Vancouver’s weekend from Feb. 27 to March 1 is set to be a vibrant mix of cultural, community, and sports events, providing residents and visitors with a variety of experiences to enjoy. From music festivals to local craft fairs and sports matches, the city is offering a diverse array of activities.

The B.C. Gin Festival: A Taste of Local Distilleries

On Saturday, Feb. 28, the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre will host the B.C. Gin Festival, featuring more than 100 gins from 30+ distilleries. Attendees will have access to unlimited tastings, a custom keepsake glass, and an onsite bottle shop. Tickets for the evening tasting are priced at $85, while the late-night tasting costs $65.

The festival also includes a silent auction and raffle with prizes such as distillery tours and gin bundles. The event aims to celebrate the unique distilling culture of British Columbia, with each bottle telling a story of local ingredients and traditions.

Art, Music, and Local Culture: Paper, Patch & Pin Show

Vancouver Etsy Co. will present the city’s first-ever Paper, Patch & Pin Show at Heritage Hall on Feb. 28. The event will showcase 40+ local Canadian makers offering stationery, enamel pins, patches, and paper goods. Tickets cost $3, with free admission for children 12 and under. Fifty percent of ticket sales will benefit Backpack Buddies and Quest Non-Profit Grocery Market.

Attendees can also enjoy hands-on workshops, interactive vendor experiences, and refreshments like cookies and coffee. The first 50 attendees will receive market cash or merchandise.

Music and Film: From Pop to Mountain Adventures

On Feb. 27, pop star Ria Mae will perform at the Biltmore Cabaret, bringing her catchy hits like “Bend” and “Too Close” to Vancouver audiences. Tickets vary in price and can be purchased online.

For film enthusiasts, the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival will run from Feb. 27 to March 11, with in-person screenings and online access available from March 14 to April 11. The festival features films on climbing, snow sports, and mountain biking, along with guest speakers and workshops.

Meanwhile, a Taylor Swift tribute concert will take place at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church on Feb. 27, with a string quartet performing 10 of her biggest hits in a multi-sensory experience. Tickets are available online.

Community and Education: Pay-What-You-Can Sundays and More

Every first Sunday of the month, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Vancouver offer Pay-What-You-Can Sundays. This initiative allows visitors to explore exhibits on science, maritime history, and local heritage without financial barriers.

The Fraser Valley Discovery Centre will also host family-friendly events on Feb. 28 and March 1, exploring the geography of the Fraser Canyon and its impact on the Lower Mainland’s weather. Admission is $5–$8, with free entry for children under 2.

Sports and Local Support: Hockey and Fundraisers

Vancouver Goldeneyes will face the Toronto Sceptres in a hockey match at the Pacific Coliseum on Sunday, March 1, at 1 p.m. Tickets are available online.

Local bakeries such as Purebread, Lee’s Donuts, and Benanna Bakery are participating in a fundraiser for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, with B.C. dairy farmers matching donations up to $30,000. These events will run from Feb. 26 through various dates.

Cultural Celebrations and Exhibitions

The Silk Road Music ensemble will perform a Lunar New Year concert at Gateway Theatre on Feb. 28, showcasing their award-winning world music. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.

At the Craft Council of B.C., an exhibition from Feb. 26 to April 23 explores the language of handmade crafts, including contemporary jewellery and clay works. Admission is free, and the exhibit includes a participatory installation inspired by dumpling-making.

Food and Local Festivities

Several restaurants in the Tri-Cities will offer special menus at ed prices from now until March 15. This includes multi-course feasts and sweet treats from both new and established eateries.

The Whistler Winter Music Series continues through February with a variety of concerts. On Feb. 27, JP Orchison will perform at Après Après, and Eli Brown will debut at GLC. Tickets vary and can be purchased online.

Vancouver’s 17 Business Improvement Associations are also promoting local small businesses through community events, encouraging residents to support local commerce and celebrate the city’s vibrant economy.