It’s another rainy week in Vancouver, but we’re that much closer to the official start of spring, and that means the city is slowly but surely transforming into a warmer, more vibrant place covered in blooming cherry blossoms! So pull yourself up by your rainboot straps, and let’s have a great week. From March Break activities to a Snow Patrol concert, to a special Nowruz celebration and market, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (March 17-21).
Nowruz Market & Chaharshanbe Suri Festival 2025
Celebrate the renewal of spring and Nowruz (Persian new year) at The Shipyards this Monday! There’s a free-to-enter festival of Chaharshanbe Suri that will welcome thousands of visitors with local vendors, spring deals, traditional treats, handcrafted goods, and a performance by Sepideh and Shally Zomorodi.
When: Monday, March 17, 2025
Where: The Shipyards
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival
The second annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival just kicked off, with plenty of tempting spring-themed treats to devour until April 27, 2025. Participating locations to visit include Beaucoup Bakery, Mister Artisan Ice Cream, and Daan Go Cake Lab Cream.
When: March 14, 2025 to April 27, 2025
Where: 10 participating locations in Metro Vancouver
Sponsored pick: Gastown St. Paddy’s Day Street Party
Free festival alert! Blarney Stone and the cobblestone streets that surround it are coming alive with a full lineup of local musicians, traditional Irish dancing, and family fun for a street party from noon to 8 p.m. on March 17, 2025. So get ready for a celebration that’s as Irish as it gets, with beer gardens by Blarney and Smith’s Irish Pub.
When: Monday, March 17, 2025
Where: 216 Carrall St.
Cost: Free admission
Celebrate Nowruz Festival
Another Nowruz celebration coming your way! University Canada West is hosting an event on Wednesday, March 19 with traditional dances, mouthwatering dishes, and hands-on activities like calligraphy and egg painting. Visitors can explore interactive cultural booths and discover the customs and significance of Nowruz from various countries along the Silk Roads.
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Where: 1461 Granville St.
Cost: Free admission
Canucks vs Jets
This Tuesday, the ‘Nucks are up against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena, and tickets are going fast.
When: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Where: 800 Griffiths Wy.
Cost: $151+
Perform Art Studio
Looking for something for the kids to enjoy this March Break? Perform Art Studios in North Van is hosting dance camps for ages 4-12 years as well as camps for teens, with registration available online.
When: Monday, March 17, 2025
Where: 123 Carrie Cates Ct., #224, North Vancouver
Cost: Varies per session
LEGO Block Party
Here’s a fun one for the kiddos at the VPL. Drop in for some LEGO-building fun at this block party at the Kitsilano branch, ideal for children in grades K-7. The event will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025.
When: Monday, March 17, 2025
Where: 2425 Macdonald St.
Cost: Free admission
Snow Patrol: North American Tour
Coming to Queen Elizabeth Theatre this Friday is Irish-Scottish rock band Snow Patrol, known for early 2000s songs such as “Chasing Cars,” “Run,” and Open Your Eyes.” The Forest Is the Path is their newest album and tour.
When: Friday, March 21, 2025
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $163.80+
Current Swell
Why not keep the good times rolling with another concert? Victoria-formed band Current Swell is performing at the Commodore this Friday and indie rock lovers won’t want to miss it.
When: Friday, March 21, 2025
Where: 868 Granville St.
Cost: $47+
Echoes of Memory: Featuring A Crow A Day at MONOVA
From Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can check out MONOVA’s rich museum collection, Echoes of Memory, which weaves together over 100 pieces telling untold stories of aging and memory loss, and the power of community in the human experience.
When: Wednesday to Sunday until June 2025
Where: 115 Esplanade West, North Vancouver
Cost: Free with museum admission
Have a great week everyone!
