Just for Laughs Vancouver 2023

Add a Comment by Haley

Just for Laughs Vancouver, presented in association with SiriusXM, is returning for another year of larger-than-life laughs. Tickets for shows including comedy stars such as Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho, the Office Ladies, Jonathan Van Ness, Patton Oswalt, and many many more go on sale Friday, December 9, 2022.

Just For Laughs Vancouver 2023

  • When: February 16-25, 2023
  • Where: Various venues all across the Vancouver metro area
  • Tickets: Friday, December 9, 2022 at 10:00am PST on JFLVancouver.com
    • Note: Single ticket or 3+ shows package options are available

Line-up of Shows

  • An Evening with the Office Ladies I February 24 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 7:00pm
  • Sarah Silverman: Grow Some Lips I February 23 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 7:00pm
  • Fun & Slutty, A Night with Jonathan Van Ness I February 25 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 9:30pm
  • Bad Friends with Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino I February 16 I Orpheum Theatre I 8:00pm
  • Patton Oswalt I February 25 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 7:00pm
  • Tim Dillon I February 24 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 9:30pm
  • Jack Whitehall Live I February 25 I Vogue Theatre I 7:00pm
  • Sugar Sammy: Canadian Tour 2023 I February 17 at 7:00pm | Bell Performing Arts Centre | February 18 I The Playhouse I 7:00pm and 9:30pm
  • Chris Distefano I February 22 I Vogue Theatre I 7:00pm
  • Margaret Cho: Live and LIVID! I February 18 I Vogue Theatre I 7:00pm
  • A Conversation with Phil Rosenthal I February 19 I Vogue Theatre I 5:00pm
  • Pete Holmes I February 19 I Vogue Theatre I 8:00pm
  • Benito Skinner & Mary Beth Barone I February 18 I Vogue Theatre I 9:30pm
  • Ari Shaffir I February 25 I Vogue Theatre I 9:30pm
  • Darcy and Jer IRL (that means in real life, please don’t touch us!) I February 17 I Vogue Theatre I 7:00pm
  • And That’s Why We Drink: On The Rocks Tour I February 24 I Vogue Theatre I 9:30pm
  • Dan Soder I February 24 at 9:30pm and February 25 at 7:00pm I Rio Theatre
  • Joe Pera I February 21 I Rio Theatre I 7:00pm and 9:30pm
  • Ryan Hamilton I February 18 and February 19 I Rio Theatre | 7:00pm
  • Sarah Sherman I February 16 at 9:30pm and February 17 at 7:00pm I Biltmore Cabaret
  • Jared Freid I February 22 at 9:30pm and February 23 at 7:00pm I Rio Theatre
  • Bassem Youssef I February 22 at 7:00pm and February 23 at 9:30pm I Rio Theatre
  • Matt Rife I February 22 at 7:00pm and February 23 at 9:30pm | Biltmore Cabaret
  • Nick Thune I February 23 at 7:00pm and February 24 at 9:30pm | Biltmore Cabaret
  • Becky Robinson I February 19 I Rio Theatre I 9:30pm
  • An Intimate Evening with Adam Pally I February 17 I Rio Theatre I 7:00pm
  • Hannah Berner I February 18 I Rio Theatre I 9:30pm
  • Steve Rannazzisi I February 24 I Rio Theatre I 7:00pm
  • Dave Merheje: MY DEAR ANXIETY I February 16 I Rio Theatre I 9:30pm
  • Pat Regan I February 19 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
  • That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast I February 20 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
  • Joe DeRosa I February 18 I Biltmore Theatre I 9:30pm
  • Steph Tolev: Canadian Darling I February 24 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
  • Baron Vaughn I February 17 I Biltmore Cabaret I 9:30pm
  • Podcast but Outside I February 25 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
  • Jordan Carlos I February 18 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
  • Ali Macofsky I February 19 I Biltmore Cabaret I 9:30pm
  • Gianmarco Soresi: I’m So Lonely I Always Pick The Middle Urinal Tour I February 16 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
  • Girl God with Grace Freud and April Clark I February 25 I Biltmore Cabaret I 9:30pm

Best of the West Lineup

The local showcase, Best of the West, presented by SiriusXM Canada, is back to highlight some of Canada’s rising talent.

This year’s line-up includes: Ola Dada’s Black Out Comedy, Camp! Comedy!, Citizen Hurricane, Comedy Bucket, Comedy Feast, Comedy Pants, Comedy World, Cutie Pie Comedy, Drag Brunch with the Established Shanda Leer, Fistful of Kicks: Kickass Asian Comedy, Full Pint Comedy, Maestro, Millennial Line, MSG Comedy, Mufaro Mbudzi’s Scheduled Meditation, New Moon Comedy, Normal Good, Sunday Night Stand Up Comedy, Sunset Comedy, The Ryan & Amy Show, The Sasha Ha-Ha Show and Vancouver Special.

From your favourite stand-up comedians, to top ranking comedy podcasts, and of course TikTok’s latest sensations, this year’s festival is one not to miss. To get in on the action, follow JFL Vancouver 2023 on Facebook.

Pretty Woman The Musical on Stage in Vancouver

Add a Comment by Haley

One of Hollywood’s favourite films is coming to Vancouver! Broadway Across Canada has announced that tickets for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will go on sale Monday, December 12, 2022.

Photo Submitted

Pretty Woman The Musical on Stage in Vancouver

  • Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver)
  • When: On stage March 29-April 2, 2023
  • Ticket Details: Tickets will go on sale December 12th online or by calling 1-855-985-5000. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 1-800-889-8457. Tickets may also be purchased at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
    • Note: American Express Cardmembers can get “Front Of The Line” presale access to tickets from December 6-7, 2022. More information can be found here.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will star Broadway superstar and Tony Award®-nominee, Adam Pascal, as Edward Lewis and newcomer, Jessie Davidson, as Vivian Ward. The musical’s creative team is led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).

Brought to the stage by lead producer Paula Wagner, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (Summer of ’69, Heaven) and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift spirits and honour the film.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, makeup design by Fiona Mifsud and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke.

Highlighted in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired the iconic movie. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL also continues to run to great acclaim at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End.

For the latest news, announcements and “backstage” access on all upcoming shows follow Broadway Across Canada on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram. Join the conversation using the hashtags #BACTouring, #BACSub and #BACSuperfan.

Learn more about holiday theatre options to attend prior to next spring, and the 2022-2023 Broadway Across Canada season in Vancouver.

Holiday Shopping in Port Alberni

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by ZenSeekers Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Kama Money grew up in Port Alberni but spent several years living in the Lower Mainland, upon her return, she was pleasantly surprised to see how many new shopping options and small businesses were now available. My friends at ZenSeekers sent her out for a day for a holiday shopping experience in her once-again hometown, and I caught up with her to see how it all went:

Port Alberni Holiday Shopping General Store
Riverbend Cafe & General Store in Port Alberni. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers

Holiday Shopping in Port Alberni

“There’s been a lot of positive changes since we’ve moved away and come back. It’s almost like the perks of the mainland have all come here, but with a lot more affordable housing!

Kama and her son started out their #ExplorePortAlberni shopping experience with a visit to see Tseshaht/Nuu-chah-nulth artist artist Gordon Dick at Ahtsik Native Art Gallery and learn about his inspiration for his carvings and legacy pieces.

Ahtsik Native Art Gallery in Port Alberni. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers
Ahtsik Native Art Gallery in Port Alberni. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers

“Then we moved on to Leave Her Wild Container Design where we met with Shayla, and we built a holiday-themed basket.” Kama says the planter building was a really cool experience to do with her son, and it was the first holiday decoration they put up at home.

Port Alberni Holiday Shopping 2
Leave Her Wild Container Design owner Shayla Lucier (left) Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers

“We moved on to Riverbend Café & General Store, who is known for their vintage board games so we played a few, had a muffin, and amazing lattes. I love the vintage, funky, atmosphere there – I went back the next day to buy a mug I spotted.”

Port Alberni Holiday Shopping Market
Naesgaard’s Farm & Market in Port Alberni. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers

“Then, Naesgaard’s Farm & Market— it’s a Christmas wonderland! It’s full of every kind of ornament you can imagine, from nostalgic to novelty. We spent an hour exploring the themed trees and pointing out our favourite decorations.”

Kama has been a long-time fan of Blue Fish Gallery, which was next on her itinerary. They carry locally crafted beauty/wellness products and art, and jewelry. The last stop of the night was a Bulldogs hockey game with pizza and their own branded craft beer brewed locally by Dog Mountain.

Port Alberni Holiday Shopping Pizza
Pizza at the Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey game. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers

“I’m from here, I went to high school with a lot of people, so I know a lot of the business owners, and it’s just nice to be able to put faces to the names and to keep our dollars in the Valley,” says Kama who added that it was just really nice to support friends, and friends of friends in their ventures.

“The thing I like most about Port is also there’s a lot of connections to style and trends, and I think we now have an eye to the outside of what’s trending in Vancouver. Then a lot of stuff here is locally made, and locally sourced, and I just love how we can again keep the dollars in the Valley and support people that we know.”

Holiday Shopping in Port Alberni

Shopping Guide

ZenSeekers has your complete Port Alberni Holiday Shopping Guide here »

When You Go

Port Alberni is centrally located in the centre of Vancouver Island. Many pass right through it en route to Tofino, here is your invite to stop and shop! This former mill town is full of local soul, perfect for a pre-holiday season trip. While you’re there, be sure to explore the food and craft beer scene. For more on Port Alberni, including where to stay, things to do and where to eat, visit Alberni Valley Tourism.

Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »

Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas

Add a Comment by Haley

Grouse Mountain Resort’s much anticipated Peak of Christmas celebration is now open until January 2nd, 2023. Visit with Santa, skate a mountaintop pond, and much more!

Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas - Photo Credit Grouse Mountain
Photo Credit: Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas

  • When: Friday November 25th to January 2nd, 2023. Hours of operation vary and can be found on Grouse Mountain’s website
  • Where: Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
  • Tickets: Tickets for the mountain begin at $69 for adults. Family passes are available for $119 and can be found here

Guests of all ages will be transported to a winter wonderland, complete with snow, Santa and his real reindeer, brilliant light installations and Christmas movies in the Theatre in the Sky.

“Our Peak of Christmas activities allows guests to really immerse themselves in the festive season. Here at Vancouver’s North Pole, guests are encouraged to be the author of their own holiday narrative with everything that’s on offer at Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas celebration.”

Madelaine Twomey, Communications Manager at Grouse Mountain Resort.

At Santa’s workshop, believers young and old can share their special Christmas wishes and take their holiday photo. Guests this year will be able to digitally reserve their spot as soon as they get to the mountain allowing them more time to enjoy the festivities instead of waiting in line. Visits for Peak of Christmas are by donation, with all proceeds raised going to BC Children’s Hospital.

For outdoor fun, guests can explore the enchanting Light Walk around Blue Grouse Lake or take a spin on the 8,000 square foot Mountaintop Skating Pond surrounded by scenic views. The annual favourite activity, Breakfast with Santa Claus, will be held in Altitudes Bistro. Select dates for this experience are available from December 3rd – 23rd, 2022.

About Grouse Mountain

A Northland Properties Company, Grouse Mountain is proudly local, family owned and operated. With
221 acres of skiable terrain, Grouse Mountain has been welcoming visitors to the slopes since their inaugural season in 1926. To learn more about their upcoming events, follow Grouse Mountain on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »

Winter Bird Watching in Vancouver and BC

Add a Comment by Haley

Elevate your next Vancouver or BC winter bird watching experience with the newly launched BC Bird Trail Mobile Experience, a free tool to help birdwatchers of all levels discover the best birding hotspots in BC – plus, earn points and track progress along the way during each excursion.

BC Bird Trail App - Photo courtesy of the BC Bird Trail
Photo Credit: BC Bird Trail

Winter Bird Watching in Vancouver and BC

The BC Bird Trail has officially unveiled its brand new mobile app, designed to make birding easier – and more fun – across BC this winter. Now available for download via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, The BC Bird Trail Mobile Experience’s goal is to be the perfect companion for all of the upcoming seasonal birdwatching adventures.

The BC Bird Trail Mobile Experience is a free app optimized for iPhone and Android users. Novice and experienced birders alike are encouraged to use the app for inspiration to explore new regions of BC, and to earn points and badges when they check-in at iconic spots across the province. As users earn points, they can also track their progress alongside other birders using the app’s leaderboard.

The launch of this mobile experience compliments the recent expansion of The BC Bird Trail earlier this fall, which includes the brand new Sea to Sky trail spanning the communities of Squamish and Whistler, as well as two new independent Bird Trail Outposts.

“We’re all particularly excited for amateur wildlife explorers and seasoned birders, from BC and beyond, to interact with this new and improved birdwatching tool developed by our team at The BC Bird Trail Mobile Experience. With birdwatching continuing to grow in popularity year over year – especially amongst a younger, more diverse demographic than ever before – this new app is an excellent resource and intuitive guide for making the most of each and every birding adventure for birdwatchers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.”

Ceri Chong, Director, Destination and Industry Development at Tourism Richmond.

Benefits of the BC Bird Trail App

Self guided itineraries for each community are available via the mobile experience throughout the winter. This feature is designed to make the birding experience more enjoyable and educational. Additionally, the app offers:

  • An in-app gamification experience
  • An easy-to-use guide for tracking your birding progress
  • The ability to plan trips in advance based on curated recommendations by the experts at The BC Bird Trail and Destination BC
  • Recommended local attractions, restaurants, and more, curated by local experts
  • The opportunity to track progress by earning points and badges as users visit new regions and discover curated itineraries across the province, as mentioned above

To learn more about BC bird trails throughout the season, follow The BC Bird Trail on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »