2010 Olympic Events: More Than Just Sports

If you don’t have tickets to any of the Olympic sporting events, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the Olympics! Tons of events are happening all across the Lower Mainland so whether you are looking to rock out to some great music or have a ton of fun with family and friends, there’s something for everyone!

Richmond Ozone
Not only is this event free, but it also is expected to be the biggest Olympic event of all. It is happening throughout the week of February 12th to 28th 2010. There will be food, multicultural programs, loads of entertainment, art, and activities to keep you on your feet every single minute. There will be live performances by Bedouin Soundclash and 50 other acts. Ice carvers will demonstrate their skills visits by Olympic athletes. Did I mention that there will be DJs who will keep the party going until 2:00 am? You’ll definitely see me there!
For more information visit: www.richmondozone.com

Bamboo Welcome Gates
This is a free event that takes place from February 11th to 21st, 2010 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. It is located in Zodiac Square-Chinatown, where people can attend and write welcome world wishes for an athlete/country. It will be placed on the Bamboo-Cedar Gateway and read out everyday for Olympic visitors and visiting school children.
For more information visit: http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/events

Whistler Fun Zones
Whistler Live! is an event that is taking place in Whistler during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games. There will be a series of short films to watch, a fire and ice show, and a mountain canvas coming alive under the stars! You might even catch an interview with an Olympic athlete, sing along to live music, and cheer on a Canadian stepping up to the podium. This event runs over a 27-day and night period and starts from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm each day.
For more information visit: http://whistler2010.com

Vancouver Fun Zones
The Vancouver Fun Zones include the GE Ice Plaza at Robson Square where you can gather and watch athlete demonstrations and participate in a series of family events. There is also an outdoor rink!
There will also be events on Granville Island. It will host Francophone events and enhance your minds in the pulsating and artistic surroundings of Granville Island. Getting there will not be a problem because Bombardier is providing a streetcar shuttle from the Olympic Village Station all the way to Granville Island.
For more information visit: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/vancouver/2010_olympics/2010_li...

Lets Celebrate Diversity Through Art!
This event’s main goal is to strengthen the talents and resources of the local community by inviting athletes to share optimistic and inspiring stories. The showcase will incorporate 2010 Winter Olympic Games elements. It will take place on February 10th, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It is located at the La Boussole Community Centre.
For more information visit: http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/events

Cultural Olympiad
The Cultural Olympiad is an event that showcases music, dance, theatre, visual arts, visual and digital art and films. Artists from around the world will come together and play in a series of three festivals right here in Vancouver. The experience will be outstanding and different with many diverse aspects. This event will take place from January 22nd to March 21st, 2010.
For more information visit: http://www.vancouver2010.com/cultural-festivals-and-events/

2010 Aboriginal Pavilion
The Aboriginal Pavilion showcases Aboriginal arts, crafts, food and culture. It captivates the diversity of the Aboriginal community. The Pavilion is a 65-foot high-inflated sphere that uses the state of the art technology to showcase art, business, culture and sport from across Canada. It will be at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza downtown from February 12th-28th, 2010.
For more information visit: http://www.fourhostfirstnations.com/pavilion

Surrey 2010 Celebration Site
This is a really great event that everyone will enjoy. There will be 15 shows by the RCMP troops and stables will be open to visitors during the event. There are also curling zones where the Cloverdale Curling Club will be showing up to give tips, advice and information for all of you curlers out there! There will be arts and crafts that the whole family can enjoy. SFU’s School of Interactive Arts and Technology will sure to please with their digital media presentations. This event is located at Holland Park in Surrey BC and is from February 12th-28th, 2010.
For more information visit: http://www.surrey2010.com/activities.html

LiveCity Vancouver
There are two venues downtown Vancouver during the Winter Games: LiveCity Yaletown and LiveCity Downtown. Yaletown will feature both local and international live performances. Downtown will feature exciting live coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games on a giant screen where everyone can cheer our athletes on toward the gold! Free outdoor concerts will be happening throughout and include performances featuring Wilco on February 13th and other bands such as Alexisonfire, Sam Roberts Band, and Blue Rodeo.
For more information visit: http://livecityvancouver.ca/