Celebrate Lunar New Year and more: Things to do in Vancouver the first weekend of February

A dragon dance is performed as people watch from above during the 50th annual Spring Festival Parade through Chinatown for the Lunar New Year in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

February is just around the corner, and celebrations will abound in the city to ring in the Year of the Snake. Here are some things to check out in Vancouver this weekend, Lunar New Year-related and beyond.

Chinatown Spring Festival and Parade

The headline event for Lunar New Year is the annual parade in Chinatown, and this year it takes place on Sunday. Streets will close as colourful performers and lion dancers weave through the neighbourhood. The spectacle normally draws more than 100,000 spectators.

The parade begins at 11 a.m.

Lunar New Year at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden

After the parade on Sunday, stop at the traditional Chinese garden for family-friendly Year of the Snake activities. The attraction will be decorated for the occasion and visitors can watch musical performances, make arts and crafts, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, and more.

Year of the Snake at the Museum

Drop by the Chinese Canadian Museum on East Pender Street during opening hours on Saturday or Sunday for Lunar New Year activities including Chinese board games, Cantonese story time, treat sampling, and more.

The Taboo Show

Head to the Vancouver Convention Centre this weekend for a 19+ event celebrating all things taboo. Described as “an upscale adult playground dedicated to enhancing lifestyles,” the show features more than 100 vendors, live performances and seminars to help bring on the heat ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Songs of Freedom

February is also Black History Month, and there are a few concerts lined up this weekend to mark the occasion. Songs of Freedom is an annual concert celebrating Black music and culture in Vancouver. It takes place at Christ Church Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For the Love of Gospel

Another concert, billed as a celebration of Black history, is coming to the Canadian Memorial United Church on Sunday at 7 p.m. The event promises to showcase the legacy and influence of gospel music.

Canucks vs. Red Wings

The Vancouver Canucks return home to Rogers Arena Sunday to face the Detroit Red Wings. The ‘Nucks made their way back into a playoff slot this week and will be looking to solidify their place in the Stanley Cup race.