The Massey Theatre and its creative partners are celebrating the Under the Rainbow Family Weekend, a variety of diverse family-friendly productions for all ages to kick off the Family Day long weekend.

Under the Rainbow Family Weekend at the Massey Theatre

Where: Massey Theatre (735 8th Ave, New Westminster)
When: Friday, February 14 – Saturday, February 15, 2020
Tickets: All show tickets are available online now »

The programming includes three dynamic events:  a fabulous iconic film, The Wizard of Oz; a contemporary Indigenous opera created with young ones in mind, The Flight of the Hummingbird, and a multigenerational queer family performance, Parents are a Drag.

The Wizard of Oz Film Screening 

When: Friday, February 14, 2020 at 7:30pm
Tickets: General admission $5

One of the most popular family films of all time, The Wizard of Oz, is coming back to the Big Screen at Massey Theatre for one day only. Join Dorothy as she meets the scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion and experience their journey to the Emerald City and all the beloved scenes and songs along the way. Dressing up you (and your little ones) is joyfully encouraged. After the movie head to the Plaskett Gallery for a post-show discussion of the movie, in particular it’s fascinating legacy within the gay community.

Parents Are a Drag

When: Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 4:00pm
Tickets: $12 adults, $7 students

Join local drag queens Peach Cobblah & Isolde N. Barron for a drag dress-up spectacular! Add some rainbow to your Family Day at this fun and inclusive event which reminds young ones, their parents, caregivers and everyone in between that it’s never too early (or too late!) to get silly and dress-up. Parents are a Drag celebrates diversity with songs, laughter and play. With opportunities for the audience to become part of the show, be sure to come dressed to impress or ready for some dress-up time.

Flight of the Hummingbird

When: Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 11:00am
Tickets: $12 adults, $7 students

“Here is the story of the great forest that caught on fire”. The Flight of the Hummingbird is based on an indigenous parable from the Quechuan people of South America. The story of the brave hummingbird travelled through pre-contact trade routes to become well known within Haida culture. This opera is influenced by the graphic novel written by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas and will include elements of his dramatic Haida-manga illustrations.The opera is 45-minutes in length and features four singers and a small ensemble. Created for young audiences, The Flight of the Hummingbird is a beautiful contemporary performance.

Vancouver Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria have collaborated to co-commission and co-produce a new opera for young audiences with music by Maxime Goulet and libretto by Michael Nicoll Yahuglanaas (Haida) and Barry Gilson. The Flight of the Hummingbird stage director is Glynis Leyshon with musical direction by Kinza Tyrrell.

Win Tickets

I have a family 4-pack of tickets to give away to Flight of the Hummingbird, here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Click below to post an entry on Twitter

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

UPDATE The winner is Christina Lisa!

February is here – cue frantic searching for Valentine’s Day date night options and things to do on Family Day. Well never fear, we’ve prepared a list of some must-try restaurants and plenty of events to entertain your family in Coquitlam this month. 

Scroll down for Valentine’s Day suggestions to make it a memorable night out. With more than 300 restaurants and easy access by road or SkyTrain, your palate may be begging for a Coquitlam adventure. 

Coquitlam Family Day

Looking for things to do over the Family Day weekend? We hear ya! From doing the Crunch with the family to finding that hidden gem of a restaurant, here are some fun ideas to make this holiday the most memorable one yet.

The 9th annual Fan Expo Vancouver (“FXV”) convention takes over the Vancouver Convention Centre West in a few weeks on Family Day long weekend – February 15-17, 2020 with special guests Brendan Fraser, Tom Welling, Christina Ricci, Levar Burton and many more!

Fan Expo Vancouver
This Family Day Long Weekend

• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West
• When: Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 10:00am to 7:00pm
  • Sunday, February 16, 2020 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
  • Monday, February 17, 2020 (Family Day) 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Tickets: Available online now with single day, multi-day, premium and VIP options. Kids under the age of 12 can attend for free. Celebrity guest autographs and photos also available for purchase.

The three-day event features more than 100,000 square feet of pop culture fun for every kind of fan: guests can browse hundreds of artists and vendors selling everything from custom art and vintage collectibles to the hottest pop culture swag, meet their favourite stars and creators in person and see them on stage, take in more than 50 hours of on-stage and interactive programming, and enjoy epic cosplay.

Returning fans will notice new features like the Cosplay Red Carpet, Podcast Alley, and an interactive Family Zone, perfect for fans of all ages and families celebrating the Family Day long weekend in true fan fashion.

The FXV Family Zone will feature craft zones, science demos from Science World, Hogwarts sorting hat ceremony and school photos, build-your-own Mario levels, and more.

Fan Expo Vancouver
Celebrity Guest Lineup

From Dunder Mifflin to the final frontier. Attendees can expect to see their favourite actors, voice actors, and creators on stage at spotlight panels and meet them in person at autograph sessions and photo ops.

• Oscar Nuñez & Brian Baumgartner (“Oscar” & “Kevin”, The Office)
• Brendan Fraser (The Mummy, Doom Patrol, George of the Jungle, Encino Man, Airheads)
• Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad)
• Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead franchise)
• Tom Welling (Smallville)
• Christina Ricci (The Addams Family)
• Levar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Reading Rainbow)
• Chandler Riggs (The Walking Dead)
• Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Picard)
• Corey Feldman (The Lost Boys, The Goonies, Stand by Me)
• William Davis & Mitch Pileggi (The X-Files) 

The FXV 2020 Creator roster is led by Canadian-born artist, writer, designer, and entrepreneur Todd McFarlane, the iconic President of Image Comics and legendary creator of ‘Spawn’. McFarlane became a true comic book superstar for his record-setting work on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man franchise, where he co-created the anti-hero Venom. This will be his first appearance at Fan Expo Vancouver and a rare visit to conventions in North America.

Creator Lineup

• Arthur ‘Art’ Adams, Legendary Artist (Batman, Superman, Spiderman, X men, Godzilla, Vampirella, Rocketeer, the Authority, Danger Girl, Excalibur, The Hulk, and more)
• Mike Grell, Legendary Artist (The Warlord, Aquaman, Batman, the Phantom Stranger, and the revamped Green Lantern/Green Arrow series)
• Michael Golden, Legendary Creator (“Rogue”, X-Men) and Artist (Dr. Strange, Batman, and more). Michael has served as Editor at DC Comics and Senior Art Director for Marvel Comics.

Follow FAN EXPO Vancouver on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Win Passes

I have a pair of full 3-day weekend passes to give away (value $180). Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Like, comment on, or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
• Click below to post an entry on Twitter

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 9:00am on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. Prize is for admission for all three days, does not include celebrity photo/autographs.

UPDATE The winner is Chris C!

Variety – the Children’s Charity of BC presents its 54th annual Show of Hearts Telethon this Sunday, February 9, 2020 on Global BC from 9:30am to 5:30pm. This year’s show will be filled with inspiration, celebration, and some amazing entertainment!

5 Reasons to Tune into the Show of Hearts Telethon on Sunday

The Hosts:
Along with the Global BC team including Chris Gailus, Sophie Lui, Squire Barnes and Kristi Gordon who will be joined by 980 CKNW’s Jody Vance and more. They’ll be joined by actor Paul Greene, inspirational speaker Cara E. Yar Khan and long-time Show of Hearts favourites, Alvin Law, Marco Pasqua, and Esabella Strickland.

The Entertainment:
This year’s entertainment line-up will feature performances by Juno Award-winning indie band Said The Whale, singer-songwriter Shawn Austin, Canadian blues rockers Wide Mouth Mason, country artist Todd Richard and special guests, multi-platinum selling group The Tenors.

Donor Benefits:
Aside from knowing that your donation goes to help BC kids with special needs, providing specialized therapies, mobility equipment, mental wellness, education programs, or life-saving medical equipment, there are also some great donor gifts this year.

Become a monthly donor to Variety and receive a stainless steel Variety water bottle. Donate $169 and you’ll get a coveted Robert Bateman poster (Woodworkers – Pileated Woodpeckers) sent your way as well.

Awesome Moments:
It was a Sunshine Coach reveal to remember during last year’s Show of Hearts when Variety presented a Sunshine Coach to the Take-a-Hike Foundation. This year promises to be just as memorable when the 608th Sunshine Coach will be presented to another amazing organization that supports BC’s kids with special needs. Be sure to watch and be part of the excitement while donating $1,047 to become a Sunshine Coach Champion.

Meet Variety Families:
During the Show of Hearts, I have the enviable task of running the Miss604 Social Lounge where I get to meet generous donors, supporters, and some of the incredible families that Variety has helped throughout this past year. Tune in to the broadcast to meet some incredible Variety kids and families, hear about their journeys, and how Variety (and its awesome supporters) have provided assistance to brighten their lives.

It’s really easy to support Variety! Donations can be made online, toll-free by phone at 310-KIDS or by texting KIDS to 45678 to make an automatic $20 contribution.

Miss604’s Rebecca Bollwitt is a proud executive of the Board of Directors of Variety – The Children’s Charity, and Chair of its Marketing Committee. Miss604 is proud to sponsor Social Lounge at the Show of Hearts.

Variety – the Children’s Charity is thrilled to announce that this year’s One Night in the Valley fundraising Gala will be held at Glass House Estate Winery in South Langley on Saturday, April 4th with the Joseph Richard Group returning as the presenting sponsor and Preston Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd. signing on once again as the title sponsor.

UPDATE This event has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

One Night in the Valley at Glass House Estate Winery in Langley

When: Saturday, April 4th, 2020
Where: Glass House Estate Winery 23449 0 Ave, Langley City
Tickets: Available for purchase here as individuals or tables

The evening’s festivities will begin at with Preston GM’s Red Carpet Tailgate before the party moves inside for the Quiring Trucking Reception followed by a Country Barbeque Feast catered by Blank Canvas Catering, a division of the Joseph Richard Group. As well there will be both a live and a silent auction along with a whisky tasting lounge plus musical guest, Dave Hartney and a DJ dance party.

“We along with the Joseph Richard Group and Preston GM are so excited to be bringing One Night in the Valley back for its second year,” said Cally Wesson, CEO, Variety BC. “Last year’s event was an amazing night where the incredibly supportive people of the Fraser Valley got together to enjoy some phenomenal country entertainment while fundraising for kids with special needs in their very own communities. We cannot wait to do it again and help even more Fraser Valley families this year.”

“We are humbled to continue working in partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity,” said Ryan Moreno, Co-Founder & CEO, Joseph Richard Group. “And we are honoured to bring this year’s Gala to our very own Glass House Estate Winery along the Campbell Valley Wine Route in South Langley.”

“It is a tremendous honour to continue our support of Variety BC’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for kids with special needs in the Fraser Valley,” said Peter Heppner, President, Preston Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd. “This year’s country night gala will once again showcase an Award-winning lineup of new Chevrolet and GMC trucks at an outstanding venue. Somehow country music and pickup trucks just seems the perfect fit.”

Follow Variety BC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more info and follow the tag #VarietyInTheValley for updates throughout the event.

Miss604 is the proud Social Media Sponsor of Variety BC’s One Night in the Valley