37 free events in Vancouver to check out this Spring

Mar 25 2017, 2:16 am

Spring is in full swing in Vancouver, and Daily Hive is your hookup to great, free events around the city! From a car free festival to free yoga and everything in between, here are 37 free things to do in Vancouver this Spring.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Celebrate nature

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossoms blooming in winter at Doi Pui mountain ,Chiang mai ,Thailand

(jaboo2foto/Shutterstock)

  • What: The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF) is Vancouver’s signature springtime event, waking the city up from winter hibernation to an explosion of some 41,000 blossoming cherry trees. Originally gifted from Japan in the 1930s, the cherry blossom now inspires a month of arts and cultural community events. Presented by Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation.
  • Where: Streets and venues all over Vancouver
  • When: March 30 to April 23

Earth Day Vancouver 2017

  • What: Earth Day at Everett Crowley Park offers a wide range of free family-oriented fun including professional performers, music, dancing, cultural and ecological exhibits, and children’s activities. Help plant 1000 native mushrooms to help grow forest roots.
  • Where: Everett Crowley Park – 8200 Kerr St, Vancouver
  • When: April 22 from 11 am to 3 pm

Main Street Car Free Festival

  • What: Car Free Day celebrates the vibrancy of Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods by organizing a multi-site annual arts and culture festival that reclaims traffic thoroughfares as community focused public spaces. This allows artists, local residents, performers, artisans, non-profits, and businesses to interact, engage, and re-imagine spaces normally reserved for vehicle traffic.
  • Where: Main Street from Broadway to 30th
  • When: June 18 from noon to 7 pm

Connect to arts and culture

Celebration in Clay, The Living Palette, and Panorama Unfolding

  • What: Tri-City Potters, Kimberly Blackstock and Brenna Quan, and Enda Bardell combine for a massive arts exhibition in Port Moody. 
  • Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. John’s Street, Port Moody
  • When: Now to March 30

Capture Photography Festival

Capture-Photography-Festival

Image: Capture Photography Festival / Facebook

  • What: The annual Capture Photography Festival celebrates and promotes photography and lens-based art throughout Metro Vancouver with nearly 100 exhibitions, public art projects, and educational activities. The Festival promotes awareness of Vancouver’s unique history of photo-conceptualism, inspires community engagement, and creates platforms for showcasing new practices from local, international, and emerging artists.
  • Where: Venues all over Vancouver
  • When: April 1 to 28

Girl Rising – Free Screening

  • What: Girl Rising tells nine stories of nine girls, each one about how education can change the future for girls, their families, communities and entire nations. Presented by Vancouver School of Yoga and Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage
  • Where: Vancouver School of Yoga – 300-342 Water Street, Vancouver
  • When: April 11 at 7 pm

Vancouver Jewish Film Centre – National Canada Film Day 150

  • What: Vancouver Jewish Film Centre celebrates National Canada Film Day 150 with free screenings of Barney’s Version and Weirdos
  • Where: Venue TBD
  • When: April 19 at 6:30 and 9 pm

Atomicon

  • What: Over 20 Atomic Cartoons artists will be showcasing their talents and artwork, while selling prints, buttons, and more. Dress up in cosplay for a chance to win a $100 Prize. 
  • Where: AnzaClub – 3 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
  • When: May 12 from 6 to 11 pm

Artisan Market: Mother’s Day

  • What: The scenic setting of Lonsdale Quay is a perfect place to pickup something special for mom or to take her on Mother’s Day.
  • Where: East Plaza of the Lonsdale Quay Market – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
  • When: May 14 from 10 am to 3 pm

Greek Bouzouki Night

  • What: Celebrate Greek music – and Greek snacks – in the heart of Vancouver’s Greek neighbourhood. Featuring George Yioldassis (Yiorgos), a Greek bouzouki player who has collaborated with many local musicians, played at many Greek Day festivals, participated in music lectures / performances and continues to promote traditional Greek bouzouki rembetiki and laiki music in an enchanting acoustic instrumental landscape.
  • Where: Simpatico Restaurant – 2222 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
  • When: June 18 at 6 pm

Artisans in the Fort

  • What: An intimate shopping event for everyone in Fort Langley. Each vendor is one of BC’s amazing artisan community.
  • Where: Fort Langley Lions Seniors Hall – 23022-88 Avenue, Fort Langley
  • When: June 18 from 10 am to 5 pm

Board Game Paradise

  • What: Instant Theatre hosts a monthly BYOB party – Bring Your Own Boardgame party. Catan, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride. Bring whatever you love playing and introduce others to it. Great way to make new friends and get your game on.
  • Where: Instant Studios – 529 East Broadway, Vancouver
  • When: The second Friday of each month at 8 pm

Contemporary Art Gallery – Free Family Day

  • What: On the last Saturday of each month, the CAG invites all ages to drop-in for short exhibition tours and free art-making activities that respond to our current exhibitions. Presented in collaboration with ArtStarts on Saturdays.
  • Where: Contemporary Art Gallery – 555 Nelson Street, Vancouver
  • When: The last Saturday of each month

Eat fresh at farmers’ markets

farmers market

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Catch the last of the farmers markets at Hastings Park (Sundays 10 am to 2 pm until April 30) and Nat Bailey Stadium (Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm until April 22), then head to these spring sellers:

Downtown Farmers’ Market

  • What: This local food destination is situated on the corner of Georgia & Hamilton at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Shop fresh weekly to enjoy quality fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs and poultry, baked goods, artisan food and craft, fresh fish, and local craft beer, wine and spirits.
  • Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
  • When: Every Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm, June 1 to October 5

Kitsilano Farmers’ Market

  • What: Tempt yourself with a myriad of vegetables, meat, cheese, seafood and music in Kitsilano.
  • Where: Parking lot of Kits Community Centre – 2690 Larch Street, Vancouver
  • When: Every Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm, May 7 to October 22

Trout Lake Farmers’ Market

  • What: The market where it all began. Come meet your friends and neighbours, pick up supplies for a picnic by the lake, or just rub shoulders with farmers who care about the future of the land as much as the food they put on your plate.
  • Where: Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, Vancouver
  • When: Every Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm, May 6 to October 21

West End Farmers’ Market

  • What: Located in the heart of Vancouver’s West End, this laid-back Saturday market looks onto beautiful Nelson Park and adjacent community gardens. Take the dog for a walk and enjoy the best in local produce, prepared foods and crafts.
  • Where: West End Farmers Market – 1100 Comox Street, Vancouver
  • When: Every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, May 27 to October 21

Main Street Station Farmers’ Market

  • What: Located just steps from the Skytrain, this convenient Wednesday farmers’ market is ideal for local food fans seeking an easy shop on their commute. Over 85% of the vendors at Main Street Station are primary producers offering an excellent mix of fresh and organic produce, meat, eggs, handmade cheeses, and more.
  • Where: Main Street Station – 1100 Station Street, Vancouver
  • When: Every Wednesday from 2 to 6 pm, May 31 to October 4

Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market

  • What: You’ll find familiar faces like Applebarn Pumpkin Farm, Blue Comet Seafoods and Goldwing as well as new ones like Honest Food Farms, Rai Produce and Urban Digs Farm. You won’t have to elbow your way through lines to get at the cauliflower and there’s plenty of adjacent street parking. It’s also only a couple blocks from the 99 B-line.
  • Where: Dude Chilling Park – 2390 Brunswick Street, Vancouver
  • When: Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, May 28 to October 8

Riley Park Farmers’ Market

  • What: Tempt yourself with a myriad of vegetables, meat, cheese, seafood and music in Riley Park neighbourhood.
  • Where: Riley Park – 50 East 30th Avenue, Vancouver
  • When: Every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, June 24 to October 7

River District Farmers’ Market

  • What: This one-of-a-kind market is the only riverfront market in Vancouver. Come shop for fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, and handmade products produced by farmers and artisans. Stay for live music, a delicious meal and enjoy the waterfront, playground and pier.
  • Where: Kerr Street Plaza – 8683 Street, Vancouver
  • When: Every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, May 13 to October 14

Ambleside Farmers’ Market

  • What: The Ambleside Farmers’ Market has a wide selection of organic and conventional produce. Prepared food vendors include baking, jams, honey, syrups, salsas and much more. The Ambleside Market has a games table, kids play area, and live music.
  • Where: Ambleside Farmers Market – 1500 block of Bellevue Street, West Vancouver
  • When: Every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, May 8 to October 30

Lonsdale Quay Farmers’ Market

  • What: The Lonsdale Quay Farmers’ Market has a great selection of conventional and organic produce. You also will find local artisans with jewellery, pottery, photography, kids clothing, soaps & much more. The market also has a book exchange, newspaper reading area, and live music.
  • Where: East Plaza of the Lonsdale Quay Market – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
  • When: Every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, May 7 to October 29

Easter Fun!

Easter

BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock

Easter Celebration at Wesbrook Village

  • What: Celebrate Easter in style at Wesbrook Village, with an Easter egg scavenger hunt, little bunnies friendly walk and run, plus a meet and greet with a life-sized Easter bunny
  • Where: Wesbrook Village Welcome Centre – 3378 Wesbrook Mall, UBC
  • When: April 8 from 10:30 am to 2 pm

Family Easter Egg Hunt at Bridgeview Community Centre

  • What: Hop on over for an Easter egg hunt. This event is ideal for families with children ages 10 and under. There will also be Easter-themed games and activities as well as an opportunity to take a photo with a special guest.
  • Where: Bridgeview Community Centre – 11475 – 126A Street, Surrey
  • When: April 8 from 10 am to noon

Easter Egg Hunt at City Square

  • What: City Square’s annual Easter celebration, with an egg hunt, magic show, giggle booth, Easter bunny and more.
  • Where: City Square – 555 West 12th Avenue
  • When: April 8 from 12 to 3 pm

Easter Egg Hunt at Esther Short Park

  • What:  Face painting, balloon animals, giant inflatables, give-aways, pictures with the Easter bunny, and an Easter egg hunt with 15,000 eggs. Presented by Activate Church.
  • Where: Esther Short Park – 415 West 6th Street, Vancouver
  • When: April 15 from 10 to 11 am

Easter Egg Hunt and Scramble at Fort Langley National Historic Site

  • What: Little bunnies can complete the all-ages scavenger hunt that will take you exploring around the fort and earn treats as they go. At set times, children 5 and under can also participate in the “Egg Scramble,” where they will be divided by age and will find as many eggs as they can on the giant map of British Columbia. Complimentary admission for Canada 150.
  • Where: Fort Langey National Historic Site – 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
  • When: April 16 from 10 am to 5 pm

Breathe in the fresh air

Hiking/Pexels

The Stawamus Chief

  • What: Thought to be the second largest granite monolith in the world. Hike or rock climb your way to The Chief’s three peaks for spectacular views of Howe Sound and Garibaldi Provincial Park.
  • Where: Next to Shannon Falls off the Sea To Sky Highway, Squamish
  • When: Spring to fall, check BC Parks for conditions/opening

Stanley Park

  • What: Walk, run, bike, skateboard, rollerblade, swim, picnic – or even enjoy a horsedrawn carriage ride – in the gorgeous Stanley Park, our favourite Vancouver oasis of green. (Note bikes, boards and blades should always go around the park in an anti-clockwise direction!)
  • Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver
  • When: All year round

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

  • What: The budget version of Capilano’s bridge, this suspension bridge stretches across a beautiful canyon, 50 m above raging waters and waterfalls. It may not be as high as Capilano but it’s certainly narrower – and it’s completely free.
  • Where: Lynn Canyon Park – 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver
  • When: All year round

Lighthouse Park

  • What: Lots of short, easy trails offering breathtaking ocean views, huge, old-growth Western Red Cedars and the picturesque picnic spot of Starboat Cove.  Its namesake lighthouse is the main attraction and a National Historic Site.
  • Where: 4902 Beacon Lane, West Vancouver
  • When: All year round

Lafarge Lake Annual Free Fishing Day

  • What: A free family-friendly day of fishy fun and prizes during BC’s free fishing weekend – when anglers can fish BC’s waters without a licence. The Lake is stocked for the day and volunteers are available to teach fishing techniques.
  • Where: Lafarge Lake – Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
  • When: June 18
  • Cost: Free

Velopalooza

  • What: Velopalooza promotes fun bike rides and events in Vancouver and surrounding areas. A big festival is held each June, with costumed rides, family rides, and the famous Bike Rave.
  • Where: The streets of Vancouver
  • When: June 9 to 25

Work up a sweat

Uber Images/ Shutterstock)

Free Zumba with Zfunatiques

  • What: Join the Zfunatiques for one hour of fun, dance and exercise (in disguise).
  • Where: Renegade Dance Studio – 3030 East Broadway, Vancouver
  • When: March 27 at 5:30 pm

The Free Party with Alex M.O.R.P.H

  • What: A trance party headlined by German producer and DJ Alex M.O.R.P.H, featuring Andrew Manning & David Espinosa. Presented by The Residency.
  • Where: Privé Nightclub Vancouver – 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
  • When: June 10 at 10 pm (Free cover before 11 pm)

Free Yoga by Karma Teachers New Westminster

  • What: Karma Teachers New West provides free-or-by-donation yoga and meditation classes in service to the community. Their certified yoga teachers offer a variety of classes suitable for all levels. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
  • Where: Karma Teachers – 28 Sixth Street, New Westminster
  • When: Various class times during the week

Need more opportunities to get your groove on? Check out our list of four places where you can hit the dance floor for free in Vancouver.

Daniel ChaiDaniel Chai

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