It’s still winter in BC but small signs of spring are already popping up around Richmond—along with plenty of reasons to leave your couch and head outside. From colourful Chinese New Year events to fun-filled Family Day shenanigans, February is full of cool happenings. And if you spot any of those budding springtime signals—from fresh new shoots to early cherry blossoms—let us know by snapping some photos and sharing them via our #RichmondMoments social media hashtag or tagging @VisitRichmondBC on Instagram or Twitter.

Chinese New Year celebrations at Aberdeen Centre. | Photo: ​Tourism Richmond

The Big Game at the River Rock Show Theatre

February 3 (2:00pm)
Tickets $24.95 (plus fees)

Football fans should touchdown at the River Rock for this party-like game-screening event. Hosted by Z95.3FM’s Leslie and Scooter, check out a Sunday afternoon game in high-definition, while also diving into an all-you-can-eat buffet of hearty tailgate-style treats. Adding to the fun, there will be beer specials, a 50/50 draw, and onsite massages—perfect if the score is stressing you out—plus plenty of great prizes to win, including a two-night golf stay in Victoria. Purchase tickets here.

Chinese New Year Countdown Night at Aberdeen Centre

February 4 (8:30pm to 12:10am)
Free

Welcome the Year of the Pig in style at this colourful countdown evening of live entertainment and Instagram-worthy festivities—it’s also your last chance to visit the mall’s annual Flower & Gift Fair. Keep in mind that Aberdeen Centre’s big party isn’t the only way to celebrate this auspicious time in Richmond: there are also New Year’s Eve events at Bodhi Meditation and the International Buddhist Temple as well as a special celebratory buffet at Rive Rock Casino. Hungry for more Chinese New Year happenings? Peruse your local options here.

Year of the Pig celebrations will be in full swing at Aberdeen Centre. | Photo: ​John Lee

Chinese New Year Dragon and Lion Dance at Yaohan Centre

February 5 (12:00pm noon)
Free

New Year’s Day in Richmond is studded with chances to catch colourful, highly energetic dragon and lion dance performances. Join the festive crowds at Yaohan Centre to watch these fast-moving dancers—complete with firecrackers and an appearance from the God of Fortune himself—or check out some of the other mesmerizing performances around the city, including performances at Aberdeen Centre and the River Rock Casino. Beyond February 5, you’ll also find free Year of the Pig cultural performances at Lansdowne Centre (February 9) and CF Richmond Centre (February 10).

Yoga Play at the Gateway Theatre

February 7 to 16
Tickets from $29

The perfect way to laugh off the February chills, warm-up your giggle muscles before sliding into your seat for this yoga-themed comedy play. A clever West Coast satire that tackles themes of commerce, spirituality, and—of course—stretchy exercise pants, the action centres on a yogawear company’s attempts to recover after its CEO has been brought down by a fat-shaming scandal. A radical makeover of the company’s image is required, but what should that entail? You’ll never look at yoga apparel in the same way again. Book tickets here.

Yoga Play, with Christine Quintana & Chirag Naik, is running at the Gateway Theatre this month. | Photo: David Cooper​ 

Family Day Events in Steveston Village

February 16 to February 18
Free

There are many ways to mark BC’s Family Day holiday this year­­, especially in riverfront Steveston Village. Drop by Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site throughout the long weekend for activities including a scavenger hunt and free 15-minute tours every hour. Nearby, the Steveston Museum’s February 18 offerings include the chance to make traditional paper dolls with your family. And just up the street on the same day, the charming Steveston Interurban Tram will also be hosting craft activities for Family Day visitors. Why not make a day of it by visiting all three?

Family Fun Days at the Richmond Nature Park

February 16 to 18 (from 11:00am – 3:00pm)
Free (donations appreciated)

If a breath of fresh air is required after all that time spent indoors over the winter, bring the family to Family Fun Days at one of the city’s most beloved outdoor spaces. Running throughout the Family Day long weekend, you’ll discover special themed activities for all ages—the perfect way to encourage your kids to have fun while learning about the region’s flora and fauna. You’ll also have the chance to create your own twig-crafted picture frame—perfect for that smiling Family Day photo you just snapped of everyone.

Children’s Arts Festival at the Richmond Cultural Centre

February 18 (10:00am to 4:00pm)
General admission $5, children 2 and under are free (creativity classes $15, register in advance)

If your kids like nothing more than exercising their unbounded creativity, the city’s 11th annual Children’s Arts Festival is a must. Aimed at kids aged from 3 to 12, this highly engaging hands-on event is full of interactive workshops as well as an entertaining roster of eye-catching performances. Drop by to watch the fun unfold throughout the day or sign your kids up for classes in everything from musical theatre to shadow puppets to acrylic painting. Peruse the festival’s program here and check out and register for classes here.

Jana Seale Concert at the Britannia Shipyards

February 21 (from 7:30pm; doors open 6:30pm)
Tickets $10 at the door

If you forgot to treat your sweetie for Valentine’s Day, get back in their good books with the Steveston Folk Guild’s first show of 2019. Chilliwack-based solo performer Jana Seale brings her elegant guitar arrangements and captivating voice to a wide range of songs from the 1960s to today, ranging from country to Celtic to soft rock. Recalling Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, this delightful, highly engaging show takes place at the uniquely intimate Chinese Bunkhouse venue at Richmond’s Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site.

Jana Seale is performing at the Britannia Shipyards this month. | Photo: Jana Seale