Here are some of the top events to check out in Vancouver between May 15 and 18, the Victoria Day long weekend. For a complete list of events, check out the Vancity Buzz calendar here.
U2 iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour 2015
- What: U2 kicks off their 2015 iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE world tour with two shows in Vancouver at Rogers Arena.
- Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way
- When: Friday, May 15; 7:30 p.m.
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair
- What: The world famous Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair held every year on the May long weekend at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, British Columbia.
- Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds – 6050A 176th St., Surrey
- When: Friday, May 15; all day
Whistler GO Fest 2015
- What: The festival is a celebration of mountain culture, commemorating the crossover between winter and summer and looks to bring visitors and the local community together for a first taste of what summer in the mountains is all about.
- Where: Whistler Blackcomb
- When: Friday, May 15 to Monday, May 18
International Summer Night Market
- What: Each weekend over 20,000 visitors hit up this massive summertime night market in Richmond and experience the diverse array of booths, food and drink vendors, kids’ play area, and live entertainment.
- Where: 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Home Depot on Sweden Way), Richmond
- When: Friday, May 8 to September 27; Fridays and Saturdays 6 to 11 p.m. and Sundays 6 to 10 p.m.
Richmond Night Market
- What: Drawing crowds from all over Metro Vancouver, the Richmond Night Market is located within easy access of the Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station. Roam the aisles to find games, food, and all sorts of wares for sale. Late nighters take note, this is the only local night market open until midnight (Fridays and Saturdays).
- Where: 8351 River Rd. (nearby Bridgeport Station)
- When: May 15 to October 12, 2015; Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to Midnight, Sundays and holiday Mondays 7 to 11 p.m.
Shipyards Night Market
- What: The Shipyards Night market features food trucks, live music, numerous vendors and a beer garden.
- Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
- When: May 1 to September 25; Fridays, 5 to 10 p.m.
Il Mercato Italian Market
- What: The market brings together the tastes of Italy with fresh produce grown locally, in addition to delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef and handmade products from local artisans.
- Where: 3075 Slocan Street, East Vancouver
- When: Every third Friday of the month; 3 to 7 p.m.; May 15 to November 20
Playland Opening Day
- What: Vancouver’s amusement park opens for the summer season with over 30 rides and attractions and the all-new ride, The Beast.
- Where: Playland – Hastings Street, just off Highway #1 West – Exit #26.
- When: Saturday, May 16; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Trout Lake Farmers’ Market
- What: This is the farmers’ market that started up in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market collective of markets.
- Where: Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, East Vancouver
- When: Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 9 to October 24
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC
- What: The Vancouver Whitecaps FC face off against the Seattle Sounders FC at BC Place.
- Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
- When: Saturday, May 16; 4 p.m.
Spot Prawn Festival
- What: The FREE celebration includes live entertainment, fun activities for children, and free cooking demos by top local chefs. When the boats come in, live, local prawns are for sale at the dock, or buy tickets to the Prawn Boil or for local beer and wine, all while enjoying the dockside atmosphere and live entertainment.
- Where: False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf – 1505 West 1st Ave., Vancouver
- When: Sunday, May 17; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kitsilano Farmers’ Market
- What: The Kits market takes place Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre, and has a Bike Valet for shoppers on two wheels, and lots nearby for families to do.
- Where: West 10th Ave (between Larch and Balsam), Vancouver
- When: Sundays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 10 to October 25
*A note for this summer: During construction on the parking lot at the Kits Community Centre, the Kitsilano Market will temporarily relocate to Riley Park, at the southeast corner of 30th Avenue and Ontario Street. From May 10 to June 7, 2015 the market will run on the same day and time, and have all the same vendors as the Kits market.
Whiskey Tasting at the Blarney Stone
- What: Celebrate the Blarney Stone’s 43rd anniversary with a whiskey tasting and canapes. Later there will be live DJ Steel and the Pat Chessell Band.
- Where: The Blarney Stone – 216 Carrall St., Vancouver
- When: Sunday, May 17; 6 p.m.
MasterChef Canada Viewing Party
- What: Are you a fan of MasterChef Canada? Join the BC finalists at The Taphouse Restaurant to watch the Top Four battle it out in the Semi Final episode on the big screen! All ages welcome!
- Where: The Taphouse Restaurant – 15330 120A Ave., Surrey
- When: Sunday, May 17; 3 to 6 p.m.
Woohoo! Classic Simpsons Trivia
- What: Woo Hoo! Classic Simpsons Trivia is 50 cromulent questions from seasons 1-9, three classic Simpsons episodes, and probably the most fun you’ll ever have on a Monday night.
- Where: The Waldorf – 1489 East Hastings St., Vancouver
- When: Monday, May 18; 7 p.m.