20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: April 27 to May 3

We’re flipping the calendar over to a new month, and we’re ready to check out some fun things to do around Vancouver!

From the TJ Festival to the DOXA documentary festival, and more, here are 20 fun events happening from April 27 to May 3.

Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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DOXA Documentary Film Festival

What: Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival features public screenings, panel discussions, public forums, and educational programs for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights include the National Film Board of Canada’s presentation of the B.C. premiere of Saigon Story: Two Shootings in the Forest Kingdom. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kim Nguyen will be in Vancouver to introduce his film that uncovers the elusive connection between two families and one iconic photo.

When: April 30 to May 10, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Karan Aujla

What: Punjabi sensation and former Vancouver resident Karan Aujla is coming back to his former home this week as part of his Canadian tour.

P-Pop Culture is the name of Aujla’s latest album. Live Nation says he surpassed his own record, earning 12.4 million streams, making it the highest debut for a Punjabi-language album in Canadian history.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets for sale online

International Dance Day at The Dance Centre

What: The Dance Centre celebrates International Dance Day with several events this month.

On April 29, International Dance Day, the Scotiabank Dance Centre will host live performances, a studio showing, and more. They will also host free outdoor performances at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s South Plaza, as well as a unique choreography walk throughout the neighbourhood.

When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: The Dance Centre at Scotiabank Dance Centre – Level 6, 677 Davie St., Vancouver and other locations
Cost: Free and ticketed events, register online

Got Craft Holiday Market

What: One of Vancouver’s favourite handmade markets returns this spring.

The Got Craft Spring Market takes place May 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver, bringing together 100 Canadian makers and creatives.

Now in its 19th year, the curated market features handmade goods, food trucks, Kid Entrepreneurs (Saturday), a free DIY zine station (Sunday), a mobile bookshop, and limited swag bags for the first 50 attendees each day.

When: May 2 and 3, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Admission: $5 online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

Public Open House at Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club

What: Try lawn bowling for free at the Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club’s annual public open house.

The city’s oldest lawn bowling club was established in 1912 and is located in beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park. Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club also hosts a number of club events, tournaments and inter-club tournaments throughout the season.

All skill levels are welcome, though flat shoes are required so that the bowling green is not damaged.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club in Queen Elizabeth Park. Located just north of the pitch and putt and the rose garden.
Cost: Free

West End Farmers Market

The West End’s charming, community-minded farmers market is open on Saturdays. Grab a coffee, peek at the adjacent community garden, and stock up on a vast array of locally grown foods.

When: Every Saturday from May 2 until Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Comox Street (between Bute and Thurlow), Vancouver

Orpheum Tours by Vancouver Civic Theatres

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting guided tours of the historic Orpheum theatre. The event is presented in partnership with the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and will be sure to delight music fans, architecture enthusiasts, and history buffs.

When: May 2 and June 6, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 plus fees, register 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.

Festivalgoers 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

Spring at the Farm and Tulip Forest

What: Floral fans are excited about the return of Canada’s first tulip forest at Maan Farms in Abbotsford.

Just an hour’s drive from Vancouver, the Tulip Forest experience is part of Maan’s Spring at the Farm, with adorable animals, interactive fresh-air activities, a new giant teapot house, and more.

When: Daily until May 2026
Where: Maan Farms — 790 McKenzie Rd., Abbotsford
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver Hong Kong Fair

What: The annual Vancouver Hong Kong Fair, presented by HK House, is the biggest Hong Konger cultural celebration in Canada. Guests can visit the free event to learn about the region’s Hong Konger community while checking out the numerous vendors and activities.

When: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Ship to Shore: Kaiwo Maru

What: The City of Richmond presents Ships to Shore: Kaiwo Maru, a free and family-friendly festival that offers a unique cultural and maritime experience.

Come view the world-renowned Kaiwo Maru as it docks at Steveston’s historic waterfront for the first time in nearly a decade. Festivalgoers can enjoy live performances on three stages, hands-on workshops featuring traditional Japanese arts and crafts, watch kites sail the skies, and delight in delicious multicultural fare from food trucks.

When: Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Garry Point Park, 12011 7th Ave., Richmond
Cost: Festival is free to attend, with limited ship boarding for $10.29 (+ GST)

Good Jook Congee Bar

What: A one-day-only congee pop-up is coming to Vancouver, and it’s brought to us by Top Chef Canada season 10 runner-up Chef Dez Lo in collaboration with local seafood purveyor EatFish and Vancouver-based condiment brand Holy Duck Chili Oil.

Guests will be able to choose between two crafted bowls: the OG Seafood Jook (fish congee built on a B.C. halibut stock and topped with a selection of fresh West Coast seafood) and Shroom Jook (a umami-rich mushroom congee featuring XO mushroom sauce and pickled hon shimeji mushrooms). If that didn’t already sound delicious, each bowl will be priced at $10.

When: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Where: Shipbuilder’s Square — 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Admission: Free admission; food available for purchase

Verses Festival of Words

What: Canada’s largest alternative literary festival, Verses Festival of Words, is back for a 16th year of programming, celebrating a broad intersection of poetic artists, including spoken word and page poets, storytellers, singer-songwriters, improvisers, and more.

Highlights of this year’s Verses include Mashed Poetics featuring the music of Tegan and Sara, the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam, and Hullabaloo, a youth poetry slam competition for high school students across the province.

When: April 27 until May 2, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Junction Public Market

What: Vancouver’s open-air container market is back, and you won’t want to miss the fun. Now in its third year, the free-to-enter downtown market and hub has over 30 new vendors this year, in addition to live entertainment and community events throughout the summer.

When: April 30 to Sept. 7, 2026
Time: Open Tuesday through Sunday at varying times
Where: 200 Granville St. 
Cost: Free admission

Vegan Tasting Menu at Grouse Mountain

What: Indulge in an elevated dining experience at Grouse Mountain with its Vegan Tasting Menu on select dates this spring.

The full six-course tasting menu includes complimentary mountain access, an exclusive plant-based menu made with fresh seasonal ingredients, and Vancouver views that can’t be beat. The Vegan Tasting Menu is the perfect way to take your taste buds to new heights.

When: April 30 and May 28, 2026
Time: Various time slots from 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Grouse Mountain
Costs:  $89 with complimentary mountain access via the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola included with your

Jane’s Walk Vancouver

What: The annual Jane’s Walk Festival of free citizen-led walking tours is happening throughout Vancouver from April 30 to May 3, 2026

Hundreds of cities host Jane’s Walk events on the first weekend of May each year, with architects, community gardeners, artists, neighbours, and more hosting the walking conversations.

When: April 30 to May 3, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations throughout Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online

Vancouver Canadians vs Hillsboro Hops

What: Baseball is back at Nat Bailey Stadium! Join the Vancouver Canadians all season long and cheer on the future of the Blue Jays. You can enjoy the game while enjoying hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and all other ballpark favourites, along with a cold beer. Plus, don’t miss the exciting theme nights.

Cheer them on this week as they take on the Hillsboro Hops from April 28 to May 3.

When: Tuesday, April 28 to Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online at CanadiansBaseball.com

Saturday Jazz Night & Dinner Buffet plus Sunday Brunch Buffet at Pan Pacific Vancouver