Things to do in Vancouver on the Family Day long weekend

Rogers Arena is seen on March 24, 2024. The arena plays host to the closing ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games on Sunday. (Shutterstock)

With Valentine’s Day on Friday and Family Day on Monday, there’s a lot to celebrate in Metro Vancouver this weekend. Here are some ways to do that.

Just For Laughs

Ten days of “Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival” began Thursday. Just For Laughs Vancouver brings stand-up, improv, sketch shows and podcasts to venues around the city through Feb. 23.

This year’s headliners include Jerry Seinfeld and Kumail Nanjiani, alongside dozens of other established acts and rising comedy stars.

Ticket information and a full schedule of performances can be found on the festival’s website.

Invictus Games Closing Ceremony

The 2025 Invictus Games will conclude with a closing ceremony at Rogers Arena on Sunday, featuring performances by Jelly Roll, Barenaked Ladies and The War And Treaty, among others.

The event marks the close of eight days of competition between veterans and active-duty military personnel from 23 countries, who have been taking part in adaptive sports in Vancouver and Whistler.

Kids Life Family Day

The Kids Life Foundation will host a day of workshops, stage shows and musical performances at the Pipe Shop, 115 Victory Ship way in North Vancouver on Saturday.

Family focused vendors will also be on hand for the event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and aims to “foster creativity and connection for all ages,” according to organizers.

A schedule of events and ticket information can be found on the Kids Life Foundation website.

500 Words

Green Thumb Theatre is putting on a free performance of “500 Words” by Jamie Norris Saturday morning at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

The kid-friendly play tells the story of Lance, a Grade 6 student, and Sylvia, a Grade 3 student, who are partnered up as reluctant reading buddies. “Learning together, the unlikely pair create something neither of them could have come up with on their own,” according to Green Thumb.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the show starts at 10 a.m.

Big Bang Festival

Head to the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown on Sunday for a free music festival geared toward children.

Billed as “an adventurous music festival for young audiences,” the Big Bang Festival features live music, face-painting, a bounce house and interactive musical activities. Two ticketed “music rooms” are also on offer. Admission to those is $5 and can be booked online in advance.

Family Day at the art gallery

On Family Day itself, the Vancouver Art Gallery will host a variety of activities – including guided gallery tours, art-making workshops and storytelling sessions – for children and families.

Gallery admission is free on Monday for people ages 18 and younger, though children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

A schedule of events can be found on the VAG website.