Metro Vancouverites can enjoy several fun and important events over the upcoming weekend. Thankfully, many of them are indoors (it's looking like a rainy one).
The Freedom Salon celebrates Ukrainian art and artists on the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022. Visitors can discover original artworks by displaced Ukrainians and members of the Canadian diaspora over several days. Many events, including the opening ceremony, are free to attend. Special workshops and masterclasses cost a fee.
The first exhibition dedicated entirely to the Nuxalk nation is also opening at UBC's Museum of Modern Art this week, providing a window into the Nation's rich history and culture, as well as what it is doing to revitalize its language, self-governance, and ceremonial practices.
You can also still have time to enjoy barrels of belly laughs at Theatresports or lace up your skates for free ice skating in Robson Square.
Here are a few fun things to do in Vancouver from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23, 2025.
Freedom Salon, a Celebration of Ukrainian art and artists
The Freedom Salon, a Celebration of Ukrainian art and artists exhibition runs from Feb. 19 until March 2 and includes several events celebrating Ukrainian culture, resilience, and works created since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country on Feb. 24, 2022.
Opening Reception of Freedom Salon
Guests can enjoy a vyshyvanky fashion show by internationally renowned clothing designer Tanya Znak, live drawing by fashion illustrator Janelle Knihnitski, Ukrainian jazz performed by Taras Luka, and an array of delicious Ukrainian food.
When: Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Gallery George - 140 W Hastings
Cost: Free. Registration required.
Two-week exhibition for Freedom Salon
Ukrainian art and artists are on display for a two-week exhibition, mainly inspired by the European salons of the 19th century when "artists from all disciplines would gather to share work and ideas."
The art on display includes art photography, fashion illustrations, icon paintings, petrykivka, pysanky, sculpture, street art, vyshyvanky (embroidery), vytynanky (papercutting), and war posters. “Freedom” is a concept deeply valued by all Ukrainians, "especially during this devastating time in history," note the organizers.
Many artists featured in the exhibition were displaced by the war; others are members of the Ukrainian diaspora.
The exhibition is free but a small fee is required for workshops and ancillary events; most artwork will be available for purchase.
Have a look at the various events online on the website including The Delicate Art of Pysanky workshop, the Visual Storytelling with Illustrator Veronika Kotyk masterclass, the Street Art on Canvas youth workshop, the Feb. 24 gathering called An Evening to Remember, which shares "art, story-sharing, and the strength and healing that comes from being together."
When: Feb. 19 - March 2
Where: The Gallery George - 140 W Hastings
Cost: Free. Registration required.
8th Annual Places That Matter Community Fair!
The Heritage Hall is hosting a family-friendly community fair with table displays, items for sale, and crafts. People will share community stories and the event is free to attend.
When: Sunday, Feb. 23, from 11 am. to 3 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall - 3102 Main Street
Cost: Free. You can also donate.
Morning Disco 'Vancouver' - Vol. 3
The Slothee Coffee pop-up café opens at 11 a.m. and stays open until 2:30 p.m.
Food and drink service begins at 11 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. DJs Nina Mendoza starts spinning tracks at 11 a.m. and will be followed by DJ Static at noon. The pair will team up for a final show from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
When: Sunday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions - 67 West 6th Ave
Cost: $17.31. Get tickets.
Nuxalk Strong: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun
The Nuxalk Strong: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun is the first exhibition dedicated entirely to the Nuxalk nation who lived over 14,000 years on the central northwest coast in Bella Coola.
The exhibition will showcase the Nation's rich culture and what it is doing to revitalize its language, self-governance, stewardship, and ceremonial practices.
Visitors can also see how the community works to "safeguard Nuxalk belongings, treasures, and ceremonies – including the return of a significant collection of masks, regalia, and cedar bark weavings at the exhibition closes in 2026."
Nuxalk Strong will feature treasures and artworks housed at the Museum of Anthropology, as well as loans from private collections and six participating museums: Royal British Columbia Museum (Victoria), Burke Museum (Seattle), Glenbow Museum (Calgary), Manitoba Museum (Winnipeg), and Museum of Vancouver.
When: Feb. 21, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026
Where: MOA at the University of British Columbia - 6393 NW Marine Dr
Cost: Free.
Vancouver's Hottest Networking Event For Young Professionals
Vancouver's Hottest Networking Event For Young Professionals invites locals looking to network with everyone from business owners, students, recent graduates, CEOs, and everything in between to an event focusing on business, technology, and startup innovation.
Privé Networking says attendees should expect a relaxed but professional environment. While there isn't a dress code, they should wear clothing suitable for a networking event (dress to impress works best).
When: Friday, Feb. 21, at 7-10 p.m.
Where: Karma Lounge - 1161 West Georgia St
Cost: $12.50. Get tickets.
Theatresports
Two teams of highly skilled improv comedians contribute out their best quips and antics for audience laughs and the support of audience judges.
Organizers say attendees can expect a "high-energy, fast-paced and good-natured competition."
The show is 90 minutes long with an intermission.
When: Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre - 1502 Duranleau St
Cost: $35 for regular and $30 for students. Get tickets.
Ongoing
Deborah Leigh: Welcome to My World
Deborah was born in Prince George in the early 1950s and didn't start drawing until she was in her 50s. Now that she's in her 70s, "she's more creative than ever."
"My hope is that viewers could be drawn into my images with a sense of curiosity, wonderment, and questioning of what the images are trying to portray. I like to include pathways, roads, and byways that represent the journeys we all undertake and where these paths may be leading us to in our lives," says the artist.
When: Feb. 1 - 22
Where: Outsiders and Others, #100 - 938 Howe St
Cost: Free.
Multiple Realities: Experimental Art in the Eastern Bloc, 1960s–1980s
With themes that resonate in our socio-political climate today, this timely exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery features over 200 avant-garde works by more than 100 artists and collectives from six Central Eastern European nations: East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania and Yugoslavia.
When: Dec. 13, 2024-April 21, 2025
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery - 750 Hornby St
Free Robson Square Skating
While you can't build a snowman anywhere at sea level in Vancouver, you can enjoy skating on an outdoor frozen rink in the heart of the downtown core.
Robson Square's rink has free skating available through the winter, offering a magical location to enjoy a brisk outdoor activity followed by some hot chocolate.
Helmets are mandatory for children under 12. They are free with skate rentals.
When: Until Feb. 28, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Robson Square Ice Rink - 800 Robson St, Vancouver
Cost: Free to skate. Skate rental: $5; Ice Cleat rental: $2; Skate sharpening (when available): $5.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross and Kyle Balzer.
