If you are looking for something different, the choices are wide ranging and include the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, a once-a-decade passion play in Germany, the Shanghai World Expo 2010, and two European capitals of culture: Ruhr, Germany, and Istanbul, Turkey.
B.C. goes for gold
The first big international event of the year is the Olympic Games in Vancouver and Whistler (Feb. 12-28, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games March 12-21). But, sports aside, there are also a host of cultural events and activities before, after and during the games. These include:
- The Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, 36 multi-disciplinary festivals and digital programs showcasing the best in Canadian and international arts and pop culture. A highlight is Passion of Russia with the Kirov Ballet's prima ballerina Uliana Lopatkina, in her Canadian debut.
- The re-opening of Robson Square's outdoor ice rink, which will feature athlete demonstrations, family events and B.C.-themed programming.
- A First Nations Pavilion (Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza) will showcase arts, crafts, food, stories and culture in a Coast Salish longhouse.
- Granville Island will be home to Place de la Francophonie celebrating French culture.
- Molson Canadian Hockey House will be a unique entertainment venue and the heart of the hockey world during the 2010 Winter Games.
Morning sun falls on the city of Istanbul, one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2010. (Brad Honywill/QMI Agency files)
Skiing is believingBMW Canada announces Winter Driver Training dates for 2010
