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January 27, 2026: Metro Vancouver's middle child

January 27, 2026: Metro Vancouver's middle child

Plus: Emily Carr, ceviche, and Lunar New Year

January 27, 2026

Hey there. While most of Canada is shivering under snowstorms, we have that classic Vancouver winter weather of… ice? Maybe some frost? An abnormal amount of sunshine?

Recent years suggest we’ll get a couple of days of snow sometime this winter, but jury’s out on when that will be. And hey, so long as it’s not a blizzard, we’ve got nothing to complain about.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

In defence of Burnaby, Vancouver’s middle child

What can a deep dive through the r/burnaby subreddit tell you about the state of the city? Yes, it might be four towns held together with parks and string, but, as Vicki Duong finds out, there’s plenty to love about Vancouver’s overlooked sibling.

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:

Iron Lung (Feb 2–3)
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.

Interactive Theatre Experience With Cultural Roots and a Touch of Magic

Everything Has Disappeared, created by Hazel Venzon and Darren O’Donnell, examines what our world would be like without contributions from the Filipino community. The show is equal parts conjuring act and quiet celebration. Catch the Vancouver premiere at PuSh Festival 2026!

— LIVING —

Lunar New Year takes over Metrotown

The year of the fire horse is galloping towards us, and Metropolis at Metrotown is getting ready to embrace the Lunar New Year festivities.

Science World explores love and sex on Valentine’s Day

Where Great Teams Do Their Best Work

Flexible workspaces that work harder for your business. WeWork helps companies of all sizes reduce overhead while creating environments where employees love to work. Better spaces, better results, better bottom line. Connect with a WeWork expert today.

— ARTS —

A new Emily Carr retrospective is the biggest in 20 years

Emily Carr, one of Vancouver’s most beloved artists, is getting an extensive solo show at the city’s largest gallery.

Arts Club is rebooting Dial M for Murder
What would happen if all Filipinos disappeared?
Known for her hilarious Netflix stand-up specials, comedian Beth Stelling is hitting the Biltmore stage for an evening of laughs February 1. Grab tickets today!*

*sponsored listing

— FOOD & DRINK —

We Tried It: North Van’s Copperpenny Distillery

Dine Out first-timer Copperpenny Distillery isn’t just a fantastic cocktail spot. As William Johnson reports, its food menu also shines.

New ceviche spot Uchu does raw with style

— ICYMI —

Mount Pleasant bars will be buzzing till 3 a.m.
Here are all the restaurants participating in Dine Out Vancouver, on one map
AnnaLena is doing things its own way
Trade Grades: Was Kiefer Sherwood worth more?

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

PERFORMING ARTS: PuSh Festival continues to be home to a staggering mix of theatre, immersive art, dance, and performance this week. (To February 8 @ various venues)

FILM: BCCLA hosts a fundraiser with a showing of local documentary The Anarchist Lunch. (January 27 @ The Cinematheque)

COMEDY: Improv troupes from around the world come together to bring The Heat. (January 27-31 @ The Improv Centre

MUSIC: Get a deeper understanding of Mozart’s Così fan tutte through this mix of excerpts and conversation. (January 28 @ VPL Central Branch)

SPORTS: Babes in the Park encourages women and gender minority skiers to build a snowy community. (January 28 @ Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver)

MUSIC: Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg creative Leanne Betasamosake Simpson shows why she is one of the most influential Indigenous voices of her generation. (January 29 @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts)

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

That’s it!

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