January 6, 2026: Doot doola doot do, Order of Canada

Hey there. How is 2026 treating you so far? How many times have you had to handwrite the date, so far, and how many times have you had to cross out 2025 to correct it? 

May this year be better than the last. And better than the first week has been so far, too. Look, the vibes so far haven’t been great, so there’s a lot of room for things to turn around in the next 360-ish days.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

2025 in review: Our favourite albums, concerts, movies, meals, and more

It’s been less than a week since we put 2025 in the rearview mirror, which means this is the last possible chance for us to be nostalgic about what we just experienced. There were plenty of lows in such a volatile year, but plenty of highs too, especially where pop culture is concerned. Here, the Straight team discusses what made 2025 sparkle: the films, food, music, and shows that we’ll remember for years to come.

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

For a short time, you can get the Straight Insiders membership for 50% OFF!

When you purchase a subscription, you help our editorial team challenge traditional media narratives by highlighting intimate stories in the arts, culture, music, and beyond. Your membership helps us tell richer stories about Vancouver. 

To unlock up to $100 worth of free stuff every month, become a Straight Insider for just $4.25/month on an annual plan.

SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF COQUITLAM

Winter Nights, Brighter Spirits

Embrace winter wellness at Lights at Lafarge, a free-to-enjoy experience that celebrates movement, connection and moments of joy at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.

Visitors are invited to stroll illuminated pathways, breathe in the fresh air, and unwind amid festive sights and sounds. Blending sparkling magic with the simple benefits of being outdoors, Lights at Lafarge offers a welcoming space to slow down, reconnect and share meaningful time together. With Park Spark Light Brigade activations and plenty of photo-worthy moments, winter evenings in Coquitlam feel brighter, healthier and more connected.

— CITY & CULTURE —

The inside scoop on Nardwuar’s Order of Canada appointment

By now, you’ve probably heard that the inimitable Nardwuar the Human Serviette has been formally appointed to the Order of Canada. What you might not know is that our very own Mike Usinger had a hand in the process.

• Burnaby 2050 sets the city’s long game

• Just For Laughs VANCOUVER returns next month, bringing world-class comedians and the city’s biggest laughs. Secure tickets before it’s too late.*

• Recirquel’s gravity-defying cirque-dance arrives in Vancouver — a stunning, world-class spectacle from Hungary, presented by DanceHouse and The Cultch.*

• Called one of our generation’s most talented creative forces, Grammy winner Madison Cunningham brings her Ace tour to Vogue Theatre, January 9. Don't miss it!*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY KENNETH GORDON MAPLEWOOD SCHOOL

Inclusive Education, Designed Around the Learner

Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year. KGMS is a K–12 independent school specializing in educating neurodiverse learners through small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a supportive community. Apply by March 31, 2026. Learn more. 

— ARTS —

Hold On Let Go celebrates 16 years of indie performance

One of Vancouver’s more experimental arts events marks its sweet 16th season next month, with an expansive program that’s sure to raise spirits—and eyebrows.

• The Baking Show Show has its world premiere in February 

• Review: The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show fights the horrors with hope

• From first chair to last call, Whistler Pride Festival brings love, community and unforgettable mountain moments to Whistler, January 25 to February 1.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY PUSH INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

A Festival for the Culturally Fearless

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is Jan 22–February 8—a place where live arts are celebrated, risk is rewarded, and audiences engage with bold, audacious performances. 

Discover innovative contemporary works from artists near and far that defy the bounds of discipline. PuSh brings together 25 presentations of theatre, dance, music, installation, film, and interdisciplinary performance. Tickets on sale now.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Everything Ronny Chieng and Hasan Minhaj ordered from Lunch Lady

After four sold-out shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng ordered a frankly bananas amount of grub from beloved Commercial Drive eatery Lunch Lady. We got the skinny on everything that hit their table.

• Doing Dry January? Check out these locally made non-alcoholic drinks

• 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

— ICYMI —

• What were our most-read stories of the year?

• “It’s grim”: Vancouver restaurants brace for more tough times 

• A new Gastown boutique brings Italian tailoring to town

• Did you catch the anti-AI East Van Christmas display?

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

THEATRE: It’s your last chance to catch the rip-roaring East Van Panto. (To January 11 @ York Theatre)

VISUAL ARTS: The reflective three-person exhibition Strange Land opens. (January 7 to February 1 @ Ferry Building Gallery)

COMEDY: Jackie Amsden hosts her regular burlesque-come-stand-up show, Comedy Exposed. (January 8 @ The Flapper Lounge, New Westminster)

PERFORMING ARTS: The digital-first festival Interplay offers live works over the internet. (January 8-11 @ online)

VISUAL ARTS: The Structure of Smoke considers fire, metaphorically and literally. (January 8 to April 12 @ Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery)

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

That’s it!

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