Looking for some fun events for the family come Olympics-time that won’t have you reaching for your wallet? Fortunately, there are a ton of free 2010 Olympic events happening in and around the city. Here are ten to get you and the family going:

Live City Downtown: There are too many free 2010 Olympics events to count at Live City Downtown. Located at Georgia and Beatty, the site has a huge outdoor screen that will be showing interactive programming. There will be street performers, evening entertainment, pavilions, exhibits, and much more at the site.

Live City Yaletown: This free 2010 Olympics event in Yaletown will bring together international entertainment, and also feature highlights of sports coverage on the big screen. From Monday to Thursday, Live City Yaletown will have educational programs for Vancouver students in grades six to twelve (public is also welcome during these times). The best part: each evening, nightly laser and fireworks shows will explode across a backdrop of water.

BC Hydro PowerSmart Village: You and the family can get down and dance on a sustainable dance floor, create an inspirational digital message, and check out First Nation carvings in this giant interactive exhibit, located at the corner of Dunsmuir and Homer streets in downtown Vancouver.

The British Columbia Pavilion: Located at the Vancouver Art Gallery building (Robson Square), the BC Pavilion will be hosting a number of interactive displays. Visitors can also check out a bunch of live concerts, see live broadcasts from the International Media Centre, and get free admission to the Art Gallery – check out the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit! This free 2010 Olympic event location is also home to the Omega Olympic and Paralympic Countdown Clock.

Vancouver City Hall: Any history buffs in the family? They’ll enjoy checking out the 1952 Oslo Flag, encased in glass on the main floor of the building (453 West 12th Avenue). Many dignitaries will be coming in and out of the mayor’s office, and at night, you can see amazing “Ice Light” displays every hour.

West Vancouver Spirit Square: Find out what it’s like to be lost in space – families can enjoy a display of the International Space Station, and see a wide range of local musicians in the Atrium. The West Vancouver Spirit Square is located in the new community centre in West Vancouver, at 2121 Marine Drive.

Casa Italia: The Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, corner of Davie & Pacific) will be home to Casa Italia, which will feature delicious food and drinks, and live entertainment straight from Italy. This popular free 2010 Olympics event is right next to Live City Yaletown, so walk on over if you’re in the area.

Haida Gwai House: Head to the Hampton Inn (111 Robson Street) and see what a real Haida Gwai looks like. What’s that, you ask? It’s a special longhouse, and you’ll also learn more about Haida culture, art, costumes, birds and animals, and more. Haida artist Christian White will also be doing wood carving on site.

Find many more free 2010 Olympics events and directions to all the above locations here.

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