20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: May 11 to 17

Hands up if you’re ready for a long weekend in Vancouver!

You’re in luck because Victoria Day is just around the corner, and we’re going to help you get there with our list of 20 great things to do in Vancouver from May 11 to 18. Playland, The Vagina Monologues, and more.

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

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Playland 2026

What: There are over 30 rides and attractions to enjoy at Vancouver’s favourite amusement park, ranging from family-fun rides to extreme, heart-racing attractions.

Prepare yourself for the sky-high Atmosfear, the timeless Wooden Roller Coaster, and of course, The Beast — the massive pendulum that stands 12 storeys tall and swings at speeds of 90 km/h.

Playland Unlocked on opening weekend will welcome visitors with live DJs, special games and a chance to win prizes.

This year also marks the return of Playland Nights, a partnership between PNE and Feaster.

When: Select dates from May 16 to Aug. 21, 2026
Time: Weekends in May and June from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday in July and August from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended evening hours on select nights.
Where: Playland — 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, season and single-day passes are on sale now. Purchase online

Vancity Innovation House by Frontier Collective

What: Produced by Frontier Collective, Vancity Innovation House is back for one day only during Web Summit Vancouver week.

A full day of world-class panels and fireside chats with top investors, frontier tech founders, climate innovators, AI researchers, and global leaders. Plus a $20,000 Pitch Competition for Canada’s boldest startups and a VIP evening networking reception. This is the most special gathering happening in Vancouver that week — and the room everyone will be talking about after.

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: Day programming from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: J Lounge – 475 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online. Spots are limited.

The Show at Emily Carr University of Art + Design

What: This show is a hybrid exhibition of Emily Carr’s art, media, and design graduates. Works on display during the free event include fine arts, photography and film, animation, industrial design, and illustration. Visitors can explore the showcased pieces in person at the East Vancouver campus.

When: May 13 to 27, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Emily Carr University of Art + Design – 520 East 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free

MOSAIC’s 14th Annual Job Fair

What: One of Metro Vancouver’s biggest hiring events is back—MOSAIC’s 14th Annual Job Fair.

Bringing together 50+ employers and thousands of job seekers under one roof, this free, one-day event is a prime opportunity to network, explore roles across a range of industries, and connect directly with recruiters.

Whether you’re entering the workforce or considering a career change, it’s an ideal place to discover new opportunities and make your next move.

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time:  9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St., New Westminster
Cost: Free, register online

IGNITE! Youth Festival

What: Every year, the Cultch Theatre in East Vancouver is taken over by a team of young artists who put on the IGNITE! Festival, Western Canada’s largest youth-driven arts festival. The 25th year of the festival features short plays, dance, comedy, monologues, drag, live music, and more.

There will also be an arts exhibition in The Cultch’s lobby from May 12 to 31.

When: May 13 to 17, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: The Cultch – 1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, festival pass for $40. Purchase online

Future Geographies at the Vancouver Art Gallery

What: Future Geographies is a major exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery dedicated to artists making work about Climate Change. Over 35 works in a range of media created over the past 25 years will uncover the urgent relevance of sustainability and the environment as important issues of our time.

On the fourth floor, there will be an immersive forest installation presented inside a geometric dome, which transports visitors to some of BC’s last remaining ancient forests.

When: May 14 until Jan. 10, 2026 (forest installation in place until Nov. 15)
Time: Regular Museum Hours
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Admission: Various prices, purchase online

The Vagina Monologues

What: Briken Productions presents The Vagina Monologues, a powerful and thought-provoking performance celebrating women’s experiences.

The acclaimed theatrical experience written by celebrated playwright V (formerly Eve Ensler) amplifies women’s voices with humour, honesty, and heart. Don’t miss the performance at the Waterfront Theatre this week.

When: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $75 to $95, purchase online

Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum exhibit at Science World

What:  Science World will fully embrace the FIFA World Cup spirit inside its walls, hosting an official soccer-themed exhibition from the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.

Through five interactive zones — Broadcasting and Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing and Fair Play, Staging the Game, and the Innovation Lab — guests will experience the tools shaping how soccer is played, officiated, watched, and understood.

When: May 15, 2026 to Sept. 7, 2026
Time: Science World operating hours
Where: Science World — 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Admission: Science World admission fees

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 13th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2026. The popular free event takes place every Friday and features a beer garden, live music, market vendors and food trucks.

When: Every Friday from May 15 to Sept. 11, 2026
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Vancouver Canadians vs Everett Aquasox

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 Everett Aquasox from May 12 to 17.

When: Tuesday, May 12 to Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online at CanadiansBaseball.com

Downtown Farmers Market

What: Located centrally at West Georgia and Hornby Street in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, this market features over 30 farms and producers, food and coffee trucks.

Do all your shopping conveniently, as Downtown Farmers Market is directly adjacent to a busy bike path and is close to many transit lines, with Skytrain and Canada Line stops nearby.

When: Every Wednesday from May 13 to Dec. 23, 2026 (closed on June 17, June 24 and July 1)
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: West Georgia Street at Hornby Street

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

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

Top Drop Vancouver

What: Top Drop Vancouver features dozens of international, terroir-focused wines and wineries, and gives you the chance to meet the people behind them.

There are also several Monday night wine parties featuring the wineries and a selection of delicious eats and treats.

When: May 11 and 12, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Stars on Ice

What: Stars on Ice is bringing some of the best figure skaters to Rogers Arena for an exciting showcase. Top stars slated to perform include Elvis Stojko (two-time Olympic silver medallist, three-time world champion), Piper Gillies and Paul Poirier (Olympic bronze medallists), Madeline Schizas (Canadian champion), and more.

When: Monday, May 12, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver FC vs Cavalry FC

What: Vancouver FC continue their Canadian Premier League season at Willoughby Community Park this week. Cheer them on when they face the Cavalry FC at the Langley Events Centre on May 17.

When: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre – 7782 200th St., Langley Township
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

City and Colour

What: City and Colour is swinging by Vancouver for a stripped-back solo show at the Orpheum Theatre with special guest Julianna Riolino.

Dallas Green, the performer behind City and Colour, has won five Juno Awards, including two for Songwriter of the Year. He also has multiple platinum albums under his belt and is the cofounder of Alexisonfire.

When: Monday, May 11, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Orpheum — 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Asian Heritage Month at Vancouver Art Gallery

What: Vancouver Art Gallery is celebrating Asian Heritage Month with a variety of talks, tours and workshops.

There are weekly Lunchtime Look tours to hear fresh perspectives from Gallery experts, a book launch for Modern Iran and the Avant-Gardes, 1948–78 and a panel discussion with guest curator Pantea Haghighi, artist and architect Hossein Amanat and scholar Jeff Derksen, a hands-on workshop with artist Vanessa Lam, and more throughout May.

When: Various dates in May
Time: Various times
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Tickets: Purchase online

Vancouver Art Book Fair

What: Canada’s longest-running international art book fair will showcase over 100 exhibitors from around the globe at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Discover a huge selection of art publications, including DIY zines, catalogues, artist books, monographs, magazines and more. You will also have a chance to meet the makers, collectives and studios behind the works.

When: Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. (Friday), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Cost: Free