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February 5, 2026: Not your grandma’s Baking Show

February 5, 2026: Not your grandma’s Baking Show

Plus: All the best Vancouver concerts and events coming this February

February 05, 2026

Hey there. It is once again the first Thursday of the month, which means we once again have a newspaper to bring you! On the cover this time is RIOT Vancouver, a troupe that proves sketch comedy is for life, not just for the Fringe.

Check out where to pick it up, and let us know what you think.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

Jörgen Dance's very Canadian Midsummer Night's Dream

Ballet is often thought of as a serious art form. But Jörgen Dance is committed to making its shows both funny and family friendly. “All of our productions try to engage three generations,” artistic director Bengt Jörgen says of his latest production, a midcentury spin on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “People want a break from the disasters that befall life.”

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:

The Free Label (Feb 6)
Dice ft. Mark Woodyard with J-Pod & Civilian
Cool Runnings (Feb 9)
Blades of Glory (Feb 10)
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.

A new twist on a suspenseful classic

Adultery takes a lethal turn in the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Dial M for Murder, presented in partnership with Theatre Calgary. After Tony learns of his wife Margot’s affair, he concocts the perfect murder scheme, devises an airtight alibi, and chooses when to strike. As the suspense builds, Tony, Margot, her lover, and a mysterious figure from the past become ensnared in a high-stakes maze of deception, blackmail, and betrayal. Now playing until March 8 at the Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of the classic psychological thriller will have you on the edge of your seat until the curtain falls.

Tickets are now on sale from $29 at artsclub.com—get your seats now, and find out: Will he get away with it?

— ARTS —

The Baking Show Show examines the dark side of reality TV

What if The Great British Baking Show accidentally cast a win-at-any-costs perfectionist? “It’s the idea of being on a show where it’s quite lovely and wholesome,” says The Baking Show Show playwright and star Faly Mevamanana. “I thought it would be a fun idea to put a character out here that maybe has some psychological issues.”

The Twilight cast is reuniting for a special screening
30 awesome events to check out this February
Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns to the West Coast with a striking double bill. Catch them Feb. 9 and 10 at The Centre in Vancouver.*

*sponsored listing

Adventurous music festival for young audiences

BIG BANG is a joyful music festival that promises a vibrant journey through colourful experiences. With everything from hands‑on activities like colouring stations and face painting, to unexpected performances and mind‑blowing mini‑concerts, the Festival promises surprises around every corner. Ages 5+ can join in with free and ticketed concerts, activities, and more.

— MUSIC —

Iconoclast Exu Nazares on cats, karma, and cancer

Exu Nazares isn’t just a Vancouver musician from a plethora of ‘90s bands like Windwalker, Silent Gathering, and Technicians of the Sacred; he’s also an artist. Allan MacInnis gets into Nazares’ weird world.

30 cool concerts to catch this month
Is Ween getting back together?

— FOOD & DRINK —

An honest review of Starbucks’ winter menu

Now that the holidays are well and truly in the rearview mirror, Starbucks has decided to launch its seasonal “winter menu”. Read on to find out what William Johnson and his co-tasters decided was worth drinking again, and what tasted like “a grass protein milkshake”.

We Tried It: French comfort still rules at Alouette Bistro
At Fresh Valley Farms, organic farming is about systems—not slogans—combining land stewardship, animal welfare, and transparency to build resilient regional food systems. Read their story.*

*sponsored listing

NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE is in theatres February 13 🪂

A film 17 years in the making that you need to see to believe. When their plan to book a show at the Rivoli goes horribly wrong, Matt and Jay accidentally travel back to the year 2008. Get Tickets HERE.

— ICYMI —

The Polygon Gallery announces its 2026 programming
Model Olivia Wray on body positivity in the time of Ozempic
How to (slowly) eat your way through Sète
Farewell to Rufus Guitar & Drum Shop

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

TALKS: Former NASA administrator Charity Weeden talks space and geopolitics. (February 5 @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts)

STYLE: Brunette the Label hosts a fashionable pop-up. (February 5-8 @ Holt Renfrew)

THEATRE: A Journal of the Plague Year has its North American premiere. (February 5-15 @ Studio 58)

FOOD & DRINK: The third annual Chinatown Cocktail Showdown returns for Lunar New Year. (February 6 @ Chinatown Storytelling Centre)

VISUAL ARTS: Two Ukrainian immigrant artists join forces for Where Memories Live. (February 6-22 @ THIS Gallery)

PERFORMING ARTS: PuSh and Von Vogue Jam present this year’s winter ball, the Motha’ Kiki Ball. (February 7 @ The Birdhouse)

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

That’s it!

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