve got another sunny week ahead, and there are tons of returning festivals to look forward to in Vancouver. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy a meal out during Canada’s largest food and drink fest, want to catch an immersive show at PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, or want to savour a warm cup of cocoa at your favourite cafe, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Jan. 19-23).

Canada’s largest food and drink festival is nearly back, and there are hundreds of participating restaurants to choose from this year. The festival showcases curated, fixed-price menus spanning everything from inventive seafood plates to vegan fare, to a dumpling festival. The festival is a great way to check out a new dining hotspot or place you’ve had your eye on for a while without breaking the bank.

When: Jan. 21 to Feb. 8, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St. 
Cost: $15 to $25 per person

Founded over two decades ago, B.C.’s signature cultural event (PuSh) is a mid-winter celebration of all things bold and creative. The showcase brings together local, national, and international artists alike for a series of immersive shows and workshops, and there are all kinds of mediums and subject matters to explore.

Ticket prices vary per show, but you can snag a four or six-show pass to take advantage of any handful that catch your eye.

When: Jan. 22 to Feb. 8, 2026
Time: Various showtimes
Where: Locations across Vancouver
Cost: Varies per show, or $120 for a four-show pass or $165 for a six-show pass

Lyricist and artist Dean Lewis is on a world tour right now and heading to Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre this week. His latest album, The Epilogue, represents the culmination of an incredible global journey thus far.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 601 Smithe St. 
Cost: $37+

This week, the Canucks have two games: one against the New York Islanders on Monday, Jan. 19, and one on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, against the Washington Capitals.

When: Monday, Jan. 19 and Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way 
Cost: $88+

Vancouver’s beloved Hot Chocolate Fest is back this January, and you’ll have almost a month to try warm, decadent sips at cafes and bakeries across Metro Vancouver. This year, there are 234 different flavours and 100 vendors to choose from.

When: Jan. 17 to Feb. 14, 2026
Time: N/A
Where: Participating locations across Metro Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

DanceHouse and The Cultch present the North American premiere of Paradisum, an immersive, haunting show by Bence Vági that fuses contemporary dance, circus acts, and physical theatre. The show comes to Vancouver all the way from Hungary, where a contemporary circus company, Recirquel, has created a story like no other.

When: Jan. 21 to 24, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. from Jan. 21 to 24, and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2026
Where: 600 Hamilton St. 
Cost: $40.75

True Story is The Improv Centre’s newest show, taking place on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. from Jan. 7 to 21, 2026. The show urges audience members to share their true stories without any reservations about oversharing. In the show’s second half, the performers will share their own stories in an Armando-style comedic format.

When: Wednesdays from Jan. 7 to 21, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St. 
Cost: $15 to $25 per person

Artemis Space Adventure is an immersive exhibition at Science World exploring space through fun, interactive LEGO® challenges hosted by Vancouver’s Community for Adult Fans of LEGO®. Build your own LEGO creations with guided prompts and code a micro:bit robot to navigate space.

When: Until April 6, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 1455 Quebec St. 
Cost: $39.95

Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display is in Coquitlam, and it features a 1.6 km lit pathway lined with adorable holiday displays. Running until Feb. 16, 2026, you’ve got plenty of time to check it out.

The City of Coquitlam recommends visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours, between 6 and 8 p.m., for the best viewing experience.

When: Open daily until Friday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: 4 to 11 p.m.
Where: 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: Free

Harry Potter fans of all ages can still visit the “Forbidden Forest” at Stanley Park, following an illuminated path filled with magical creatures like unicorns and hippogriffs to a quaint, themed village.

When: Until February 2026
Time: Slots available between 5:30 and 10:15 p.m.
Where: 690 Pipeline Rd. 
Cost: $43+

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