TUESDAY
Not like you need to be told ‘Vancouver is Awesome’ – but come out and reaffirm the tremendous pride you have @ Shine (364 Water St.) for the opening reception party for “An Awesome Showcase,” running Feb. 12 – 28.

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY
Who listens to CBC anymore anyhow?…Okay, a lot of people. Still, you’re young, hip, and plugged in. Come and hang where all of the international unaccredited media are gathering to post, blog, edit, rave, and report from during the Winter Games. It is the official opening of the W2 Culture + Media House this Wednesday & Thursday! For more party info and programming during the games go to www.creativetechnology.org

FRIDAY
After you have finished watching the opening ceremonies (or avoiding them) let the celebration of culture continue. Lace up your Rachel Comey’s and slap on a coat – you can even take the doggy. ArtWalk Vancouver provides a platform to promote and aid the insanely fantastic work of all the visual artists working in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, Chinatown and Gastown communities. You are invited to explore the galleries, retail spaces, studios and temporary “pop up” galleries involved and to see the work of over 250 artists from a full spectrum of disciplines. This is the first annual, of hopefully a lifetime run…support your starving artists and claim the city as your own. www.artwalkvancouver.ca