The Top 5 Things To Do This Week

Got plans for Valentine's Day? Whether you want an evening of romance (Valentine's Gala Dinner & Dance Cruise: vancouvercharters.com), something more casual (Beer my Valentine 2009: justhereforthebeer.com), or are against Valentine's consumerism, happily single or just terribly bitter (Vancouver's Largest Singles Anti-Valentines Day After Work Party at the Cellar Nightclub: cellarvan.com), check out the various events happening in and around the city on the 14th and during the rest of the week:

Monday, February 9, 2009 – Movie Appreciation And Screenwriting Tips

Do you have a screenplay idea that rivals the latest blockbusters? Or, maybe you need a push in the right direction to get started. Either way, Emily Carr University's Jana Williams is teaching a seminar on screenwriting essentials. Learn the basics and how you can write a successful screenplay – all for free (registration is required). The seminar goes from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Vancouver Public Library (350 W. Georgia). Find out more by emailing programs@vpl.ca.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 – The Constant Wife

See the play that the BBC called “a charming, light-hearted satirical comedy, jam-packed with the wit Maugham's works are famous for." The Constant Wife tells the story of a jilted wife who seeks revenge for her husband's infidelity. The play runs until February 22nd at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville St.). Get tickets and showtimes at artsclub.com.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 – Kai Althoff

German artist Kai Althoff's works will be on display at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St.) until Feb. 15. The focal point of the exhibition will be a collaborative installation called The Weaving Place, designed by Althoff to display some works by San Francisco-based artist Travis Joseph Meinolf. Many of the pieces featured by Althoff will be new, including a sculpture created solely for this presentation. See vanartgallery.bc.ca for exhibit information, times and ticket prices.

Thursday, February 12, 2009 – Sarah McLachlan

It's the Vancouver 2010 Olympics one-year countdown concert at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (649 Cambie), and Sarah Mclachlan will be there to perform, along with guests Joel Plaskett, Alberta Ballet, and Adrian Anantawan. Tickets are $71.25/66.25/61.25 at ticketmaster.ca; the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 13, 2009 – AWAJI

Bring the kids to see the Japanese AWAJI Puppet Theatre Company perform excerpts from Hidakagawa Iriai Zakura, The Miracle of Tsubosaka, and Ebisu Dance. Presented by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad and the Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova), the show continues to the 14th and begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $24/16/14 and you can find more information at firehallartscentre.ca.

Saturday, February 14, 2009 – Free Public Skate

Celebrate Olympic countdown week with a free public skate at Kerrisdale Arena (5670 East Blvd. Vancouver). Bring a non-perishable food donation for the food bank and enter to win great prizes! Hosted by the Vancouver Park Board and the City of Vancouver, the free skate goes from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. There will be skate rentals at the rink, but bring your own blades to avoid long lines.

Sunday, February 15, 2009 - The Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show

See more than 200 exhibits and presentations on camping, kayaking, hiking, climbing and outdoor getaways at BC Place Stadium (777 Pacific). Tickets are $10/8 (children under 11 get in free). Find out more outdooradventureshow.ca.