Mood Swing (February 19, 2026)
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NORMIE CORP’S GIDDY UP RAVE CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH THIS FRIDAY. PHOTO BY WURLD2000K COURTESY OF NORMIE CORP.
We’re a few days into the Lunar New Year and the action-packed Year of the Fire Horse — a first in 60 years. In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse symbolizes strength, freedom and fearlessness. Combined with the element of fire, the year is set to favour rapid change and bold action, encouraging everyone to push for their goals and embrace the unexpected.
This week’s list includes events to help you celebrate the Lunar New Year or just kick it off with bold, fiery energy — from a Fire Horse rave and Chinatown parade, to line dancing and a latte art throwdown. Keep reading for more details and don't forget to subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get the full list straight to your inbox every Thursday!
GIDDY UP RAVE ☆ Resident ravers Normie Corp are throwing an epic Lunar New Year and Black History Month party this Friday, Feb. 20, at Skylight Warehouse. Giddy Up celebrates the Year of the Double Fire Horse with lion dancers, tea ceremonies, live music and DJ sets while highlighting Black artists in the scene. Come early for a free artists talk back and stay late to dance the night away.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 8PM - LATE ☆ SKYLIGHT WAREHOUSE, 1800 MAIN ST ☆ TICKETS ($25)
OPEN ART STUDIO ☆ Arrieta Art Studio in New Westminster offers open studio time for artists in need of a space to create every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your own supplies, use what’s available at the studio and check out their slate of workshop offerings for more chances to get crafty.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 10AM - 12PM ☆ ARIETTA ART STUDIO, 712C 12TH ST, NEW WESTMINISTER ☆ TICKETS ($5)
CHINATOWN SPRING FESTIVAL PARADE ☆ The annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade will be taking over the streets of Chinatown this Sunday, Feb. 22! Catch lion and dragon dances, marching bands, martial arts performances and more during the three-hour parade that winds down East Pender, Gore and Keefer.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 11AM - 4PM ☆ CHINATOWN ☆ FREE!
LINE DANCING ☆ Break out your dancing boots and get to steppin’ at Hero’s Welcome’s Boot Scootin’ Sunday. Line dancing lessons kick off at 7:30 p.m. with time to open dance after and drink specials all night long. It’s the most fun you can have (in Vancouver) with your boots on!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 7PM ☆ HERO’S WELCOME, 3917 MAIN ST ☆ TICKETS ($10)
LATTE ART THROWDOWN ☆ Coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night Ellipsis is hosting a latte art throwdown this Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. Think you've got what it takes to make the perfect pour? Enter for a chance at the $1,500 prize, or just join to watch the experts at work. All attendees get a free drink and vegan snack with their ticket!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 6PM - 9:30PM ☆ ELLIPSIS, 1540 W 2ND AVE ☆ TICKETS ($15)
