It’s sure starting to look like spring and we can’t get enough of it! Last weekend saw the return of warm weather and this weekend is set to see some more sun as well.
RELATED: 27 Scenic Hikes to Tackle in Metro Vancouver This Spring
From St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to concerts, here are 30 awesome events taking place in metro Vancouver this weekend.
Events In Metro Vancouver This Weekend
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Friday, March 16
Star Wars | Luke Skywalker’s Original Lightsaber At Science World
Science World’s exhibition, The Science of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, is hosting a limited time exhibition of Luke SkyWalker’s original lightsaber used in the first two Star Wars films, A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. At almost 40 years old, it’s still in pristine condition.
The item is on display up until March 19th at the TELUS World of Science. Don’t miss your chance to see the timeless relic!
Culture | Haida Now
The Museum of Vancouver (MOV), in partnership with Haida Gwaii Museum, presents a visual feast of innovation and tradition with new exhibition, Haida Now, on display from March 16, 2018 to June 15, 2019.
Guest curated by Haida Curator Kwiaahwah Jones in collaboration with Viviane Gosselin, Co-curator and Director of Collections & Exhibitions at MOV, this exhibition features an unparalleled collection of Haida art boasting more than 450 works created as early as 1890.
Show | A Beautiful View
Naked Goddess Productions presents A Beautiful View. It’s by acclaimed Canadian playwright Daniel MacIvor, a beautiful and simple story about love and friendship. It plays until Sunday, March 25th, 2018.
Exhibition | The Fabric Of Our Land
This exhibition will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view rare early Salish weavings on loan from museums in Europe and the United States, as well as works created by contemporary Salish weavers.
Carnival | Richmond Carnival
West Coast Amusements, the largest Canadian midway operation in Western Canada is coming to Richmond! It begins this weekend on Friday, March 16th.
Celebration | International Women’s Month Celebration
What do you get when you combine over 40 songs, more than 20 characters—from Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton and Cher, to Edith Bunker, Mae West, and Lady Gaga— (and just as many costume changes), all performed—voiced, sung, and acted—by a multi-award winner and one of the most talented performers in the business? You get Bonnie Kilroe’s one-of-a-kind Divas.
Celebrate the accomplishments of many talented women and discover new friends. Tickets are $20.
Music | St. Patrick’s Day Party
Come celebrate the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day at Hycroft! Indulge in a Celtic themed dinner and dance the night away to the toe-tapping sounds of local blues and R&B band Lesismore. Green attire optional but recommended.
Film | Paddling Film Festival
Come out to view this year’s best paddling films and get yourself inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle and appreciate the world’s wild places. Film selections include sea kayaking, whitewater, stand up paddleboarding, canoeing and more. Tickets start at $17.
Performance | Celtic Fest Vancouver Ceilidh 2018
Celtic Fest Vancouver Ceilidh 2018 takes place this weekend on Friday, March 16th. There will be a cash bar at the venue for the night with excellent drink selections and prices. Music will be provided by Vancouver’s finest local musicians.
Party | The Dreadnoughts 11 Year Punkstravaganza: Night 1
The Dreadnoughts aren’t just a band, they’re an advocacy group, ruthlessly promoting the idea that folk and punk music form a perfect union. They’re playing at the Rickshaw Theatre this weekend in celebration of St.Patrick’s Day. Tickets start at $20.
Music | A Night Of Bowie
A Night Of Bowie is a celebration of Bowie’s extensive list of memorable hits, focusing primarily (but not exclusively) on his peak years from the early ’70s to the early ’90s. The show is eerily close to hearing and seeing Bowie himself. Catch it this weekend at Genesis Theatre. Tickets are $38.50.
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Saturday, March 17
Cooking | Chef Cameron Stauch
In this unique presentation, join top chef Cameron Stauch on a food journey through the vibrant culinary scene of Vietnam.
Chef Cameron is the author of “Vegetarian Việt Nam”, released earlier this month and rated as one of the ten best cookbooks of spring 2018. Attendees will have the chance to win a signed copy of this exciting new release, as well as sample some of Cameron’s delicious recipes!
Performance | Shamrocks & Shenanigans
Join TheatreSports for some Irish-themed fun at Shamrocks & Shenanigans,our St. Paddy’s Day celebration this weekend on Saturday, March 17th. They’ll be presenting three Irish-themed improv shows – classic TheatreSports at 7:30 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. plus a crazy Celtic version of OK Tinder at 11:15 p.m.
Festival | St. Patrick’s Day Festival
One of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is taking place at The Blarney Stone this weekend. The party starts early, going all night long with activities taking place indoors and outdoors. See Celtic dancers, face painters, stilt walkers, and much more!
Charity | BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5k
Run for a great cause this St. Patrick’s Day weekend! The St. Patrick’s Day 5k has established itself as the marquee 5k running event on Canada’s sporting calendar. It’ll take place on Saturday at the beautiful Stanley Park.
Discovery | Spring Break Fun for Gills and Buoys
From Saturday, March 17th – Monday, April 2nd, the Vancouver Aquarium is extending its hours! Learn about local and exotic animals, life cycles, food webs, adaptations, ecosystems and sustainability through hands-on activities and active play at our Spring Break AquaCamps. With programs for ages 4 to 16, there is something for every young ocean enthusiast!
Renovations | GVHBA Spring Home Reno Show
The GVHBA Spring Home Reno Show takes place at VanDusen Botanical Garden this weekend on Saturday, March 17th, 2018. Award-winning renovators and designers are participating in this boutique show to offer inspiration, ideas and complimentary advice to homeowners looking to renovate!
New year | Celebrating Nowruz: Iranian New Year
Join exhibiting artist Mahtab Firouzabadi this weekend for a hands-on experience in the gallery where participants are invited to explore the meaning behind the symbols of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year celebration.
Admission is by donation.
Conference | TEDxECUAD- Equilibrium
“Equilibrium” will feature 7 speakers and 2 performances from a range of fields, happening in 2 sessions with a social and refreshments in between, and a special exhibition.
TEDxECUAD’s mission is to bring together a dynamic group of thinkers and doers in a provocative setting that builds new connections that lead to progress and collaboration, and take participants to a next level of thought and action. Tickets are $50.
Charity | Relay For Life
The Canadian Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life” is a nationwide event that brings communities together to celebrate survivors, honour those we’ve lost and commit to raising funds to fight all types of cancer.
Come out to UBC this weekend and help make a change!
Carnival | SHIAMAK Spring Funk Carnival
Keen dance enthusiasts from across the Lower Mainland will make music visible through dance at Shiamak’s Spring Funk Show at the Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey on March 17, 2018.
Hockey | Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks host the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Knowledge | Graham Clark’s Quiz Show
Join Graham Clark’s Quiz Show at the Fox Cabaret on St Patrick’s Day! A comedy show that cherry picks the best segments of game shows, plus a few new favourites, and presents them all in one bizarre event! Tickets are $10.
Concert | Phillip Phillips
American rock singer Phillip Phillips performs at the Vogue Theatre this weekend on Saturday, March 17th.
Comedy | Molly’s Comedy Cabaret
Molly Wilson is back at XY and she will shamROCK your world this St. Patrick’s Day. Come prepared to laugh, clap, dance and sing along as Molly entertains you with her take on your favourite songs including Pop, Motown and Broadway.
Costumes | St.Patricks Day COSTUME Party
Come dressed up and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Second Floor Eatery + Bar. There will be drink specials all night and a DJ spinning the hottest tracks.
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Sunday, March 18
Market | 21st Century Flea Market
The 21st Century Flea Market is open this weekend on Sunday, March 18th. This European-style collector’s market is the largest of its kind in BC, with over 185 vendor tables jam-packed with vintage jewelry, retro glam accessories, decorative china & glass, and much more!
Race | MEC Vancouver: Road Race TWO
Forget the movie ticket or the over-the-top burger – for about the same price you get chip-timed results, coffee and bananas, finish-line massages, plus unlimited high-fives from stoked MEC members and staff. MEC Vancouver: Road Race Two takes place this weekend at Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Tickets are $15.
Yoga | Yoga Classes by Donation
The True Nosh Company Ltd. is a boutique Yoga Studio in a heritage-esque home in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Vancouver. They provide yoga classes with certified instructors at an affordable price in the city without charging city-like prices. All classes are offered on a by-donation basis. Not to mention, they offer warm tea after each class!
Concert | The Suffers
The Suffers perform at The Imperial. Their performance begins at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $20.
Upcoming events
March 19 | Burnaby Village Museum Spring Break
During Spring Break from Monday, March 19th – Thursday, March 29th, 2018, the “open air” museum will offer free admission to their 10-acre site and welcome visitors with a variety of things to explore.
March 23 | JUNO Cup
The 15th annual JUNO Cup takes place on Friday, March 23rd, 2018 at Bill Copeland Sports Centre.
Held annually during JUNO Week, this celebrity hockey game has raised $840,000 for MusiCounts over the last 14 years.