More than 40 fun and fantastic things to do in Vancouver in May

May is here, and Metro Vancouver is filled with fantastic events to discover!

From night markets to concerts, Playland, and more, here are 43 fantastic things to do around the city this month.

For more fun things happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

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More Than a Movie 2025

What: Kids Up Front Vancouver, in partnership with BC Place and PavCo, will host its More Than a Movie event on Sunday, May 4.

Families and individuals can purchase tickets to see DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot
on the world’s second-largest four-sided centre-hung HD video board. Each ticket purchased includes the admission of a youth from an equity-seeking group to attend for free.

When: May 4, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Tickets: $15 per ticket, $50 for a family pass (four tickets), plus fees. Purchase tickets online

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 12th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2025. 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 16 to Sept. 12, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Broadway Across Canada – Six

What: Musical fans will want to pick up tickets for Broadway Across Canada’s presentation of Six, which will be taking over the Queen E from May 13 to 18. The original production won 23 awards during its debut Broadway season, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

When: May 13 to 18, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday), 2:30 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Mosaic’s 13th Annual Job Fair

What: Are you currently looking for work? Discover your next career at Mosaic’s 13th Annual Job Fair on May 13 at the Anvil Centre.

Meet with dozens of employers looking to fill various jobs in business, finance, IT, hospitality, trades, healthcare, retail, customer service and more.

When: May 13, 2025
Where: Anvil Centre — 777 Columbia St., New Westminster
Cost: Free, register online

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Abbotsford Tulip Festival

What: Lakeland Farms’ annual Abbotsford Tulip Festival has returned for a months-long celebration of everything floral.

The highly anticipated springtime event features a gargantuan garden with over 100 varieties of stunning tulips spread over 35 acres.

When: Now until May 11, 2025
Where: 3663 Marion Rd., Abbotsford
Tickets: Tiered pricing options for weekdays and weekends. On sale one week before festival opens, purchase online

DOXA Documentary Film Festival

What: Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival, featuring public screenings, panel discussions, public forums, and educational programs. This year’s lineup includes 39 feature films, 30 short and mid-length films, and several industry events.

When: May 1 to 11, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Orpheum Tours by Vancouver Civic Theatres

What: Get your cameras ready because you can explore one of Vancouver’s most beautiful concert halls this spring.

When: May 31, June 14, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 plus fees, register online

Richmond Night Market 2025

When: The Richmond Night Market is officially open for its 2025 season. This highly anticipated event is the largest night market in North America.

This year is extra special because it marks the 25th anniversary of the market, and there will be some special offers for visitors to celebrate. One of these special offers is the return of its popular Summer Happy Hour with special food and drink deals that are all under $10.

When: Now through Oct. 13, 2025; The night market will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond

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

Vancouver Aquarium presents Survival of the Slowest

What: Vancouver Aquarium’s new exhibit, Survival of the Slowest, celebrates all things slow in the animal kingdom by giving you a sneak peek behind some of nature’s most inventive creatures. From now until Monday, Sept. 1, this limited-time exhibit lets you step into a world where being slow, small, and even weak can be a powerful survival strategy.

Throughout the exhibit, you can dive into interactive displays to uncover how these naturally slow critters, like the two-toed sloth, have adapted to survive in the wild. Relax into daily Slow & Tell animal presentations so you can chill with the coolest sluggish creatures like the four-toed hedgehog and the armoured armadillo.

When: Now until Sept. 1, 2025
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets are on sale now starting at $41.95

Burnaby Central Railway

What: Burnaby Central Railway is welcoming passengers to climb aboard its 3-km track near Confederation Park every weekend until this fall. Your ride will take you across tunnels, bridges and viaducts. And while you’re there, stop by the ever-growing Garden Railway.

British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (BCSME) built and operates the mini railway, with three different types of locomotives pulling the rideable trains.

When: Weekends and stat holidays through Thanksgiving weekend
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 120 N Willingdon Ave., Burnaby
Cost: $4.50 for a single ride for all passengers three years old and up. $40 for a 10-ride pass

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 in the HKer cultural market for $3.50.

When: May 11, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free for general event, $3.50 for HKer cultural market

Vessi 500 Dragon Boat Championship

What: Vessi 500 Championship, one of the province’s largest dragon boat races, returns to False Creek. There will be four categories of races throughout the family-friendly event, as well as a Vessi pavilion and partner tents, a dragon boat-painting experience, and more.

When: May 31, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and False Creek, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits

What: Science World invites guests to challenge themselves to jump, dive, fly, and climb in a new feature exhibit that explores some of the most exciting sports in the world. Learn the science behind the sports and hear stories from around the world highlighting the dedication and determination of top-class athletes.

When: Now until May 19, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Available online

Foundation Volume 13.0 – 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 13.0 – 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 John Summit and Sara Landry.

When: May 17 and 18, 2025
Time: Doors open at 4 p.m.
Where: PNE Centre Grounds
Tickets: Various costs, purchase online

Playland 2025

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.

You’ll be working up an appetite with all there is to see and do at Playland this year, so it’s a good thing the park is serving up fan favourites like hot dogs, mini donuts, and more!

When: Select dates from May 17 to Aug. 15, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Playland — 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, season and single-day passes are on sale now. Purchase online

Arts Alive: Awesomeology: Gratitude in the Little Things

What: The Burnaby Art Gallery and School District 41 are partnering for the latest Arts Alive, a celebration of students’ diverse interpretations of a theme. Elementary school students were encouraged to work together in their classrooms to investigate what they think is awesome.

When: May 1 (opening reception), May 2 to June 1, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday), Noon to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery (Lower Gallery) — 6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Suggest donation of $5

9 to 5 the Musical

What: Royal City Musical Theatre invites you to clock in for 9 to 5 the Musical, based on the hit 1980s movie and featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Cheer on Violet, Judy, and Doralee as they come up with a plan to get even with the “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” they call their boss.

When: Now until May 11, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Massey Theatre – 735 8th Ave., New Westminster
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

White Rock Night Market

What: The White Rock Night Market returns for another year with an incredible lineup of food tents, local artisans, live entertainment, lawn games, face painting, and the best sunset views in town.

When: May 2, June 6, July 18, Aug. 8, and Sept. 5
Time: Starting at 3 p.m.
Where: 14970 Marine Dr., White Rock

RunAsYouAre: For The Long Run

What: The streets of Vancouver will be filled with runners from around the world this weekend for the annual BMO Vancouver Marathon. And a local running specialty store is gearing up to help runners step it into high gear with events like a Community Run, gear demos, mini run assessments, and a hype zone for the main event.

When: May 1 to 4, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 2033 West 4th Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canadians

What: Baseball is Back #AtTheNat! 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.

When: Various dates
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online at CanadiansBaseball.com

Abbotsford Canucks vs Coachella Valley Firebirds

What: Abbotsford Canucks continue their AHL playoffs this month with Round 2 home games against the Coachella Valley Firebirds on May 7, 9, and 11.

When: May 7, 9, and 11, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Rd., Abbotsford
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Warriors vs Buffalo Bandits

What: The Vancouver Warriors continue their National Lacrosse League playoffs with Game 2 against the Buffalo Bandits at Rogers Arena on Sunday, May 4.

When: May 4, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Whitecaps

What: Vancouver Whitecaps continue their MLS season this month with several exciting home games at BC Place. Cheer on the ‘Caps as they face Real Salt Lake on May 3, LAFC on May 11, Minnesota United on May 28, and Portland Timbers on May 31.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver FC

What: Vancouver FC begin their Canadian Premier League season at Willoughby Community Park this spring. Home games at the Langley Events Centre include HFX Wanderers on May 17 and Ateletico Ottawa on May 30.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre – 7782 200th St., Langley Township
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver Rise

What: Vancouver Rise continue their inaugural Northern Super League season this month with games against the Halifax Tides on May 5 and 21, and Calgary Wild on May 24.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Swangard Stadium — 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Various; purchase online

Bon appetite

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Tea Festival: Tea For All

What: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is bringing together tea professionals, tea vendors and tea lovers to celebrate the joy of tea. Learn about the traditions and cultures of tea, sample products from local makers, and listen to live music from B.C. Chinese Music during the festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own small teacup with them.

When: May 17, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — 578 Carrall St., Vancouver
Cost: $12 to $15, free for Garden Annual Pass holders. Purchase online

The Perfect Bite

What: Time to pick up your magnifying glass, detectives! An official Netflix murder mystery dinner is coming to Vancouver, and you’re invited to take a bite out of crime.

Secret City Adventures is collaborating with Netflix on the event, which will see guests watching a murder case unfold while deciphering clues. Of course, they will also enjoy a delicious dinner that is simply to die for.

When: Now until June 29, 2025
Time 7 p.m.
Where: Glowbal — 590 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, including individual tickets, tables of 4, and VIP. More info online

Guzheng & Tea

What: 16-year-old Guzheng artist Barret Bai is filling Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden with his mastery of the 21-string instrument Guzheng on select dates this spring. Enjoy a cup of garden-blend jasmine tea and take in the traditional Chinese music with the beautiful garden backdrop.

When: Select dates in May and June 2025
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — 578 Carrall St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival

What: The Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival series is hosting a huge event at Fort Langley Park on Saturday, May 17.

There will be more than 60 drinks from local favourites like Dageraad, Backcountry Brewing, Trading Post Brewing Co., and Dead Frog Brewery at the festival.

The events will also bring food trucks and other refreshments, like local cider, kombucha, seltzer, and wine. Festival-goers can also expect some fun activities like lawn games and beer pong.

When: May 17, 2025
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Fort Langley Park — 9089 Nash St., Fort Langley

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!

When: May 13, 2025
Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre— 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: $152.37

5 de Mayo at Astilleros

What: La Casa Astilleros is throwing a huge Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday, May 3rd at both of its locations. Doors open at noon with special prices and exclusive menu items throughout the day.

The 5 de Mayo party will feature different activations for guests to enjoy as well as a DJ party starting at 6 p.m.

When: May 3 and 4, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: La Casa Astilleros – 219 Union St., Vancouver; La Cerveceria Astilleros – 226 Esplanade E, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Enjoy the arts

The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits”

What: Banksy has officially landed in Vancouver — and it’s the perfect excuse to visit one of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

Now open in Gastown, The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” is a captivating exhibit that invites you to discover over 200 works from the world’s most elusive street artist. This museum-quality collection features original art, prints, photographs, sculptures, installations, and murals.

Immerse yourself in interactive installations like the Infinity Room, letting you discover Banksy’s artworks through an infinite room full of mirrors. You can also step into a simulated recreation of Banksy’s biggest ever art piece, Dismaland Bemusement Park, a gritty pop-up theme park set up in Somerset, England.

When: Now until May 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 1 Alexander, Gastown, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets start at $28

The Show at Emily Carr University of Art + Design

What: This show is a hybrid exhibition of over 420 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 and online.

When: May 7 to 21, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Emily Carr University of Art + Design – 520 East 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Asian Heritage Month at Vancouver Art Gallery

What: Vancouver Art Gallery is celebrating Asian Heritage Month with a variety of programs and events. Catch a live performance of Vancouver–based, interdisciplinary arts company Hong Kong Exile, go on a public tour of the gallery in Mandarin and Punjabi, explore the new feature exhibition Otani Workshop: Monsters in My Head, and more throughout May.

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

East Meets West – A Musical Fusion of Cultures

What: The Iranian Arts Centre and the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra are collaborating for a special concert that celebrates the rich melodies of Eastern traditions and the symphonic music of the West. The performance will feature the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra with conductor Jin Zhang, Iranian vocalist Sina Sarlak, and music composed by Kambiz Roshanravan.

When: May 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Massey Theatre — 735 8th Ave. New Westminster
Tickets: Starting at $45, purchase online

Movie Buff 2: A Cult Movie Burlesque Show

What: Vancouver burlesque star Claire Voyeur presents Movie Buff 2: A Cult Movie Burlesque Show at the Rio Theatre on Friday, May 9. See all your favourite cult cinema icons brought to life onstage, including the Bride of Chucky, Wanda Woodward from Cry Baby, and even the Goblin King from Labyrinth.

When: May 9, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $30 to $40, purchase online

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert

What: Calling all benders! An Avatar: The Last Airbender concert experience is coming to Vancouver, and fans won’t want to miss it.

The live symphony performance, presented by Nickelodeon, GEAlive, and Senbla, is taking place at The Orpheum on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Music from the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series will be performed by a full orchestra during each world tour stop while beloved scenes from the series will be played on a giant screen.

When: May 4, 2025
Time: 3 and 7 p.m.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Farmers Markets in Metro Vancouver

Trout Lake Farmers Market

This farmers’ market began back in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market collective of markets. One of the most popular markets, Trout Lake has food trucks on-site and a variety of vendors selling fresh local produce, locally made goods, and all things food.

When: Every Saturday until Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Ave., Vancouver

Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market

What: Launched in June 2008, this open-air market offers visitors an assortment of food and craft stalls to peruse. Shop for fresh fruits and veggies as well as artisan goods while you listen to live entertainers.

When: Every Saturday from May 10 until Oct. 18, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall — 4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Parkway, Burnaby

Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market

What: This Delta farmers market features local produce, sweet treats, blooms, bevvies, artisans, live music, food trucks and more. There will also be themed celebrations on select dates throughout the season.

When: Every other Saturday from May 24 until Nov. 8, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Market Square, Southlands – 6313 Market Ave., Delta

Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market

The Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market will be operating on select Sundays in the parking lot of the Steveston Community Centre. The events will feature a mix of stalls, including food vendors, artists, and craftspeople.

When: May 11 and 25, June 1 and 15, July 13 and 27, Aug. 17 and 31, and Sept. 14 and 28, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Garry Point Park — Southwest corner of Richmond between Chatham and Moncton Street on 7th Avenue, Richmond

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