Springtime fun continues around Vancouver, and we’re here to help you make the most of it!
From Spring Strings to Mother’s Day, a nature walk, a trip to the circus, and more, here are 20 things to do from May 4 to 10.
Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
To stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, B.C., and beyond, sign up for our newsletters.
Spring Strings at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Destination Vancouver
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
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
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: April 30 (opening reception), May 1 to 31, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday), 12 to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery (Lower Gallery) — 6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Suggested donation of $10
Mother’s Day Blooms at Capilano Mall
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 Drive, North Vancouver
Tickets: Various, 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
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
Vallea Lumina
The Adventure Group
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
Kwantlen St. Market
What: The market is proud to highlight produce grown by student farmers in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Schools in Richmond and Delta. The students learn ecologically sensitive agriculture practices.
When: Every Tuesday from May 6 until Oct. 28, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Minoru Plaza in front of Richmond Library and Cultural Centre – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
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.
Say Mercy! x The Mackenzie Room
What: From April 13 to May 10, Say Mercy! will be returning inside The Mackenzie Room, 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: April 13 to May 10, 2026
Where: The Mackenzie Room — 415 Powell St., Vancouver
Reservations: Available online
Mommy & Me Goat Yoga at Maan Farms
Maan Farms
What: Get zen with some adorable animals. Maan Farms is hosting a special family-friendly Hatha Goat Yoga experience, followed by a delicious curry bowl or chicken strips and fries for participants. There will even be time for goat socializing afterwards for you and your little ones.
When: May 10, 2026
Time: 3 p.m.
Where: Maan Farms – 790 McKenzie Rd., Abbotsford
Cost: $37.10-$63.60, register online
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.
When: Now until May 10, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online
Kitsilano Farmers’ Market
What: Kitsilano Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on for the week. There are also a number of artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market.
When: Every Sunday until Nov. 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Larch Street and West 10th Avenue, Vancouver
Spring at the Farm and Tulip Forest
Maan Farms
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 10, 2026
Where: Maan Farms — 790 McKenzie Rd., Abbotsford
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Science World Mystery After Dark: Retro Science – 80s Edition
What: Science World is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Expo ’86 with a retro party during After Dark. The 19+ event features a life-sized DeLorean, trivia, drinks, and the opportunity to explore all of Science World’s galleries and exhibits.
When: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Science World — 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $34, available online
Guided Nature Walks with Surrey Nature Centre
What: Celebrate spring with the Surrey Nature Centre on their guided nature walks in Green Timbers Park. Led by an experienced guide, the event is a perfect way to discover the park, with themes changing regularly.
When: May 9, May 20, June 13, and June 24, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Nature Centre – 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey
Admission: Free
Royal Canadian International Circus
Royal Canadian International Circus/Facebook
What: Royal Canadian International Circus’s shows are packed with exciting performers and acts, including thrilling daredevils, high-flying acrobats, quick-change artists, and more.
When: May 7 to 10, 2026
Time: Showtimes vary based on date and location
Where: Lansdowne Centre – 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond
Tickets: Starting at $35 for general admission, children 3 and under are free if seated on an adult’s lap; purchase online
Vancougar Comedy
What: Amber Harper-Young and Nancy Ho are funny, fearless cougar comedians who’ve seen it all and survived to tell the jokes. Vancougar Comedy features sharp takes on modern dating, honest confessions, and the kind of laughter that only comes from women who prove that romance after 40 isn’t over, it’s just way funnier.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Yuk Yuks Surrey at Elements Casino – 17755 60th Ave., Surrey
Tickets: $24.95 plus fees. Purchase online
Burnaby Village Museum – Summer Season
What: Burnaby Village Museum is open for a new summer season, and longtime visitors and new guests will discover a variety of new exhibits, entertainment, and activities to enjoy.
The beloved open-air historical attraction transports people back in time and lets them experience life in a 1920s village, complete with heritage and recreated buildings and staff dressed in the period’s fashion.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, plus statutory holidays until Sept. 7, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.71
29th Annual Queens Park Garage Sale
What: Shop for deals and meet the community at the 29th Annual Queens Park Garage Sale in New Westminster. Sales will feature kids’ items, home decor, and more.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Queens Park neighbourhood in Vancouver
Admission: Free