10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (April 13-17)

The sun might be disappearing for a brief stint, but don’t worry, it’ll be back! And you don’t want to miss out on all of the fun things to check out around town this upcoming week. From TED Talks to a Canucks game, to Journey’s Final Frontier Tour, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (April 13 to 17).

Known for their decades of chart-topping songs and electrifying stage performances, iconic rock band Journey is taking their final bow. Their new North American tour has 60 dates across the continent, and it’s stopping in Vancouver at the end of this week, giving fans one last chance to experience their undeniable pull live. Rock ‘n roll wouldn’t be rock ‘n roll without them!

When: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 100 North Renfrew St. 
Cost: $100+

Another fun Paint and Sip session is coming to East Van’s Howe Sound Taphouse this Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and the event’s got a two-for-one deal going right now. For $21.03 a pair, you can enjoy a relaxing, social paint session with a pal or a date, with all materials provided. And of course, a couple of rounds of brews never hurts either.

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: 1489 East Hastings St.
Cost: $21.03 for two

Admission is steep, to say the least, but you can still apply to attend TED 2026, a gathering of some of the world’s most inspiring minds in global politics, technology, and culture. Over the course of this week, attendees will experience TED Talks that spark conversations across the world.

When: Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: Varies per speaker
Where: 999 Canada Pl., West Building
Cost: US$12,500

This Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Canucks are up against the LA Kings at Rogers Arena.

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way 
Cost: $71.25+

The Sam Roberts Band is bringing their highly anticipated Chemical City 20th Anniversary Tour to Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

When: Tuesday, April 16, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 868 Granville St. 
Cost: $144

The Vancouver Golden Eyes take on the Seattle Torrent at the Pacific Coliseum this week.

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 100 North Renfrew St. 
Cost: $25+

And if that’s not enough sporting fun for you, the Whitecaps will be playing Sporting Kansas City this week.

When: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 777 Pacific Blvd. 
Cost: $34.50

Maybe you’re more of a metal head, in which case, you won’t want to miss out on the 7th annual Hyperspace Metal Fest, AKA Canada’s premier melodic/power metal festival! With three days of back-to-back concerts to check out at the Rickshaw and the Colbalt, there’s sure to be a show for every fan of the genre.

When: Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 7 p.m. on Saturday
Where: Multiple venues 
Cost: $40.84

The Improv Centre is introducing a hilarious new show based on a rotating crew of space explorers, who must rely on audience suggestions to explore a different “galaxy” every show.

When: Opens Thursday, April 9, running Fridays and Saturdays until June 27, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St. 
Cost: $31.50+

You can pick up some cherry blossom-themed treats at this year’s Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Fest, which brings new food and drink options to spots across the city.

When: Friday, March 20 to May 3, 2026
Time: Times vary per location
Where: Participating spots across Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

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