The Top Events, Festivals and Shows Happening in Vancouver this Winter

Winter isn’t a slow season in Vancouver. It’s celebration season.

From international sporting events to comedy and food festivals, there’s never a dull moment. Think hot chocolate crawl one night, global arts festival the next, followed by a day of cheering your heart out at a world-class rugby showdown

If you’re looking for the top winter events in Vancouver to plan your trip around, here’s this year’s can’t-miss list.

Dine Out Vancouver | January 21 - February 8, 2026

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for foodies in Vancouver. Dine Out Vancouver is the ultimate excuse to restaurant-hop your heart out, with special multi-course, fixed-priced menus offered by hundreds of participating restaurants across the city, from casual spots to Michelin-recognized restaurants.

It’s Canada’s largest annual food festival, where every night can turn into a tasting menu adventure (and affordably so, with per-person menu prices topping out at $70). The celebrations are also complete with a full schedule of culinary events, from guided dining and foraging excursions to cooking classes, street food markets and more. It’s the best excuse there is to eat your way through Vancouver’s fantastically fresh food scene.

Just for Laughs Vancouver | February 12 - 22, 2026

The best way to beat the winter blues? Belly laughs.

Over 11 days, Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival, Just for Laughs Vancouver, lights up stages across the city with stand-up, sketch, improv and podcast shows from international headliners, up-and-comers and local talent.

Celebrating 10 years in 2026, this year’s event is bringing its biggest lineup yet, including stars like James Acaster and Michelle Buteau. From intimate club sets to large-scale performances, it’s an event for all types of comedy fans.

Fan EXPO Vancouver | February 14 - 16, 2026

Pop culture lovers, welcome to your playground. Fan EXPO Vancouver is a three-day celebration of sci-fi, anime, gaming and comics that draws thousands of people to the city. With celebrity guests, panels, professional artist throwdowns and more, this event is all about having fun with fandom.

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival | January 22 - February 8, 2026

Cutting-edge theatre, dance and multimedia performances from Canadian and international artists take over Vancouver each winter at PuSh Festival. What’s on the programme? Everything from world premieres to touring works and experimental pieces.

And for those looking to see more than one show, PuSh offers curated bundle deals to make a day (or full weekend) of it, including See It First: World Premieres and Around the World, telling different stories through grouped performances.

Davis Cup | February 6 - 7, 2026

Tennis fan? Watch Team Canada compete on home soil as they face Brazil in a Davis Cup Qualifiers tie in Vancouver.

The two-day event features singles and doubles matches played in a best-of-three format, with the winner advancing to the next round of qualification. Canada enters the tie ranked ninth and has won its last three Davis Cup matchups in Vancouver, so it’s sure to be an energy-filled event.

Vancouver Cocktail Week | March 1 - 8, 2026

Now in its fifth year, Vancouver Cocktail Week is eight days of spirit-forward celebrations, including this year’s signature event, Gala of Cocktails, and special menus and experiences at participating bars.

It’s a city-wide “toast to the art of the cocktail” that’s all about exploring flavours crafted by Vancouver’s award-winning bartenders and sipping your way through Vancouver’s creative cocktail culture.

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival | January 17 - February 14, 2026

The coziest crawl in the city. For one month, local cafes and bakeries dream up limited-edition cups of hot cocoa during the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, inviting locals and visitors to hop between spots and try as many mugs as they can wrap their hands around. It’s the perfect winter event in Vancouver for anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth.

Vancouver International Wine Festival | March 7 - 14, 2026

For wine lovers of all stripes, the Vancouver International Wine Festival is an annual winter event in Vancouver that pours the best from international and local vineyards. This year will feature over 1,000 wines from 114 wineries and 14 countries.

Made up of international tasting events at the Vancouver Convention Centre as well as winery dinners, wine seminars, a gala and auction and more, it’s your chance to swirl, sniff and savour your way through pours from around the world.

Vancouver Rugby Sevens | March 7 - 8, 2026

At the Vancouver Rugby Sevens, a fast-paced version of rugby is played with only seven players per side and shorter, action-packed matches. Games are quick, high-energy and played tournament-style over the weekend in a lively, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

But don’t be fooled, sevens isn’t just for die-hard rugby fans. The short games and quick pace make it easy to follow, perfect if you’re new to the sport. And at the Vancouver event, a tradition of dressing up in costume is a part of the experience, whether you participate or just people-watch.

BC Bike Show | February 28 - March 1, 2026

Cycling never hibernates in Vancouver, but for one weekend, it shifts indoors. Every winter, the BC Bike Show brings together bikes, gear and brands at the Vancouver Convention Centre for two days of test rides, conversations with industry pros and a look at what’s new in cycling. It’s the bike event for learning about new equipment, comparing options from retailers and getting inspired for the season ahead.

Vancouver International Dance Festival | March 4 - 14, 2026

A highlight of the winter arts season, the Vancouver International Dance Festival is an artist-led festival that brings local, national and international dancers to Vancouver’s stages with 14 unique shows. And with passes available to see two, three, four shows or them all, attendees can build their own personal programmes.

One city, one season, countless winter events in Vancouver to entertain. Which one’s at the top of your list?