20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: May 19 to 25

We’re fast approaching the end of May, so let’s not waste a single minute of it!

From the Spot Prawn Festival to the Vancouver VSO Day of Music and so much more, here are 20 fun events to check out from May 19 to 25.

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

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Vancouver Startup Week 2025

What: Thousands of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community champions are coming together in Vancouver this week to learn from and inspire each other. And there’s still time for you to join in.

When: May 20 to 23, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Purchase online

Spot Prawn Festival 2025

What: Spot Prawn season is one of our favourite times of year. But with it lasting only four to six weeks, you want to make sure to enjoy as much spot prawn goodness as humanely possible.

To celebrate the season of this flavour-packed seafood, you can head over to Vancouver’s Spot Prawn Festival, which is set to officially return on Sunday, May 25, at Fisherman’s Wharf in False Creek.

The yearly event, hosted by the Chef’s Table Society of British Columbia, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When: Sunday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf — 1505 West 1st Ave., Vancouver
Tickets: On sale now

Rotimi Fani-Kayode: Tranquility Of Communion at The Polygon Gallery

What: Rotimi Fani-Kayode: Tranquility of Communion is the first North American survey of the acclaimed Nigerian photographer’s works. Explore several important series of Kayode’s colour and black-and white photographs, as well as archival prints and never-before-exhibited pieces from his student years.

When: Now until May 25, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wednesday, Friday to Sunday), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Ct., North Vancouver
Cost: By donation

Rain City Comic Con

What: Check out over 100 comics creators, publishers, and panels at the Roundhouse Community Centre this weekend during the inaugural Rain City Comic Con. Shop for unique merch, discover new favourite books, and meet fellow comic fans from around the region..

When: May 24, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Themed Dining Experiences at Sula Indian Restaurants

What: Sula Indian Restaurant invites you to gather, connect, and indulge in curated dining events across its three Vancouver locations. Invite your fellow foodies to enjoy the returning Mango Afternoon Tea and popular Ladies Night. Then make plans to check out the new immersive Paint Night hosted by Emily Gray and the flavour-focused Cocktails and Chaat led by Zoe Bates.

Each event promises award-winning Indian cuisine and unmatched hospitality, so get your tickets before they are gone.

When: Select dates in May, June and July 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Sula Davie Street – 1708 Davie St., Vancouver; Sula Commercial Drive – 1128 Commercial Dr., Vancouver; Sula Main Street – 4172 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Broadway Rocks: The Airborne Toxic Event & Wide Mouth Mason

What: Hollywood Theatre hosts a concert to celebrate the Broadway Corridor with rockers The Airborne Toxic Event and Wide Mouth Mason. Partial proceeds will be donated to the West Broadway BIA to support local businesses and community initiatives, and the non-profit Performing Arts Lodge, which provides affordable housing for seniors in the performing arts.

When: May 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre – 3123 W. Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver Bandits vs Niagara River Lions

What: Vancouver Bandits bring Canadian Elite Basketball League action to the Langley Events Centre this week. They take on the Niagara River Lions on May 22..

When: May 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th St., Langley
Cost: Various; purchase online

Surrey SPARK Stages – Performing Arts for Kids

What: Surrey Civic Theatres presents a weekend of exciting theatre performances and activities for children and families. Surrey SPARK Stages features dance shows, acrobatics, musical storytelling, and more that all ages will enjoy.

When: May 23 to 25, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Arts Centre — 13750 88th Ave., Surrey
Tickets: Various, purchase online

Fort Langley Village Farmers Market

What: Shop for fresh groceries (fresh foods picked from local farmers fields in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys), along with plants, flowers, and other artisan goods, at this weekly market in Fort Langley.

When: Every Saturday until Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Andrews Historic Church — 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley

Ikebana & Bonsai Show

What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is hosting the Ikebana & Bonsai Show in May. Join the Vancouver Ikebana Association in its 60th anniversary celebration with an exhibition, demonstrations, and workshops. There will also be Bonsai materials, pots, and stands available for purchase to bring home.

When: May 24 and 25, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby
Cost: Free

Fleurs De Villes Downtown Abbey

What: The popular Fleurs de Villes returns to Vancouver for the Canadian premiere of its Downton Abbey-Inspired Floral Series, presented by Oakridge Park. Head to VanDusen Gardens to see stunning works of floral art installations in the open-air setting.

When: May 23 to June 1, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (May), 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (June)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Cost: Included with regular admission ticket to VanDusen Botanical Garden. Purchase online

Heidelberg Materials Open House

What: Heidelberg Materials is hosting its family-friendly annual open house on Saturday with live music, tours around the plant, and more.

The community open house will invite guests to check out Heidelberg Concrete’s huge trucks and honk the air horns. All ages can then play in a giant sandbox, get their face painted, have the chance to win prizes, and more.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Heidelberg Materials – 1415 Johnston St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

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.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: Various performances between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Various venues across the Lower Mainland
Cost: Free

Graham Clark’s 24 Hours of Stand-Up

What: Canadian Comedy Award winner and Juno nominee Graham Clark performs 24 hours of stand-up with the help of some hilarious comedians. The performance can be enjoyed live in person or streamed online, and tickets are sold in blocks of 75 minutes.

Partial proceeds from the mirth-filled marathon will be donated to Filipino BC in response to the recent tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party.

When: May 23 and 24, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. to 8 p.m., 24 hours
Where: Little Mountain Gallery — 110 Water St., Vancouver
Cost: $20 plus fees for general admission, $5 plus fees for accessible tickets. Purchase online

Hyack Festival 2025

What: The 54th annual Hyack International Parade and Festival takes place in New Westminster on Saturday, May 24. The province’s largest family-oriented parade, presented by the Hyack Festival Association, includes over 100 colourful floats and free family activities and entertainment.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: Parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at 8th Avenue and 6th Street. Festival takes place at Tipperary Park in New Westminster
Cost: Free

Staircase Sounds: Orchid Ensemble

What: Juno-nominated Orchid Ensemble wraps up the first season of Staircase Sounds with a live concert that spotlights its Taiwanese roots while mixing in influences from Chinese, Indian, Jewish, and Central Asian music.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Central Library — 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Rise

What: Vancouver Rise continue their inaugural Northern Super League season this month with games against the Halifax Tides on May 21, and Calgary Wild on May 24

When: May 21 and 24, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Swangard Stadium – 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Various; purchase online

rEvolver Festival

What: The annual rEvolver Festival is a showcase of contemporary theatrical works at The Cultch. Check out the wide variety of performances from local and national artists including new performances, reinterpretation of existing works, and more.

When: May 21 to June 1, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: The Cultch’s Historic Theatre and Vancity Culture Lab – 1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various, purchase online

The Vegan Night Market

What: From plant-based cheese to handmade ceramics, delicious spreads, and upcycled clothing, the Vegan Summer Night Markets is packed with unique items for all shopping needs. Admission is free, and there will also be a variety of food trucks on-site to keep your tastebuds satisfied.

When: Every other Thursday from May 22 to Sept. 11, 2025
Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Locarno Beach
Admission: Free

Mt. Pleasant Street Art and Mural Tour

What:  Vancouver DeTours is leading free public street art and mural tours throughout Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant, which has one of the densest concentrations of street art and murals in the world. Learn the history of the artwork and public art policy and explore the historic neighbourhood while discovering 20 to 30 murals on your walk.

When: Various dates on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 11 a.m. (Sunday), 5:30 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday)
Where: Meet Across from Milano’s Coffee on West 8th Avenue
Cost: Free, though tips for the tour guides are appreciated

Ghost Patrol by Vancouver Mysteries

What: Vancouver Mysteries invites super sleuths to try and solve the strange hauntings happening in the downtown core. Paranormal investigators will use all of their skills to explore four different hauntings while learning about life in the city in the 1910s, 1930s and 1970s along the journey.

When: Daily
Time: Various times
Where: Secret location to be revealed to players
Cost: $35 per player plus GST. Purchase online