This week’s list features five low-cost events that show you don’t have to shell out the big bucks to have fun, meet new people and unleash your creativity. Check out hot new performance art at PuSh festival, giggle at Weird Little Weekend’s experimental live comedy shows or mingle at hotmothertrucker’s free crafty cafe social.
Read MoreWhat if you could manipulate time? While you alone may not be able to, psilocybin sure can. While I wouldn’t know what that’s like (wink, wink) writer and singer Emma Května gave us a taste of her own experience in her personal essay “How Long Does This Last For?”, detailing the feelings of existential dread and regression to a less than pleasant time in her past that ensued just because she said yes to a hike with an old flame.
Read MoreWATER / COLOUR by Judith Williams (on view at Pale Fire gallery) is a series of paintings made using collected water samples from along the BC coast.
Read MoreI recently started binging the Y2K classic Sex and the City, which got me thinking… does having this weekly column basically make me Carrie Bradshaw? On one hand, I am a writer with intel on the titular City’s hottest events, but on the other, I’ve never slept with my married ex-boyfriend.
I’m happy to accept that I’m more of a Miranda (high-strung, high-achieving, gay) who aspires to be a Samantha (free-spirited, independent, also probably gay). And just like that… here’s another list of five totally sexy events this week in our city! Thank you for indulging me in these dated references from a turn-of-the-century TV show, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get the full list straight to your inbox every Thursday!
MENA FILM FESTIVAL ☆ The MENA Film Festival returns for its seventh year, celebrating the creations and creativity of filmmakers with roots in the Middle East and North Africa from Jan. 15 to 23. Explore the full program, featuring over 40 features and shorts available to watch in person or online, as well as industry events and panels. Mood Swing readers can use the code MEDIA2026MENA at checkout for 25% off your ticket or pass!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 ☆ VARIOUS LOCATIONS ☆ TICKETS ($15+)
BAD DRAG, NEW VENUE ☆ Local drag artist, DJ and comedian Amy Grindhouse’s show Bad Drag is hitting a hot new queer-run venue The Closet this Saturday, Jan. 17. Catch performances from co-host Velvet Ryder with special guests PM and Imelda Mae Santos. The cover may be cheap, but the drag won’t be, so don’t forget to bring your cash and all your energy!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 9PM ☆ THE CLOSET, 271 KEEFER ST ☆ $12
EMERGING ARTISTS EVE ☆ I’ve been itching to feature an event at The Heatley, a vibey Strathcona bar with live music and very good caesars. Fight the Sunday scaries this Sunday, Jan. 18, with a lineup of four femme emerging artists sure to make you swoon.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 8PM - 11PM ☆ THE HEATLEY, 696 E HASTINGS ST ☆ $10
MORE KARAOKE! ☆ I confess I have a karaoke bias as the writer of this prestigious list, but when I discover a new karaoke night, I can’t help but share, especially when it’s at one of my favorite bars in the city. The Boxcar is a cozy cocktail bar with a great draft selection, plus all-day happy hour and karaoke every Monday night!
EVERY MONDAY, 8PM ☆ THE BOXCAR, 917 MAIN ST ☆ FREE!
CRAFT CLUB CINEMA ☆ Vancouver’s coziest movie night is back with a special bring-your-own-craft screening of 2005’s Pride & Prejudice at the Hollywood Theatre this Tuesday, Jan. 20. The lights will stay low throughout the film so you can sketch, knit, crochet, or practice whatever new hobby you have for 2026!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 7:30PM ☆ HOLLYWOOD THEATRE, 3123 W BROADWAY ☆ TICKETS ($16.75)
New year, same Mood Swing! We’re back with our weekly list of five affordable arts and culture events in Vancouver. Find the perfect event to help you reach those new year goals, including art shows, open mics, movie nights and more.
Read MoreWith a powerful Capricorn trifecta and several notable transits, the main advice from our January 2026 Cosmic Forecast is that it's not about how you start, nor is it about how you end. It may be about learning to cultivate the patience needed when the intention is transformation.
Read MoreAn intimate look at Tatreez, also known as Palestinian embroidery, through a community workshop in Vancouver, exploring the history, symbolism and cultural language woven into each stitch.
Read MoreThis week’s Mood Swing rounds up free and low-cost Vancouver events to close out the year, including a free New Year’s Eve party, drag shows, community fundraisers, and literary events. With holiday calendars already full, these picks make it easy to support local arts and culture without spending much. Mood Swing returns January 8 with more weekly event listings.
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