It’s Family Day Long Weekend in Vancouver and there’s no shortage of things to do! From free admission to local attractions, to a full calendar of recreational events hosted by cities, plus festivals, music, theatre, and so much more!
Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend February 17-20 Family Day Long Weekend
We’re so ready for the cherry blossoms to pop in Vancouver that even a photo of pink petals on a viburnum shrub in mid-February is getting everyone excited for what’s to come! The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival will return in April, for most of the month, with free neighbourhood maps and walks, and a lineup of ticketed events.
Miss604 Photo
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Events
Here are a few festival favourites that are on the calendar already:
The Big Picnic at David Lam Park
Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Free
The Big Picnic is inspired by our belief that “there are no strangers under the cherry tree”, and connects all diverse audiences through the cultural arts, community, and our beautiful environment. The 2023 edition will feature various stages with some of the best multicultural local talent, exciting food from a variety of the culinary offerings of the city, and interactive sharings from community partners who will offer ideas and practices for a healthier and sustainable future.
Sakura Days Japan Fair celebrates all things Japan, from Japanese food, and performances, to arts and culture. Most activities will take place out of doors, with selected vendors, tea ceremonies, and experiences to take place indoors. Look forward to taiko drumming, theatre performances, woodworking demonstrations, and a renewed Japanese Garden display, just to name a few.
Bike the Blossoms
Saturday, April 22, 2023
at Trout Lake
Bike the Blossoms in partnership with Velopaloozais a beautiful slow ride under tunnels of the hot pink Kanzan cultivar on the east-side. Participants will end their ride with coffee and tea from Scavenger Coffee under a grove of cherry trees to reflect on their experience.
Tree Talks and Walks
April 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 22, 23
Free
Tree Talks and Walksare free guided tours led by local experts that focus on better understanding how our trees play a vital role in our city. It’s an opportunity to explore Vancouver’s neighbourhoods and parks and to learn about the history of the land we inhabit. Keep an eye out for one coming in March! Details will be announced soon.
Follow the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival on Facebook for the latest news and event updates.
Related: Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival in jeopardy after main sponsor backs out due to financial struggles: “The festival is facing an $80,000 shortfall because of the sponsorship pull out, which equals to about 25 per cent of its overall budget. “Without this sponsorship, we’re definitely in trouble, in terms of our big events,” says Michael Dove, the executive director of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Most events at the festival are free for people to enjoy, aside from two major events, Sakura Days Japan Fair and the Sakura Night Gala.”
Rooted in the French-Canadian community and heritage of the Maillardville area in Coquitlam, Festival du Bois is the largest and most popular celebration of francophone music and culture in BC. The event returns this year with a brilliant roster of music artists and performers slated to grace the stages of the big heated tents at Mackin Park.
Festival du Bois 2023
When: March 24-26, 2023
Where: Mackin Park/Maillardville
(1046 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam across the highway from IKEA)
Tickets: Early bird pricing until the end of February. Single day and full festival passes available. Children under 5 years are free.
The festival opens on Friday night, March 24, with a contra dance – now a festival tradition – in the Grand Chapiteau (Big Tent) in Mackin Park. Dance to the music of Vancouver’s premiere contradance group, TheSybaritic String Band, with caller, Maureen Collier. Opening the evening is an exciting double bill featuring Devon and Louis Léger (LaFamilleLéger) and the music and foot rhythms of Podorythmie.
On Saturday and Sunday the festival presents outstanding music artists from BC, Manitoba, Washington State, and Quebec. The concert Main Stage and dance floor of the Grand Chapiteau welcomes: Les Grands Hurleurs, the “great howlers”, playing traditional Québécois music that’s bursting with new ideas; sensational Senegalese soul-rocker, Élage Diouf; hip-swivelling, dance-floor-filling Brazilian dance music from Forró do Cana; Québécois music power trio, Genticorum; BC’s own Métis Jiggers; La Famille Léger’s French-Canadian and Acadian tunes, along with the galvanizing music and dance of Podorythmie; and, celebrating 50 years, Maillardville-based francophone choir, Les Échos du Pacifique.
A featured area of the festival, The Métis Village Experience, invites festival-goers to enjoy, explore, learn and appreciate the rich Métis history, art, perspectives and language. Musicians, dancers, storytellers, craftspeople, artisans and others share their culture and traditions. Festival du Bois is excited to again partner with the North Fraser Métis Association.
In the Children’s Tent (Petit Chapiteau), kids and families will get to experience Madame Diva, Will & Seeka, Seeka Sings, and Véronique’s Conte d’Afrique avec Mulungie.
Laugh for a great cause at Life is Funny! On March 15th, four award-winning entertainers will take to the stage at the Rio to host a comedy fundraiser in support of Aunt Leah’s – helping foster moms, youth and babies.
The evening will be hosted by Helen Schneiderman, featuring Syd Bosel and Ray Morrison, with special guest Janice Bannister. Bosel and Morrison have hosted several Life is Funny events over the years, which started when the crew wanted more opportunities to perform, but also give back to their community.
About the Talent
Helen Schneiderman was in CBC’s 2019 & NextUp Top 100, and won her preliminary round of the 2019 Yuk Off contest, came second in the 2019 BC Funniest New Female Comic contest, and was the opening comic on the 2020 “I Am Woman Hear Me Laff” tour and 2022 Chutzpah Festival.
Syd Bosel spills your life out onto the stage as she shares her tales of having “Adult” children, surviving breast cancer, menopause, and other glories of nature. She has won numerous awards, placing first and voted as the Fan Favourite in the 2018, BC’s Funniest New Female Comic competition. In 2022, Syd placed 2nd out of 60 comics, in the “Funniest Person with a Day Job” Competition. She has performed for numerous shows and fundraisers. She can be heard on Spotify on the Just for Laughs comedy album, “Poor Man’s Hummus” and is a regular on the “Jest Ladies” Troupe.
Ray Morrison, the “Elder Statesman of Vancouver Comedy,” has won the “One Hitter Quitter” comedy competition over 140 other competitors, and was a two time semi-finalist in the Great Canadian Yuk-off competition. He has performed for audiences at several locations including House of Comedy, Yuk Yuk’s, various brew pubs, and restaurant and at fundraisers for synagogues and the Ethiopian Canadian Association.
Janice Bannister walked on the stand-up comedy stage 20 years ago, and has performed at Just for Laughs and numerous other gigs across Canada, US and Costa Rica. She has toured with Debra DiGiovanni and has featured and headlined at the House of Comedy and Yuk Yuks. Janice is the owner and instructor of Laughter Zone 101 stand-up comedy school, and has produced over 736 comedy shows featuring many of her former students. Janice is also a corporate speaker, on “Laughter as a Wellness Tool”. She combines her years as a psychiatric nurse with her life as a stand-up comedian, to bring audiences laughter tips for their mental and spiritual well being.
About Aunt Leah’s
Much more than tree lots! Aunt Leah’s place helps prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless and vulnerable women from losing custody of their children. To support them on their journey to self-sufficiency, they provide supported housing, job training and coaching on essential life skills. Aunt Leah’s was evaluated by Charity Intelligence as one of the Top 10 Impact Charities delivering returns of 6 times for every dollar donated.
Get your tickets today and have a great time supporting a wonderful local cause.
It’s February and we’re still waiting on the cherry blossoms to pop but it’s never too early to think about baseball season! The Vancouver Canadians have just released their 2023 promotional schedule, packed with giveaways, special offers, and firework nights. With Opening Day less than two months away, you’ll want to get these dates on your calendar so you can plan your spring and summer at the ‘Nat.
Good times at the Nat. I got to throw out a first pitch last year!
Vancouver Canadians Promotional Schedule
Postgame Fireworks Extravaganzas 2023
April 7th; June 29th; July 15th & 29th; August 12th & 26th; September 2nd
This season will feature 14 giveaways, 7 postgame fireworks extravaganzas and the return of daily promotions like RBC We Care Wednesday, PlayNow Thursday, and FortisBC ‘Nooners. After much acclaim in 2022, Saturday home games in April, May and June will once again begin at 1:05pm, as will the annual Canada Day game on July 1.
The C’s – fresh off their fifth visit to the postseason in the last 11 seasons – begin their quest for the franchise’s fifth Northwest League title with Opening Night on April 7th. They will hit the road on Tuesday, April 18th for six games at Funko Field in Everett (Mariners) before returning home April 25-30 for a rematch against last year’s champion Eugene Emeralds (Giants).
After spending much of May on the road the team returns for 14 games in June, 11 in July and 15 in August before wrapping up the home schedule September 3rd.
Theme Days
RBC We Care Wednesdays – A local charity or cause will be spotlighted during each Wednesday home game to honor their efforts towards making our community a better place.
PlayNow Thursdays – The first 1,000 adult fans through the gates every Thursday will receive a Scratch & Win ticket.
FortisBC ‘Nooners at The Nat – Friday ‘Nooners are back again thanks to our friends at FortisBC. Gates open at 12:00pm and first pitch at 1:05pm.
Saturday Matinees (April-June) – Spend the afternoon at the ballpark with a special 1:05pm start time on Saturdays for the first three months of the season.
A&W Family Fun Sundays – Giveaways, activities, mascot hijinks and postgame kids run the bases every Sunday home game.
April 8 – Magnet Schedule presented by Sleeman Brewing
April 9 – C’s Toque presented by A&W
April 16 – C’s Umbrella presented by A&W
April 30 – Mascot Blanket presented by A&W
May 14 – Mother’s Day Visor presented by A&W
June 4 – Mascot Beach Towel presented by A&W
June 18 – Father’s Day Hat presented by A&W
July 2 – Mascot Socks presented by A&W
July 14 – C’s Hard Hat presented by FortisBC
July 16 – C’s Bucket Hat presented by A&W
July 30 – C’s Pennant presented by A&W
August 13 – C’s Fanny Pack presented by A&W
August 27 – Mini-Bat presented by A&W
September 3 – Jersey Lunch Bag presented by A&W
The Vancouver Canadians Toyota Superstar Series will also bring former Major Leaguers to Nat Bailey Stadium throughout the 2023 season.
Saturday, April 29th –Tom Candiotti
Saturday, May 13th – Steve Lyons
Saturday, June 3rd – Ricky Romero
Tuesday August 8th – John Gibbons
Tuesday, August 22nd – Ron Cey
Tickets for all 66 home games will be AVAILABLE NOW.
For Nat Pack holders, early redemption for undated ticket vouchers begins on Tuesday, February 21st at 10:00am and goes until February 24. Single-game tickets go on sale Saturday, February 25th at 10:00am.
