The first day of spring and the Persian new year celebration Nowruz are among the occasions being marked across Metro Vancouver this weekend. Here are some events and activities you may want to check out.
Vancouver International Auto Show
The Vancouver International Auto Show began Wednesday and runs through Sunday at the Vancouver Convention Centre’s west building.
Billed as “Western Canada’s premiere automotive experience,” the show features displays from dozens of automakers, plus test-drive opportunities and other interactive experiences.
Ticket prices vary by day and more information can be found on the event’s website.
Le Patin Libre’s Murmuration
An unusual dance performance is coming to Kerrisdale’s Cyclone Taylor Arena this weekend as Dance House presents “Murmuration” by Le Patin Libre.
“Inspired by the aerial choreography of birds, Le Patin Libre’s Murmuration transposes the swoops, swirls and configurations of mass flight to the ice,” organizers say on the show’s website.
“Complex algorithms, infused and emboldened with meticulous choreography, become an aeriform ballet, embedded with risk, but mesmerizing in its beauty and razored precision.”
Performances are scheduled Thursday through Sunday and tickets can be purchased online.
Monster Jam
Monster Jam returns to the Pacific Coliseum this weekend, with shows scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The monster truck competition’s only visit to Vancouver this year will feature 12,000-pound vehicles standing on two wheels and flying through the air, while audience members score the drivers in real time based on their stunts and skills.
Tickets start at $22 plus taxes and fees and can be purchased through the Monster Jam website.
Vancouver Gem Show
Elsewhere at the PNE this weekend, the Vancouver Gem Show will return to the PNE Forum, bringing with it 100 vendors showcasing crystals, fossils, gems, jewelry and more.
A list of participating vendors in “Western Canada’s biggest gem show” can be found online, along with ticket information. The show opens at 1 p.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
StrideFest
Burnaby Heights will play host to StrideFest 2025 beginning Saturday.
The week-long “celebration of creativity and connection” features art displays and installations, live music, poetry, artist demos, workshops and special events taking place at locations throughout the city, though the event is centred on North Burnaby.
A main attraction is the StrideFest art walk, which showcases “diverse visual artworks” from local artists, all visible from the sidewalk along Hastings Street.
The event continues through March 29 and a full schedule of activities can be found on its website.
Night Quest
A portion of Vancouver’s Pacific Spirit Regional Park will be transformed into a “nighttime wonderland” Friday and Saturday evenings for “Night Quest.”
Organized by the Pacific Spirit Park Society and the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation, the family friendly event sees guests guided by glowing animal lanterns toward storytellers sharing tales of nature and offering activities such as drumming and marshmallow roasting.
Night Quest is free, but participants must register online in advance. Some time slots were sold out, but several were still available when CTV News checked Thursday afternoon.
