10 Vancouver concerts we can't wait to check out in May

Crank up the tunes and the good times with these great Vancouver concerts!

Here are 10 shows happening around the city in May that you won’t want to miss, including Spring Strings, The Black Keys, and more.

And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to visit our Listed section.

Foundation Volume 14.0 – Open Radius

What: House music lovers in Vancouver will want to turn up to the PNE this month for a massive musical celebration.

Blueprint Events presents Foundation Volume 14.0 – Open Radius at the PNE Centre Grounds on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. The concert features two open-air stages filled with massive house music stars like Charlotte De Witte, Peggy Gou, Salute and Malugi.

When: May 16 and 17, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: PNE Centre Grounds
Tickets: Various costs, purchase online

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VSO Day of Music

What: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the VSO School of Music present Day of Music, with 12 hours of free concerts of various music genres for all ages to discover in venues across the city.

There will also be a free concert by the VSO at 7:30 p.m.

When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: Various performances between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Various venues across the Lower Mainland
Cost: Free

Coleman Hell

What: Coleman Hell is coming to Vancouver’s Hollywood Theatre this month.

The Juno Award-nominated artist is renowned for his hit single, “2 Heads,” which has been streamed hundreds of millions of times across different platforms and is certified five-times platinum in Canada. Now he’s celebrating the decade of song with the Ten Years of Summerland tour.

When: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre – 3123 W. Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Spring Strings at VanDusen Botanical Garden

What: Dress up in costumes and Regency-era attire and spend the day exploring the 55 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden before settling in for a live performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

The eight VSO string musicians will perform contemporary hits with a classical twist, including music by ABBA, Coldplay, Adele, and more. Make sure to take photos on the Rhododendron Walk, under the golden laburnum trees, and violet wisteria.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5151 Oak St., Vancouver
Tickets: $29 for general admission and $25 for VBGA members, free for children three years and under. Purchase online

Legacy: A celebration of David Suzuki at 90

What: An all-star lineup of performers is coming together for a benefit concert celebrating David Suzuki’s 90th birthday. The evening of music and storytelling in honour of the Canadian environmental icon features Bruce Cockburn, Jane Fonda, Al Gore, Rick Hansen, Chantal Kreviazuk, Sarah McLachlan, Danny Michel, William Prince, George Stroumboulopoulos and Tanya Tagaq.

All concert proceeds will go to support the David Suzuki Foundation.

When: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

The Kingsgate Chorus

What: Vancouver’s Kingsgate Chorus presents their spring concert, Earth Oddity, at St. James Community Square. The evening is directed by Leah Abramson and features a variety show and special guests. There will also be a bake sale fundraiser for the Kingsgate Chorus bursary program.

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: St. James Community Square – 3214 West 10th Ave., Vancouver
Tickets: $20-$30, free for children 12 and under. Purchase online

Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival

What: The Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival series will host two huge events this spring.

First up is North Vancouver at the Shipyards on Friday, May 1, followed by Fort Langley Park on Saturday, June 13

At each festival, there will be plenty of makers to discover, including local favourites like Strathcona Beer Company, Fraser Valley Cider Co., and R&B Brewing Co. The events will also bring food trucks and other refreshments.

Festival-goers can also expect some fun activities and live entertainment by artists like Coco Project, Drew Storey, and DJ Flipout

When: May 1, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

When: June 13, 2026
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Fort Langley Park — 9089 Nash St., Fort Langley

The Black Keys

What: The Black Keys are a five-time Grammy-winning rock band that formed in 2001. Made up of the duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, The Black Keys are known for huge hits like “Tighten Up,” “Lonely Boy,” and “Howlin’ For You.”

For a time, “Gold on the Ceiling” was the goal song for the Vancouver Canucks. And now, The Black Keys are hitting the road in support of their upcoming 14th studio album, Peaches.

When: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets for sale online

Qveen Herby

What: Platinum-selling independent rapper Qveen Herby has won fans over with her viral moments and catchy songs like “Vitamins” and “Sugar Daddy.” She comes to Vancouver in May on her Isle of Qveen Tour with special guests the Thot Squad.

When: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Grapes of Wrath and Limblifter

What: Canadian rock icons Grapes of Wrath and Limblifter are teaming up for a show at the Commodore Ballroom on Saturday, May 23. Sing along to classics like “You May Be Right” and “Wake Up to the Sun” during the highly anticipated double bill.

When: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: General admission starts at $30, purchase online