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 44 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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Art Vancouver

What: Local art lovers will get a chance to discover some of Canada’s and the world’s best artists at the Vancouver Convention Centre this May.

Art Vancouver features an eclectic contingent of exhibitors and galleries from around the globe. There will also be inspiring Art Talks discussions, art classes, and a thrilling painting competition to discover throughout the four-day event.

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

Beneath Crimson Sails

What: The first-ever pirate-themed vertical micro-drama hits the big screen at the Rio Theatre for the first full theatrical screening of a vertical series in Vancouver’s history.

The Vancouver-filmed Beneath Crimson Sails tells the story of fiercely independent Catherine, who is on a mission to find the missing half of a cursed treasure map and avenge her father’s death. But her crossing with mysterious pirate captain Rob, who has secrets of his own, soon brings buried truths to light.

Full of action, romance, and intrigue, Beneath Crimson Sails is a unique viewing experience not to be missed. Don’t miss the pirate party, complete with a costume contest.

When: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: Doors, 5 p.m.; pre-show, 5:30 p.m.; screening, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $16.98, purchase online

The Endo Network’s Run to End Endo

What: Endometriosis is a chronic, painful, whole-body condition that affects one in 10 girls, women, and gender diverse people born with a uterus. It is associated with many debilitating symptoms, diagnostic delays, insufficient management, social taboos, and a lack of awareness. 

This 5k run/walk event is dedicated to bringing hope, awareness, and support to the over two million Canadians who live with endometriosis by raising funds for critical programs at The Endometriosis Network Canada.

When: May 23, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Stanley Park — 650 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Cost: $40, register online

Harrison Tulip Festival

What: Fraser Valley is the place for flower fans to be this spring, and the return of the Harrison Tulip Festival is yet another reason to visit.

Guests will discover a 45-acre flower scape with more than 14 million spring blooms expected, including over 150 tulip varieties, 15 double daffodil varieties, and 12 types of hyacinths. There will also be photo ops, floral surprises, and more.

When: Now until May 3, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday), 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday). Sunrise opening at 6 a.m. on select dates.
Where: 5039 Lougheed Hwy., Agassiz
Tickets: $10-$25. Season passes, super passes, and any-day tickets are also available. 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.

Vallea Lumina

What: Vallea Lumina’s night walk lets visitors experience a heightened natural landscape of the forest through video, lighting, sound, and special effects put on by Moment Factory. On this evening excursion, the pathway through an old-growth forest lets your imagination come alive as you walk through a mysterious valley filled with enchantment.

When: Various dates
Time: Various timeslots
Where: Cougar Mountain Basecamp, Whistler
Cost: Starting at $49.99, children five and under get in for free. Purchase online

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

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, their song “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

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

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 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

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

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.

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

Arts Alive: (de)Construction

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. Senior secondary students in grades 8 to 12 explored the process of dismantling as well as responded to this year’s theme of (de)Construction.

When: May 1 to 31, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday), noon to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery (Lower Gallery) — 6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Suggest a donation of $10

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 event will also be live-streamed, so audiences from around the world can tune in, and comics from across the country will be able to participate in the madness.

In addition to supporting LMG operations, a portion of the proceeds will go to support a local charity.

When: May 22 to 23, 2026
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, $12 plus fees for low-cost tickets, $60 plus fees for a full-day ticket. 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

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

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: Now until Sept. 7, 2026
Time: Open Tuesday through Sunday at varying times
Where: 200 Granville St. 
Cost: Free admission

Broadway Across Canada – Mamma Mia

What: Mamma Mia! comes to Vancouver later in the spring from May 26 to 31. Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, box office record-breaking Mamma Mia! brims with non-stop laughs, explosive dance, and the magic of ABBA’s hit songs: “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “SOS,” and many more.

When: May 26 to 31, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

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 several categories of races throughout the family-friendly event, as well as food trucks, children’s activities, live music, and more.

When: May 30, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and False Creek, Vancouver
Admission: Free

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

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

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 to $30, free for children 12 and under. Purchase online

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

What: Head down to Granville Island for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival from May 25 to 31.

Enjoy performances from around the globe for children and families of all ages, including acrobatics, puppetry, theatre, music, and lots of arts activities.

When: May 25 to 31, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Granville Island
Tickets: Various, purchase online

Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day Blooms at Capilano Mall

What: Pick up the perfect bouquet for Mom at Capilano Mall’s pop-up flower market in the Grand Court on May 9, featuring the Flower Truck Vancouver with beautifully arranged florals by Inky Rose. Choose from hand-tied bouquets, vase arrangements, and single stems. The first 50 purchases receive a $5 gift card. 

Then head over to the Instagram-worthy Floral Photo Moment from May 7 to 10 and snap a selfie, because Mom deserves a main character moment. Share your selfie on Instagram and tag @shopcapilanomall for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree at Capilano Mall.

When: May 9, 2026 (Floral Photo Moment from May 7 to 10)
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for pop-up flower market
Where: Grand Court at Capilano Mall – 935 Marine Dr., North Vancouver
Tickets: Various, 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

Treat mom to Mother’s Day Brunch

What: Consider this your official reminder that Mother’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday, May 10 to be exact), and that you should be making those brunch reservations now before they all book up.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of top-notch Vancouver restaurants offering special Mother’s Day brunches.

From classic eggs Benedict to Mediterranean-inspired brunches, multi-course feasts, and luxurious buffets, these are some of the top destinations for Mother’s Day brunch in and around Vancouver.

When: Sunday, May 10, 2206
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various restaurants across Vancouver. See the list online.

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

Vancouver FC

What: Vancouver FC continue their Canadian Premier League season at Willoughby Community Park this month. Home games at the Langley Events Centre include Cavalry FC on May 17 and Supra Du Quebec on May 23.

When: May 17 and 23, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. (May 17), 3 p.m. (May 23)
Where: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre – 7782 200th St., Langley Township
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver Rise vs AFC Toronto

What: Vancouver Rise continue their Northern Super League season this month with a match against AFC Toronto on Saturday, May 23 at Swangard Stadium.

When: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 3 p.m.
Where: Swangard Stadium — 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Various; purchase online

BC Lions

What: BC Lions kick off the new CFL season at BC Place this spring. Roar on the home team as they welcome the Edmonton Elks for a pre-season game on May 23,

When: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Bon appetite

Spot Prawn Festival

What: Vancouver’s beloved Spot Prawn Festival is officially returning for its twentieth year, offering folks an opportunity to shell-ebrate the start of B.C.’s spot prawn season.

Here, chefs, fishers, and food lovers of all kinds gather to celebrate the province’s most iconic and sustainable seafoods at Fishermen’s Wharf in False Creek.

This year, there will be multiple ways to enjoy the start of the season. In addition to free access to the docks, cooking demos, and the educational marketplace, this year will see the return of the popular $12 Prawn and Seafood Chowder and Bun.

When: Sunday, May 31
Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf — 1505 W. 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free entry, $12 for Prawn and Seafood Chowder and Bun, $85 for Spot Prawn Brunch

The Perfect Bite

What: Time to pick up your magnifying glass, detectives. An official Netflix murder mystery dinner continues its run in 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 August 2026
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

Say Mercy! x The Mackenzie Room

What: Say Mercy! will be returning inside The Mackenzie Room until May 10, bringing with it its Southern BBQ-inspired dishes that built its initial cult following.

For five weeks, Say Mercy! will be offering a tasting menu for two, titled “Just the two of us,” which will feature bites like its Sweet and Smoky BBQ Bolo, Original Shrimp and Grits, Smoked Ribs, and its buttery soft Parker House rolls.

When: Now until May 10, 2026
Where: The Mackenzie Room — 415 Powell St., Vancouver
Reservations: Available online

The Vegan Market

What: The Vegan Night Market, hosted by Peaces, is a plant-based food-fuelled party where guests can enjoy a drink and food while they shop from dozens of businesses. There will be a bunch of plant-based products to discover, including soaps and treats, while you listen to live music.

When: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Locarno Beach
Admission: Free

Enjoy the arts

Exploration Blank at The Improv Centre

What: If you need an escape this spring that’s truly out of this world, the funny folks at The Improv Centre (TIC) on Granville Island are ready to help you blast off with its latest comedy show.

The improv theatre company presents Exploration Blank, a family-friendly sci-fi show with the cast exploring strange new worlds, discovering alien civilizations, and more, all based on audience suggestions to power the improv minigames performed live onstage.

When: Fridays and Saturdays until Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase 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, a festival pass is $40. Purchase online

Glitch

What: Some Assembly Theatre Company presents Glitch, a show that explores themes of artistry and humanity in a time of information overload and unrealistic expectations. Can the humans break free of the cycle of trendy aps and psychosocial competition? Find out in the production created by a diverse cast of Metro Vancouver youth, along with playwright and director Valerie Methot.

When: May 8 and 9, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre — 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online

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

Farmers Markets in Metro Vancouver

West End Market

What: 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

Ambleside Farmers Market

What: This popular seasonal Farmers Market takes place in Ambleside Park, at the foot of 13th Street, from May through September. Pick up fresh local food and goods from crafters and food artisans at this West Vancouver gathering spot.

When: Every Sunday from May 17 until Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Ambleside Park – 1000 Argyle Ave. (the end of 13th Street), West Vancouver

Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market

What: 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, 2026
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

Southlands Tsawwassen Market

What: This Delta farmers market features local produce, sweet treats, blooms, bevies, 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 23 until Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Market Square, Southlands – 6313 Market Ave., Delta

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