January 1, 2010 Polar Bear Swim. The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year's Day. Led by their founder, Peter Pantages, the swim has grown from around 10 swimmers in that year to the record number of 2,128 official entries in 2000. Today, the swim takes place at 2:30pm on the first day of each new year. Costumes and the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race are the highlights of this event. 604-665-3418,https://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/ January 2 - 10, 2010 Theatrefest. Featuring improv, musical theatre, sketch, storytelling, music, and theatre from across North America for all ages.  Lion's Hall, 770 Commercial Dr.  Produced by Rainforest Theatre; www.Theatrefest.org January 5, 2010 In the House proudly presents the 2nd edition of Voices of A'Cappella. The sultry and sublime vocal strains will provide you with momentous moments of moving music. 3688 W. King Edward Ave.; www.inthehousefestival.com January 6 - 16, 2010 Fighting Chance Productions presents Forbidden Broadway. Forbidden Broadway is one of the longest running off-Broadway musicals of all time. A loving spoof to Broadway it takes jabs at all your favourite shows and performers including Wicked, Rent, Liza Minelli, Carol Channing, Chicago and many many more! PAL Theatre Vancouver; https://fightingchanceproductions.wordpress.com January 7 to February 7, 2010 Arts Club Theatre Company presents Mrs. Dexter And Her Daily. A finely crafted portrait of Mrs. D and Peggy, whose longstanding employer–servant relationship may be coming to an end. The women cross class and cultural boundaries in this tale of love and loss and loyalty, set in Toronto. Arts Club Theatre Company, https://www.artsclub.com/20092010/plays/mrs-dexter-and-her-daily.htm January 11 - 14, 2010 Songweavers Studio Hip Hop Week 2010. This event is from January 11 - 14 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm, and January 15 from 5:30pm to 10:30pm. KAYA and Songweavers Studio engage youth, families, teachers, community members and support workers to build bridges by breaking down the stereotypes around Hip Hop and connecting the generation gaps using popular forms of music, culture and lifestyle. This year we will be hosting a free, week-long after-school event. The event highlights the contributions of 90 First Nations, Inuit and Metis artists featured at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion. Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association, 1771 East Hastings St.; 604-254-5513. January 12, 2010 Viva Cuba: Reflections from a Lonely Planet Writer. Defying all logic the world's largest country, Cuba is also one of its most instantly recognisable. This revelatory talk by Brendan Sainsbury takes a candid look at an island famous for its rum, rumba, cigars, communism, Buicks and beaches, and uncovers some of the changes that have followed the 'retirement' of Fidel Castro. (Admission is free. Seating is limited.) Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca January 13, 2010 COLIN JAMES. Live Nation presents Colin James, live in concert. James has juggled his skills as a singer, guitarist and big-band leader so well over the years that diversity seems almost synonymous with his stellar career. He’s also been a restless voyager, traversing genres—from blues and rock to pop and swing and back again. Throughout it all, Colin has always forged ahead, without regard to fads or trends, going wherever his wandering muse takes him. With his latest album, Rooftops and Satellites, Colin has done just that: his singing and guitar playing has never been more soulful and his new songs are among his most meaningful ever. It’s not a breakthrough disc or a comeback record, because Colin’s an established rock and blues institution who’s never gone away. But it is an album that serves notice that Colin James just keeps on getting better. Tickets 604-280-3311 Ticketmaster (https://www.ticketmaster.ca/) Live Nation (https://www.livenation.com/) January 14 to April 11, 2010 Art of Craft. Celebrate the exuberance, inventiveness and refinement of fine craft at this exhibition of work from Canada and the Republic of Korea. Art of Craft showcases 173 spectacular fine craft works in three parts: Unity Is Diversity - 75 pieces from across Canada recently on display at the 2009 Cheongju International Craft Biennale in the Republic of Korea.  By Hand/BC and Yukon - 51 pieces from Canada’s West Coast with a focus on the artists’ creative processes and studio environments. Craft from the Republic of Korea - 47 pieces demonstrating the excellence of traditional and contemporary crafts. Presented by Museum of Vancouver in partnership with the Craft Council of British Columbia, the Canadian Craft Federation and the Korean Craft Museum. https://www.museumofvancouver.ca January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 2010 Sail the World at the Vancouver Maritime Museum 2010 Ocean Cruising Adventure Lectures.  The Maritime Museum and Pacific Yachting Magazine present Ocean Cruising Adventures, a series of illustrated lectures coordinated by Anne Brevig. Local skippers share their exciting experiences and practical advice about offshore sailing aboard small boats. Lectures will be held at 8 pm in the H R MacMillan Space Centre Auditorium, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver on four consecutive Friday evenings – January 15, 22, 29 and February 5. https://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com January 15, 2010 Science World After Dark. Explore Science World without the kids! Play in the galleries, sip some wine and tickle your funny bone with a mix of comedy stylings from local comedians. Don't miss out on a night of being a kid. telusworldofscience.com/vancouver January 16, 2010 Owl Talk with Ted Williams. Get close up and personal with the owls of British Columbia at the Richmond Nature Park on Saturday, January 16, 2:00  3:30 pm. Register to attend this all-ages event and see an unforgettable live owl presentation by Ted Williams of the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (O.W.L.), followed by an opportunity to have your photo taken with one of these elusive birds. Please pre-register as this event fills quickly. Please call (604) 718-618 January 16, 2010 Penk O'Donnell School of Irish Dance presents  Celtic Rhythms - A Night of Irish Music and Dance. Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver;  604-984-4484, https://www.centennialtheatre.com January 16 - 17, 2010 COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP with Linda Darlow.  With Linda Darlow's technique you will crack the mysterious code of commercial auditions. Be whip-smart & specific in your choices! This two-day intensive will help you master: Slating, SOC, One-Liners, Spokesperson, Double Improv and Double Dialog techniques. 604.408.8550. January 16 - 18, 2010 French Canadian Winter Festival. Making names for themselves as voyageurs, interpreters, trappers and more, their names are still heard throughout the community. Join us to celebrate this important French-Canadian heritage at a new festival of music and culture and learn something new about our ancestors of old and neighbours of now! Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, https://www.fortlangley.com/ January 16 to February 6, 2010 PLAYHOUSE THEATRE COMPANY: BEYOND EDEN. In the abandoned Haida village of Ninstints stand totem poles. They have stood there for decades. Lewis Wilson and his long-time friend and colleague Max Tomson are on an expedition to rescue these totem poles and save them from their waterlogged, beetle-infested and fragile condition. On their journey both men struggle: Wilson with his authority and resistance to removing the poles; Max to find his place between the white world and his Haida ancestry. Starring Spirit of the West’s Michael Mann and Tom Jackson. Written by Bruce Ruddell. Directed by Dennis Garnhum. Music direction by Bill Henderson. Music by Bruce Ruddell and Bill Henderson. A co-production with Theatre Calgary. Presented with Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. For performance dates and times check out the Playhouse Theatre Company website.  Tickets 604-873-3311 Playhouse Theatre Company (https://www.vancouverplayhouse.com/) January 17, 2010 HaBanot Nechama (Israel).  Winners of ACUM ( Israel's ASCAP) achievement award  “A unique quality of harmony sang by three incredible singers,  warming every listener's heart".  Norman Rothstein Theatre (950 W. 41st Ave). www.normanrothsteintheatre.com January 18, 2010 Escape Clause: A Speculative Fiction Anthology. Come and hear selected readings from "Escape Clause" - stories of wonder and delight, from today's best speculative fiction writers. Featuring Linda Demeulemeester (Winner of the Silver Birch award); Eleen Kernaghan (Three-time Aurora Award winner); Casey Wolf (Author of "Finding Creatures"); Ari Goelman (Shortlisted twice this year for Ellen Datlow's "Year's Best Fantasy and Horror"); Clelie Rich (Editor of "Room Magazine"); Marcie Lynn Tentchoff (Aurora Magazine Winner); Maryke Hendrikse (Winner of the Elan Award). (Admission is free. Seating is limited). Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca January 20, 2010 Most Good, Least Harm: Zoe Weil. Zoe Weil, author of "Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life", will speak about the MOGO (most good) Principle which will motivate you to make your own life an expression of your deepest values and help you create a life of inner peace while contributing to the building of a peaceful, sustainable world for all. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Co-sponsored by The Institute for Humane Education. Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca January 20 to February 6, 2010 PuSh International Performing Arts Festival 2010. The annual PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is one of Vancouver’s signature events. Produced over 20 days each January, the PuSh Festival presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts: theatre, dance, music and various hybrid forms of performance. It attracts acclaimed local, national and international artists and their work  For more information and show descriptions visit www.pushfestival.ca January 21, 2010 Journeys Book Launch. Open to the public, students, and families of David Lloyd George Elementary School.  Events to include: readings from the book by students, school choir, and Holly Arntzen to premiere their new song for "Project Blue Sky" an initiative led by Olympic athletes. David Lloyd George Elementary School has been writing a legacy book that illustrates and represents unique stories about their journeys to Canada and experiences as new Canadians. Tickets: $15/person (please contact the school for more information). Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver; 604-713-4895. January 22, 2010 Downtown Vancouver Lunarfest unveiling of the 2010 Taiwan Vancouver Cultural exchange lanterns. This event is from January 22 - February 28. The second Annual LunarFest 2010 is destined to be an amazing, surprising and playful blend of arts, culture and Lunar New Year wonderment! Be sure to bring your lanterns or join our public lantern-making workshops to join in the processions! Granville Pedestrian Corridor (between Georgia & Robson); 604-879-8611. January 22 - 24, 2010 DanceSport BC presents SnowBall Classic 2010. Come experience the 22nd annual SnowBall Classic International DanceSport Competition, Canada’s largest world-ranking competitive ballroom dance event, including for the first time ever, the IDSF World Cup Latin! SnowBall takes place in “Spectacular by Nature” Vancouver, Canada, one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities in the world. The SnowBall Classic features three full days of competitions and performances for all ages (children to seniors) and all levels (beginners to the world’s best). SnowBall is sanctioned by the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF) and DanceSport BC (DSBC), the world and regional governing bodies for DanceSport. It attracts over 400 competitors from 20-30 countries, with judges from at least 9 countries. Hyatt Regency Vancouver. https://www.snowballclassic.com January 22 - 24, 2010 Opening the Cultural Olympiad is the legendary music of Canadian songstress Joni Mitchell combined with the explosive choreography of Alberta Ballet’s Jean Grand-Maître in The Fiddle and The Drum, January 22 to 23, 2010 at 8 p.m. and January 24 at 2 p.m. at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets range in price from $20 to $89 (service charges may apply) at Ticketmaster.ca, or 604-280-3311. Info: www.albertaballet.com. January 22 - 29, 2010 VIMFF presents Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival 2010. A series of films and guest speakers from Canada and around the world. Films on mountain climbing, mountaineering, other forms of climbing, skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, as well as mountain culture, travel, environmental issues, conservation and wildlife in the “Earth Alive” special festival series. Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver;  604-984-4484, https://www.centennialtheatre.com January 22 to February 28, 2010 LunarFest. This free public exhibit features a Lantern Forest rooted down the middle of the 700 block of Granville Street illuminated with lanterns designed by schoolchildren, five totem lanterns composed of indigenous designs from Canada and Taiwan and public art from a collaboration between international professional artists.  604-263-9311, https://lunarfest.org January 22 to March 21, 2010 VANCOUVER 2010 CULTURAL OLYMPIAD: CULTURE SHOCK - VIDEO INTERVENTIONS AT THE QET. The lobby of the historic Vancouver venue will be transformed by some of the most innovative Canadian and international artists working in film and video today. Drawing on its theatrical setting, this contemporary video art exhibit investigates different aspects of performance, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between the work on its screens and its theatrical setting. Culture Shock will be presented as a series of thematic programs that will rotate throughout the duration of the exhibition, from films that explore the poetry of the everyday to videos addressing the body’s relationship to its surroundings and footage of musical performances. Presented with Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. January 24, 2010 Six Censational Sundays presents The Gizmo Guys. The Gizmo Guys have amazed and amused audiences around the world, won international juggling competitions, and taught at the top circus schools. What sets these guys apart is their unique combination of infectious humour and dazzling technique. Their rapid-fire act exhilarates and inspires audiences of all ages. Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver;  604-984-4484, https://www.centennialtheatre.com January 25, 2010 Douglas Burnet Smith. Join Douglas Burnet Smith as he reads selections from "Sister Prometheus: Discovering Madame Curie" and his forthcoming collection, "Surface to Air" (to be published in Spring 2010). The author of over a dozen books of poetry, Douglas Burnet Smith's work has won the Malahat Review's Long Poem prize, and has been nominated for a Governor General's Award and the Atlantic Poetry Prize. (Free Admission. Seating is limited. We acknowledge the support of The Canada Council for the Arts). Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca January 25 - 28, 2010 SHEN YUEN. Inspired by the spirit of China's ancient culture, New York-based ShenYun Performing Arts brings to life classical Chinese dance and music in a gloriously colourful and exhilarating show. Shen Yun’s internationally-acclaimed performers, original costumes, state-of-the-art digital backdrops, powerful drum rhythms, and full orchestra have wowed audiences around the world. Shen Yun will play at the Q.E. Theatre with an all new program. Tickets 604-280-3311 Ticketmaster (https://www.ticketmaster.ca/) Shen Yun Performing Arts (https://www.shenyunperformingarts.org) January 29, 2010 Critical Mass in Vancouver; Critical Mass is a grassroots reclamation of public space -- a bike ride and skate -- held the last Friday of every month. You are invited to enjoy the safety and comfort in the car-free space that we create by simply riding together! Bicycles, skateboards, rollerskates, self propelled couches, and any other form of human powered locomotion are all welcomed! We ride around the city wherever people want to go - this is decided collectively - the length of the ride depends on enthusiasm and is also collectively decided. No one who comes is forced to or needs to break the law in order to participate.  Meet 5 to 5:30 at the Vancouver Art Gallery, leave at 6pm; Critical Mass in Vancouver (https://www.bikesexual.org/cm/) January 29, 2010 Megaphone Magazine A Special 2010 Winter Games Issue. This event is from January 29 - March 5. Megaphone is a magazine sold on the streets of Vancouver by homeless and low-income vendors. The focus of this special issue will be on the Downtown Eastside. 778-835-4440. January 29, 2010 Vancouver Sport Network Sportif.  An invitation to Vancouvers sport community to gather and celebrate sport in the City of Vancouver. All Sport Summit activities are free and promote increased participation from all sectors of the sport community. This event will promote community spirit and raise awareness of the upcoming Games by inviting retired Olympians to share their stories of achievements. Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 604-257-8564. January 31, 2010 A Sporting Chance: A Part of Host a City Happening screening. An evening of the Jewish Film Festival presenting sports-themed films and athletes. The Peretz Centre, 6184 Ash St., Vancouver; 604-266-0245. Ongoing to January 2, 2010 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  This splendidly theatrical invention preserves all the magic of the twentieth century's best-loved fantasy classic. 604.731.5518, www.pacifictheatre.org Ongoing to January 3, 2010 THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Gateway Theatre presents this 6-time Tony Award-winning musical featuring the energetic Millie, a cast of playful flappers, and a dragon-lady villainess! Tickets: $38 for adults/$25 for students/$35 each for groups of 10 or more. Call the Box Office at 604-270-1812 or visit www.gatewaytheatre.com for tickets. Ongoing to January 9, 2010 This year, Metro Theatre's Christmas traditional pantomime is Dick Whittington and His Cat which is fun for all ages! Come join Dick on all of his many Christmas adventures December 18th – Jan 9th, 2010, $20/Seat, $12/Children 10 yrs and under. Tickets can be reserved through the Metro Theatre Box Office (604.266.7191). For more information, visit the theatre's website – https://www.metrotheatre.org Ongoing until January 9, 2010 Alice in Wonderland by James MacDonald. A twisted new adventure Produced by Rainforest Theatre. Theatrefest- Lion's Hall, 770 Commercial Drive (at Adanac); www.RainforestTheatre.com, www.Theatrefest.org Ongoing until January 16, 2010 The Blackbird Theatre Company brings to life the classic Edward Albee play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? December 28, 2009 to January 16, 2010 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre. Gabrielle Rose leads a stellar cast in this tale of volatile relationships and illusions. Tickets $35 adults, $25 matinee, and $15 students (service charges may apply) at The Cultch Box Office, 604-251-1363. Info: 604-921-8588, www.blackbirdtheatre.ca. Ongoing to January 31, 2009 Public Ice Skating at Robson Square. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Robson Square is British Columbia’s home for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Starting Tuesday, November 24, GE Plaza will be open for free public skating from Noon to 9PM every day. Rentals are $3 and include helmets for those 12 and under. February 6 to May 2, 2010 Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man.  Some of the most important drawings of the human body ever created will be presented at the Vancouver Art Gallery from February 6 to May 2, 2010. For the first time in history, the anatomical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci’s Anatomical Manuscript A will be on view in their entirety in the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man. Generously loaned from the Royal CollectionbyHer Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIfor presentation during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition will be free to the public during the 17 days of the Olympic Games as the result of a partnership with the Province of British Columbia. 604.662.4719, https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca February 7, 2010 Children’s Swap Meet. This is the place to pick up much needed items for your children.  Parents and children have been busy cleaning out their closets for this always popular event, which features slightly used clothing, toys, books and baby accessories.  This event will take place in at the Poirier Community Centre and in the Centennial Room – which is located next door to the Poirier Community Centre.  This sale is for used items only, which are suitable for infants and children. For more information, please call 604-927-6048 or 604-927-6046 or email poiriercommunitycentre@coquitlam.ca. Ongoing until February 28, 2009 Museum of Vancouver presents Ravishing Beasts. Displaying the Museum’s extensive collection of taxidermy for the first time in decades, Ravishing Beasts investigates this provocative and strangely alluring practice. Whether a hoarding of exotic curiosities, a scientific archive, a hunting trophy, or a stuffed pet, taxidermy always exposes longings to capture animals and tell stories about their significance within human lives. www.museumofvancouver.ca Ongoing until June 30, 2010 Vancouver Biennale. The Vancouver International Biennale is a free 22-month open air exhibition featuring the world’s most prominent sculptors and New Media artists. The Biennale is a bi-annual public art event featuring monumental public sculpture installations along the beaches, walking and bike pathways surrounding Vancouver and West Vancouver’s 12 waterside neighbourhoods and urban plaza’s while showcasing New Media installations via billboards, transit shelters and rapid transit. In this New Media component we have partnered with Pattison Outdoor, Canada’s largest billboard advertiser, and CBS/Viacom, to expand the Biennale’s reach throughout the province. https://www.vancouverbiennale.com/index.php Ongoing Beat Street Community Drum Circle.  Enjoy call-and-response songs from around the world, rhythm games and hand drumming with the freedom to try out a huge selection of percussion instruments and toys.Jericho Hill Centre, 4196 West 4th Ave.; Every Sunday 3-5 pm, www.lylepovah.com, 604 736-6487 Ongoing Community Lunch.  A free lunch of soup and sandwiches is offered weekly in North Vancouver in a safe, friendly, wheelchair accessible place where you can share a free meal with children, youth and adults. All are welcomed!  St. Andrew's United Church, 1044 St. Georges, North Vancouver; 604-985-0408, www.st-andrews-united.ca1 Ongoing For the last 12 years I've been running a non-profit organization in Delta called Air Time Canada.  We offer a free Aviation Camp where kids (and adults) learn how to co-pilot an airplane and get a chance to try it out for real.  It's completely free, in that we cover the cost of the ground school, food, flights, fuel, instructors, etc.  Participants do have to pay for their own classroom supplies.  You can find out a lot more at: https://www.airfun.org  David Black, Director, Air Time Canada; Ongoing MR DANCE in Vancouver - Social and ballroom dancing every Sunday and Tuesday.  We are teaching dancing since 1991.   Admission: $8.00 for a group lesson and a dance.  No partner required.  No membership.   Learn to dance like the Stars in 2009.  FREE ticket for new people every Tuesday.  Location: Vancouver, Astorino's Hall, 1739 Venables Street.  Visit www.MrDance.ca or call Esie at 604 436 4436 for more information. Ongoing The Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition is now presenting the “End of Empire”. This shows the rise and fall of the British motorcycle industry and what caused it. There are 60 antique and vintage motorcycle on display in an exhibition setting. It is open seven days a week. The hours are Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Tours are available on request. Admission is by donation. The Exhibition is located at 1875 Boundary Road and 2nd Avenue in Vancouver BC . For more information call 604 293 2221. www.deeleymotorcycleexhibition.ca Ongoing Totems - Silent Messengers of the West Coast.  Visit the largest and most diverse collection of totem poles Vancouver has seen and pay homage to this ancient icon in Pacific Northwest Coast native culture, known as the silent messenger. Coastal Peoples Fine Arts, 1024 Mainland St., Vancouver; 604.685.9248, https://www.coastalpeoples.com