Fan Expo, Just for Laughs headline long weekend events in Metro Vancouver

Photo by CTV Vancouver's Pete Cline in Chopper 9 on Monday, June 4, 2018.

A three-day celebration of fan culture and the beginning of a 10-day comedy festival are among the many events taking place this Family Day long weekend across Metro Vancouver. Here’s a look at what’s happening.

Just for Laughs Vancouver

Described by organizers as “Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival,” Just for Laughs Vancouver is once again bringing household names and under-the-radar comics to perform at venues around the city.

Stand-up, improv, sketch and live podcast shows are all part of the schedule. Lineup and ticket information can be found on the Just For Laughs website.

Shows began Thursday and will continue through Feb. 22.

Fan Expo Vancouver

Fan Expo Vancouver is back at the Vancouver Convention Centre’s west building this weekend, bringing three days of cosplay, photo-ops, autograph sessions, fan meetups, special events and more.

Fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming and more are invited to find their “fandom family” at this year’s expo.

The show opens at 10 a.m. daily and closes at 8 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday and 5 p.m. Monday. Ticket and schedule information can be found online.

LunarFest

While some of its component events—like “The Lantern City”---began earlier in the month, LunarFest 2026 officially kicks off Saturday and runs through Feb. 28.

Encompassing a variety of events, from cooking demonstrations and craft workshops to live performances and film screenings, LunarFest is described by organizers as an “annual celebration of the Lunar New Year through arts and storytelling.”

Visit the festival’s website to see the full slate of offerings.

Every River Has a Mouth

The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art will hold an opening reception this Saturday for its newest exhibition Every River Has a Mouth.

Guest curated by Salish artist Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, the exhibition incorporates the work of 11 Coast and Interior Salish artists, “foregrounding the vital interconnectivity between Interior and Coast Salish communities,” according to organizers.

The opening reception will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and is free to attend. Every River Has a Mouth will be on display through Feb. 14, 2027.

Big Bang Festival

Part of Family Day festivities at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in Yaletown, the Big Bang Festival is a “joyful celebration of sound” for children ages five and older and their families, according to organizers.

Featuring pop-up performances, mini-concerts, hands-on activities, face-painting and more, the event is free to enter, but $5 tickets are required to participate in certain activities. More information can be found on the festival website.

At the theatre

A variety of live performances are either premiering or holding limited runs this weekend. More information on each one is available at the link provided.

• The Family Forward Festival: Saturday through Monday at the Carousel Theatre, 1411 Cartwright St. on Granville Island
• Firehall Arts Centre presents: House of Folk: Saturday through March 8 at Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E. Cordova St. in Vancouver
• Vancouver Opera presents: Così fan tutte: Sunday at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St. in Vancouver

Fan Fest and more for the sports fans

Head to Jack Poole Plaza on Sunday and Monday for the Vancouver edition of Team Canada Fan Fest.

Featuring public screenings of Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic events, Team Canada athlete appearances, winter sport demonstrations and participation opportunities and more, the festival will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The Vancouver Giants and Abbotsford Canucks are both in action this weekend, as well, with the Giants hosting the Penticton Vees on Friday at 7 p.m. and the AHL Canucks hosting the Ontario Reign on Saturday, also at 7 p.m.