Feb 12, 2026: Vancouver gets sketch

Hey there. Events are like buses: there’s nothing for weeks, and then multiples come along at once. (Looking at you, the 3: my transit nemesis.) 

This weekend we’ve got both Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year celebrations to look forward to, so why not combine the two? Blow a kiss to a lion dancer. Go on a date to look at the beautiful hanging lanterns. Melt a chocolate fondue with a horse-shaped candle. Whatever you’re up to this weekend, have a lovely time.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

'We can't exactly talk super freely': The insanity of Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie isn’t just bananas; it’s bananas in a uniquely Canadian way. From Orbitz to Russell Peters to the Rivoli, the CanCon is inherent to the madness. “Audiences outside of Canada find the movie a lot crazier and maybe more exciting because the regionality of it plays as a sci-fi element,” director and star Matt Johnson tells the Straight, “in the same way that we would react to the British Office or Borat or Summer Heights High. The regionality makes it seem more like world-building.”

SPONSORED BY JUST FOR LAUGHS VANCOUVER

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is Here!

Celebrating 10 years, Just For Laughs VANCOUVER kicks off today! Running through February 22, the festival features 100+ shows and 250 artists across the city. From comedy legends to rising stars, Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival is here — grab your tickets and join the fun!

This week’s Straight Insider perks 🎟️

We’ve got free tickets (first come, first served) to a stacked lineup of live shows at The Hollywood Theatre—from metal and punk to burlesque, drag, and cult-classic film screenings.

What’s up for grabs:

• Band & Burlesque (Feb 15)

• Slap Shot (Feb 16)

• Chariots of Fire (Feb 17)

• Not a Wicked Drag Show (Feb 19)

• Dr. Ozi (Feb 21)

If you’re an Insider, jump on it—once tickets are gone, they’re gone.

— LIVING —

After London Drugs, what does the DTES actually need?

After London Drugs closed its Woodward’s location earlier this month, the question became: what comes next? The mayor wants a police training academy—while locals support something much more practical.

• Legendary Canucks broadcaster Jim Robson has died

• If your happy place looks like granite, roots and questionable line choices... You already know you need to be at the BC Bike Show!*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY CANPREV NATURAL HEALTH

Having Trouble Sleeping?

A good night’s sleep helps the body recharge. But chronic stress can increase racing thoughts just before bed, getting in the way of quality rest. CanPrev’s sleep formulas are made with soothing ingredients like lemon balm and L-theanine, to relieve stress that contributes to sleeplessness and increase total sleep time.

— ARTS —

Sketch comedy troupe RIOT Vancouver mixes politics and puns

While stand-up and improv tend to rule the roost in Vancouver’s comedy scene, Matt Clarke favours a different funny flavour—one that can better satirize the city. “Sketch is so poised to respond to what’s happening politically and culturally,” the RIOT Vancouver founder tells us, ahead of the group’s JFL show this weekend.

• Salish culture flows through Every River Has A Mouth

• Photographer Dina Goldstein celebrates travel and humanity in XXX

• The JCC Jewish Book Festival (Feb. 21-26) will deliver its signature mix of fiction, history, memoir, and arts events, with fascinating writers from around the world.*

*sponsored listing

— MUSIC —

Van Jams: New local music you might have missed

From energetic alt-rock albums to crooning country singles, the winter hasn’t stopped Vancouver artists from dropping new music. We round up the latest releases from local musicians.

• Guitarist Paul Pigat on Cousin Harley, Scott Smith, and Walk Hard

• Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover the coworking space that fits your needs. Connect with a WeWork professional today.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY KAJABI

One Platform. Every Product.

Build courses, coaching, communities, memberships, and more. All in one place. Kajabi gives real experts a single system to launch, sell, and scale, without juggling tools or breaking momentum.

Begin Your Free Trial

— ICYMI —

• Your very Vancouver horoscopes for February

• Pop culture is making Canada cool again

• Selene Aegean Bistro comes into its own

• Give new listening bar Hibiki a spin

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

LIVING: The Lantern City lights up areas across downtown and Granville Island in celebration of Lunar New Year. (To March 9 @ various locations)

TALKS: Twitch megastreamer Hasan Piker discusses political commentary in the digital age. (February 12 @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts)

THEATRE: Theatre Under the Wire gives creatives 48 hours to write, rehearse, and stage shows. (February 12-13 @ Revue Stage)

VISUAL ARTS: Fugue Zones, ost is a multi-channel audiovisual installation from three artists. (February 12 to March 7 @ Western Front)

LIVING: Why not celebrate the 49 bus route with a Heated Rivalry-themed get-together? (February 13 @ Langara-49th Avenue Station)

COMEDY: Get your oxytocin-fuelled giggle on at My Funny Valentines Show. (February 14 @ The Improv Centre)

THEATRE: House of Folk: A Lost Canadian Folk Show reimagines the midcentury coffeehouse music scene. (February 14 to March 8 @ Firehall Arts Centre)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

You made it all the way to the bottom, and we love you for it! Readers like you are what keep us going. If you want to support free arts and culture journalism, send this newsletter to a friend.

And before you go, let us know:

• Did a friend share this with you? Sign up for free.

• Want to advertise to locals? Contact our team.

• Have a cool story to share? Drop us an email.