Locals can enjoy several fun events this weekend, although the Vancouver weather forecast includes plenty of rain (an atmospheric river is in cards, too).
The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) enters its final weekend of performances, with shows wrapping on Saturday, March 22.
The first exhibition dedicated entirely to the Nuxalk nation is open for its fifth week 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.
Automobile aficionados can see fancy cars or massive trucks at the Vancouver Auto Show and the Monster Jam.
Popular Northern Irish–Scottish alternative rock band Snow Patrol will also perform at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Friday, March 21, too.
Here are a few fun things to do in Vancouver from March 21 to March 23, 2025.
Cambodian Rock Band
Musical theatre lovers can check out a historical play about a Khmer Rouge survivor returning to Cambodia after thirty years. His daughter is about to prosecute one of the country's most notorious war criminals.
"While an onstage band brings foot-stomping Cambodian oldies and contemporary Dengue Fever hits to life, the electric play shifts back and forth in time as the father reveals family secrets that exhibit the enduring power of music and the human spirit," reads the event description.
When: Runs until April 6, 2025, (showtimes vary)
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage - 2750 Granville St
Cost: From $29. Get tickets.
2025 Vancouver International Auto Show
More than 200 vehicles are on display for the Auto Show, from exotic cars to new luxury electric vehicles.
The theme of "ELEVATE," according to organizers, aims to share both EV and gas-powered vehicles that improve consumer experience.
"Showgoers will find the latest technology-leading, environmentally focused EVs, coupled with lifestyle features and commercial vendors; this is a celebration of the automotive culture in B.C.," said Eric Nicholl, executive director of the Vancouver International Auto Show.
When: Daily through Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre - 1055 Canada Pl
Cost: Regular adult pricing starts at $23 (prices vary for ages, dates, and ticket purchases). Buy tickets online.
Diana: The Untold & Untrue Story
Diana, Princess of Wales, is one of the most iconic figures of all time. However, this story off Diana offers a much different telling than ones you may have previously heard.
Organizers advice prospective attendees to "expect the unexpected" as Diana is joined by RuPaul's Drag Race UK's Pixie Polite with two other queens in her kitchen for the pre-show.
The show will combine drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry, "and a lot of queer joy."
"A spectacle that is as hilarious as it is tasteless."
When: Sunday, March 23, from 7:30 -9:30 p.m.
Where: Waterfront Theatre - 1412 Cartwright St
Cost: CA$55. Get tickets.
Monster Jam 2025
Monster Jam includes larger-than-life, 12,000-pound trucks with drivers performing death-defying stunts. Audiences can catch trucks standing on two wheels and flying through the air. They'll also get to score drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts and saves.
Attendees can see the world’s most popular trucks including Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Sparkle Smash, and more.
Monster Jam Trackside begins approximately one hour before the event begins and features special behind-the-scenes privileges, such as driver interviews, giveaways, opening ceremonies, and more.
When: Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 22 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, March 23 at 1 p.m.
Where: Pacific Coliseum - 100 N Renfrew St
Cost: From $22.00 - $95.00 (plus taxes and fees). Get tickets.
Snow Patrol: North American Tour
Snow Patrol are coming to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to kick off the weekend.
The Northern Irish–Scottish alternative rock band is stopping on their North American Tour with all of their top hits and passionate ballads, including "Chasing Cars," "Run," "Set Fire to the Third Bar," and many others.
When: Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 600 Block Hamilton St
Cost: $117-$437. Get tickets.
"UNIVERSUS" Belle Spirale: Alexis Fletcher, Fernando Hernando Magadan
"UNIVERSUS" Belle Spirale: Alexis Fletcher, Fernando Hernando Magadan is a double-bill dance event from the Vancouver International Dance Festival.
Vancouver-based dance company Belle Spiral Directors Alexis Fletcher & Sylvain Senez join forces with Internationally celebrated choreographer Fernando Hernando Magadan (Ballet BC, NDT, BODYTRAFFIC) for this dynamic performance that reach for "questions of cosmic significance."
The audience is asked to consider if a connection to earth is "achievable on a chaotically changing planet?"
When: March 21 -22, 2025, show at 8 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Playhouse - 600 Hamilton St
Cost: From $25 - $65. Get tickets.
Theatresports
Two teams of highly skilled improv comedians contribute 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, March. 21, and Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre - 1502 Duranleau St
Cost: $35 for regular and $30 for students. Get tickets.
Ongoing
Vancouver International Dance Festival 2025
The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) kicked off last week, offering 10 days of performances, with three shows daily.
Have a look at a full programme of performances online.
When: VIDF runs March 5–15, with offsite events from March 2–22.
Where: Several venues - see the VIDF venue map online
Cost: Varies.
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.
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
With files from Lindsay William-Ross and Kyle Balzer.
