Spring is playing peekaboo with us, Vancouver. The cherry blossoms aren't quite ready yet, but this week has plenty of reasons to get out and connect — from ice skating in its final days to adventure planning for the warmer months ahead. Here's what's happening in our city.
This Week's Events
Last Chance: Robson Square Ice Rink
📅 Open until Saturday, February 28
📍 Robson Square (downtown)
Skating is free — just bring your own blades or rent a pair for $5. The rink closes for the season this Saturday, so this is your last weekend to glide through downtown under the lights.
Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show + BC Bike Show
📅 Saturday, February 28 – Sunday, March 1
📍 Vancouver Convention Centre
If you're already dreaming about summer hikes, paddle trips, or bike touring, this is where you go to plan. Over 250 exhibitors, 40+ adventure presentations, and an indoor climbing wall anyone can try. Kids 11 and under get in free.
🔗 outdooradventureshow.ca
BC Gin Festival
📅 Saturday, February 28 | 5:30 PM & 8:30 PM sessions
📍 Roundhouse Community Centre, Yaletown
About 100 gin varieties from 30+ BC distilleries, unlimited samples, and you keep the tasting glass. Tickets are $65–$85, and proceeds support the Indian Summer Arts Society — so you're supporting local artists while discovering your new favourite gin.
🔗 bcginfestival.com
Fox Cabaret Emerging Bands Showcase
📅 Thursday, February 26 | Doors at 8:00 PM
📍 Fox Cabaret, Main Street
Four up-and-coming bands for just $4. A perfect low-key weeknight out to discover some new local music — and hard to beat that price.
🔗 foxcabaret.com
Vancouver International Dance Festival
📅 February 28 – March 15 | Shows at various times
📍 Various venues across Vancouver
VIDF's 26th season features fearless voices from six continents — world premieres, street dance, Indigenous perspectives, and interdisciplinary works. Tickets range from $10 to $60, with free and low-cost programming available too. A cornerstone of Vancouver's arts scene.
🔗 vidf.ca
Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place
📅 Home games throughout late February and March
📍 BC Place
The Caps are playing eight of their first nine matches at home this season — with the FIFA World Cup coming to Vancouver this summer, there's never been a better time to get into the football spirit. Check the schedule for this week's match.
🔗 whitecapsfc.com/schedule
Lunar New Year Celebrations — Year of the Horse
📅 Through early March
📍 Various locations including Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Chinatown
Lunar New Year celebrations are still going strong across Vancouver. Head to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for traditional festivities, or explore what's happening around Chinatown. A beautiful way to connect with one of our city's most vibrant cultural communities.
Looking Ahead
Brazilian Carnaval Vancouver
📅 Saturday, March 7
📍 Gastown
A full day of Brazilian music, dance, and culture right in the heart of Gastown. Mark your calendar — more details coming in next week's Scoop.
Canada Rugby Sevens
📅 Saturday, March 7
📍 BC Place
Fast-paced international rugby sevens action returns to Vancouver. A great spectator event even if you're new to rugby.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
📅 March 7–14
📍 Vancouver Convention Centre + various venues
The Wine Festival turns 47 this year, featuring 114 wineries with a spotlight on France. Tastings, dinners, and seminars across the week. Tickets range from $109 to $545 — worth looking into now since events sell out.
🔗 vanwinefest.ca
Give Back: Volunteer Spotlight
Greater Vancouver Food Bank
The Food Bank opens individual volunteer applications on March 2nd. If you've been looking for a regular way to give back, this is a great time to sign up. Shifts include sorting and packing food at the warehouse — it's hands-on, community-driven work that makes a real difference.
You need to be 15+ and complete a free criminal record check through the Food Bank.
LunarFest 2026 — Volunteers Needed
LunarFest is looking for volunteers through February 28 at locations including Granville Island, the Orpheum, and Performance Works. Roles range from front-of-house and photography to stage management and Mandarin-English interpretation. A great way to be part of one of Vancouver's biggest cultural celebrations.
That's the Scoop for this week. See you out there, Vancouver.
Your friends at Vancouver Scoop