It’s the long weekend! Weather is warming up, pools are reopening and Metro Vancouver is coming to life with so many fun things to do.
From Playland reopening to the Cloverdale Rodeo, it is an exciting time for us to go out and have fun.
RELATED: 29+ Fun Things To Do In Metro Vancouver This May
Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Cloverdale Rodeo
This rodeo and country fair is one of Western Canada’s most popular family events.
The Cloverdale Rodeo is proud to host 96 of the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls in an unique invitational rodeo format that ensures the sports premier athletes are showcased throughout five rodeo performances.
When & Where: May 17-20 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17607-17905 62 Ave, Surrey
Cost: $10-$50
Vancouver Outdoor Pools & Spray Parks Reopening
The city of Vancouver usually reopens their pools and spray parks in May, along with providing lifeguards at the local beaches. Unfortunately, although the popular Kits pool was originally scheduled to reopen as well, recently announced that there will be delays due to unforeseen repairs.
When & Where: Opening long weekend – all over Metro Vancouver
Cost: Registration online preferred. Cost varies
Playland Opening Weekend
Vancouver’s Spring just isn’t the same without a visit to our iconic amusement park. Playland will reopen its doors on May 18th. Welcoming back visitors for another year of thrills and excitement that Playland is famous for.
This year they will also be launching their new roller coaster, ThunderVolt, which will be the fastest launch coaster in Canada! https://604now.com/playland-investing-9-million-for-canada-fastest-launch-coaster/
When & Where: Select days from May 18 – Sept 1 at 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: From $33-$55
Colour Fest Coquitlam
Diwali Fest is hosting their annual Holi festival at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. Colour Fest 2024 celebrates the ancient Indian spring festival, Holi, which marks the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and the blossoming of love, as well as a time of renewal and reconciliation.
The event will feature a variety of music and dance performances, a Colour Zone, and a South Asian Night Market.
When & Where: May 18 from 5 pm at 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: $34
Hello Kitty Cafe Opening
The Royal Canadian International Circus – Richmond (May 16-20)
The all-new Royal Canadian International Circus is coming to Richmond this May, following their visit to Surrey earlier in the month.
Organizers say it will mesmerize, astound, thrill, and captivate audiences “beyond the extraordinary.” It’s a fun time for adults and children alike.
When & Where: May 16-20 at Lansdowne Centre, 5300 No. 3 Rd, Richmond
Cost: $35
Vandusen Car Show
The 35th-anniversary celebration of Vancouver’s All-British Field Meet is revving up at VanDusen Gardens. From the elegant 1938 MG VA to the distinguished 1927 and 1932 Rolls-Royces, and the sporty 1933 Alvis Speed 20, expect a stunning showcase of nearly 500 British classic cars. These beauties hail from Vancouver, across BC, and even from as far as Washington, Oregon, California, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
When: Saturday May 18 from 10am – 4:30 pm
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St, Vancouver
Cost: General admission $20.50
Arts Club Theatre Company presents Guys & Dolls
Guys & Dolls comes to the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage this Spring. Enjoy this beloved Broadway musical that brings memorable songs and a captivating story to life with an extraordinary cast.
Set in the bustling streets of 1950s New York City, the show is filled with colourful characters, witty dialogue, and toe-tapping musical numbers, this Tony Award–winning show has stood the test of time, remaining a favourite among theatre enthusiasts.
When: May 16 to June 30
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville St, Vancouver
Cost: $39
Steveston Spot prawns goes on sale
Metro Vancouver’s popular Spot Prawns have finally returned. Locals can get fresh prawns right off the boat starting this Friday May 17th at various boats in Steveston Habour. They are open daily from 8am until sold out with varying prices. You can also prepurchase them online for a guaranteed pick up.
When: Starting May 17th, open daily from 8am until sold out. Prices varies.
Where: Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf, 3866 Bayview St, Richmond
Brewhalla Fort Langley
Brewhalla returns to Fort Langley this weekend for the seventh year! Over 35 craft beverage makers will be showcasing their finest selections of craft beer, wine, cider, non-alcoholic options, and spirits.
When: Saturday, May 18 from 12 – 6 pm
Where: Fort Langley Park – 9089 Nash Street, Fort Langley
Cost: General Admission ($45), VIP tickets are ($75) See less
Grand Splash Fundraiser For Family Services of Greater Vancouver
The Express Auto Wash Grand Splash Fundraiser is to raise money for Family Services of Greater Vancouver (“FSGV”) as they work to support and empower local individuals and families in the community around us.
The fundraiser will be taking place at 3 locations. The 2 latest Express Auto Wash in the Coquitlam and South Surrey / White Rock communities, as well as the Boundary location. They will be offering free Platinum-level car washes in exchange for a donation to FSGV.
When: May 17 – 20 from 8 am – 8 pm
Where: at their 3 locations
Cost: by donation
Ongoing things to do
Shipyards Night Market (FREE)
The popular North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market is set to return this May. The free waterfront market is a perfect place to spend a relaxing evening with family and friends, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and exploring the best of the local community.
When & Where: Every Friday from May 10 – Sept 13 at North Vancouver’s Shipyards.
Cost: Free admission
Burnaby Village Museum (FREE)
The Burnaby Village Museum, a beloved and free attraction in British Columbia, is set to reopen for the season on May 4. With its commitment to preserving and showcasing local history in an engaging and interactive way, visitors can explore its historic buildings, exhibits, and beautiful surroundings.
When & Where: May 4 – Sept 1, Tuesday through Saturdays from 11 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: Free admission
Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is returning this April for their 2024 season.
This is the largest night market in North America and is loved by both locals and tourists alike. The market attracts over a million visitors annually, and its popularity keeps increasing. In fact, The Amazing Race Canada’s Season 8 finale showcased it last year, introducing viewers across the country to the unique spectacle.
When & Where: April 26 – Early October, Richmond Night Market, 8351 River Road, Richmond
Cost: $8.50+
Asian Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month is celebrated every May in Vancouver, showcasing the rich cultural diversity and contributions of the city’s Asian communities. The month is filled with various events, exhibitions, performances, and workshops highlighting the traditions, art, and history of Asian cultures in the region. Events includes:
- Special Events at the Chinese Canadian Museum
- ExplorASIAN Festival has a series of events TBA
When & Where: May 1-31 throughout Metro Vancouver
Cost: Varies
The Show at Emily Carr University
Photo: Emily Carr University
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) will be holding its annual, highly anticipated student art, media and design exhibition, known as The Show. The Show is a hybrid in-person and interactive virtual exhibition of work from over 250 graduating ECU students.
They will be having their opening night this weekend. Free parking will be available in the parking garage next to ECU on Opening Night from 6 pm onwards.
When & Where: May 10 – 23 at Emily Carr University, 520 E 1st Ave, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Teens: Creative Minds; Free New Exhibit at The Museum of Surrey
The Museum of Surrey have just debuted their latest exhibition, “Teens: Creative Minds,” a traveling showcase from the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science.
Open now through August 4, 2024, this exhibit provides an immersive journey into the world of youthful innovation and imagination that can be enjoyed by all ages.
When & Where: April 23 – August 4 at the Museum of Surrey, 17710 56a Ave, Surrey
Cost: Free
TouchScapes: 3D Art Exhibition for the Visually Impaired (FREE)
TouchScapes offers an immersive experience with seven 3D art pieces, including works by Magritte, Picasso, O’Keeffe, and Kandinsky, alongside pieces by Vancouver’s own Lily Bai.
This exhibition transcends traditional art presentations, allowing visitors to physically interact with the artworks, complemented by Braille descriptions to enhance accessibility. Volunteers will be on hand to assist and guide attendees through this innovative exploration of art. The exhibition will run from April 28th to June 1st on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where & When: May 4 – June 1 at the Gryphon Experience Gallery, 2762 Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: FREE. Registration required
Surfside Presented by Guildford Town Centre and The Palm Café (FREE)
Guildford Town Centre is featuring Surfside, a California-inspired, immersive pop-up experience created in collaboration with popular coffee and waffle cafe, The Palm Café.
Visitors can expect to find the Palm Café’s sweet treats and creative, summery drinks, including a special iced “Coconut Dream” beverage, crafted exclusively for Surfside to evoke the sensation of lounging on a beach with espresso and white chocolate and topped off with coconut sweet cream cold foam.
When & Where: May 1 – June 9 at from 10 am – 9 pm at Guildford Town Centre, 10355 152 Street, Surrey
Cost: Free
Catch a Movie
Saturday Morning Movie for only $3.99
Cineplex is offering children’s movie at 11 o’clock on Saturday mornings for only $3.99 +tax. This month’s lineup includes:
- Saturday, May 4 – Wonka
- Saturday, May 11 – Peter Rabbit 2
- Saturday, May 18 – Migration
- Saturday, May 25 – Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse
Note however that it is only at participating theatres, and available films details may vary on locations. You can check out their website for the most up-to-date details.
When & Where: Every Saturday at participating Cineplex Theatres
Vancouver Aquarium – Monster of the Abyss
Explore Monsters of the Abyss, a captivating exhibit where modern aquatic predators meet their prehistoric counterparts! Encounter live habitats, attend expert-led Animal Talks, and marvel at sculptures and Megalodon jaws. Dive into the limited-time experience at the Vancouver Aquarium.
When & Where: Ongoing at the Vancouver Aquarium
Cost: $39.95 – $53.95
For more upcoming events, check out our new events calendar.
