28 things to do in Vancouver this week: May 6 to 9

Springtime fun continues with these 28 fun Vancouver events happening from Monday, May 6 to Thursday, May 9. Check out Vancouver Giants, The Tea Party, and more.

For even more things happening around town check out our events section.

See also

• Britannia Mine Museum's new immersive show experience opens next month
• This month's hottest art party is coming to the Vancouver Art Gallery
• The Royal Canadian Family Circus is coming to Metro Vancouver next week

Monday, May 6

Chris Hadfield Presents Exploration: Where We’re Going Next

What: Referred to as “the most famous astronaut since Neil Armstrong,” Colonel Chris Hadfield is a worldwide sensation whose video of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” – seen by over 75 million people online — was called “possibly the most poignant version of the song ever created,” by Bowie himself. Acclaimed for making outer space accessible to millions, and for infusing a sense of wonder into our collective consciousness not felt since humanity first walked on the Moon, Colonel Hadfield continues to bring the marvels of science and space travel to everyone he encounters.

When: Monday, May 6, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Tickets: Online

Heartfelt Motel Pop-Up

What: “Heartmelt Motel” is a pop-up exhibit taking over a Surrey mall as part of a Canadian tour that will see the photo op wonderland installed temporarily in malls in four provinces. As for the theme, think 1970s California summer and retro-motel. There are five unique “motel rooms” in the exhibit, each containing an immersive and interactive space for you to explore. No creative pop-up is complete without a gummy ball pool for visitors to jump into.

When: Now to May 12, 2019
Time: Regular Mall Hours
Where: Guildford Town Centre – 10355 152 Street, Surrey
Cost: Free to the public

KT Tunstall

What: Award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall brings the US tour to Vancouver with special guest Doe Paoro.

When: Monday, May 6, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Imperial – 319 Main Street Vancouver, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Burnaby Festival of Learning

What: The Burnaby Festival of Learning celebrates lifelong learning in creative, unconventional ways, and features a week-long series of free events for everyone that will inspire, engage, and spark creativity. Enjoy a variety of events happening throughout Burnaby, including performances, lectures, discussions, tours, and more.

When: Now to Saturday, May 11, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Admission: Free

La Dispute

What: Michigan post-hardcore band La Dispute perform at Vogue Theatre with special guests Gouge Away and Slow Mass. All ages are welcome.

When: Monday, May 6, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: The Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

West Coast Amusements Carnival – Surrey

What: West Coast Amusements is coming to Guildford Town Centre in Surrey from now to May 13 and is bringing with it more than 100 rides for everyone to enjoy. Take the little ones to Kiddieland, with children-only rides that are perfect for first-time carnival goers. Parents can take their kids down the Super Slide or ride Choo Choo Charlie. Enjoy mini donuts, candy apples and cotton candy. If you get dizzy from all the crazy rides, try your hand at one of the many carnival games that are on offer. From classic ring toss to a water gun race, you’ve got plenty of chances to walk away with a prize.

When: Now to May 13, 2019
Where: Guildford Town Centre – 10355 152 Street, Surrey
Time: 3 pm to close on weekdays; noon to close on weekends
Tickets: $40 daily wristbands; 6 rides for $16.99 (Obtain your coupon at Mall Guest Services)

Bad Suns

What: California rockers Bad Suns perform at VENUE with guests CARLIE HANSON, We Hunt Buffalo, and Killer Deal. All ages.

When: Monday, May 7, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: VENUE – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver,
Tickets: Online

Tuesday, May 7

National Geographic Live! in Vancouver — View from Above

What: Celebrated NASA astronaut and National Geographic author Terry Virts, who will share his stories and photographs from space in “View from Above.” Virts spent 200 consecutive days in space as commander of the International Space Station in one of the longest continuous space missions of any NASA astronaut.

When: May 7, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Orpheum — 601 Smithe Street
Price: Starting at $45 —Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Pop-Up Comedy Jam: Asian Heritage Month Edition

What: The Fictionals are celebrating Asian Heritage Month with Improv & Stand-Up at Cafe Deux Soleils. Hot Improv Tuesdays welcomes special guest Robert Peng on May 7, with classic improv games, long-form laughs, and more.

When: May 7, 2019
Time: Doors 7:30 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: $7 or $5 for students and seniors

DOXA Documentary Film Festival

What: Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival, featuring public screenings, panel discussions, public forums, and educational programs.

When: Now to Sunday, May 12, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Nature Tot: Bug Out with Invertebrates

What: Become a nature explorer with your child and experience the wonder of nature together. Ages 3 t0 5 (must be accompanied by an adult). Registration required.

When: Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Time: 10:30 am to 11 am
Where: Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver
Register: Online, $4.50 per child, per session. Barcode 7635

Surrey Youth Week

What: Celebrate Surrey’s Youth Week with free, fun activities at various recreation centres and parks. Sports, cooking classes, art, video games, and more.
When: Now to Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free

WHL Championship– Vancouver Giants vs Prince Albert Raiders – Game 3

What: Vancouver Giants face off with the Prince Albert Raiders in Game 3 of WHL Championship action at Langley Events Centre.

When: Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Arts Alive 2019

What: Arts Alive is an annual showcase of collaborative student works held in collaboration with the Burnaby School District featured in the Lower Gallery. This year’s 37th edition presents a selection of artworks from elementary schools across the city. Math & Art is this year’s theme to act as inspiration for elementary students.

When: Now to June 9, 2019
Time: Tuesday-Friday, 10 am to 4:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 12 – 5 pm
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery – 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Suggested donation is $5

Wednesday, May 8

The Philosopher Kings

What: The Philosopher Kings took the Canadian airwaves by storm during the 1990s, best known for their 1994 hit single, Charms. After taking a 10-year hiatus, the Juno award-winning band has recently regrouped and released their latest album, Return of the Kings.

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm
Where: Imperial – 319 Main Street Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dead Weight Comedy Part One: the First One

What: Dead Weight Comedy presents their first stand-up show at Lanalous with headliner Sophie Buddle, MC Taylor Moorey, Danika Thibault, Sean McDonnell, and more.

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 8:30 pm
Where: Lanalous – 362 Powell St, Vancouver
Tickets: $10 at the door

Big Screen, Big Impact: Filming in Your Community Open House

What: Drop in to this free event for Richmond merchants and residents to learn more about the economic benefits of film, location filming best practices, how to host a film production in your home, and more. Representatives from Creative BC, the Directors Guild of Canada, The Location Managers Guild International and city staff will be on site to answer questions and discuss filming matters.

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Times: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Steveston Community Centre – 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
Admission: Free

BLOOM – The Abbotsford Tulip Festival

Abbotsford Tulip Festival (viktoriahaack / Instagram)

What: Over the next few weeks, millions of tulip bulbs will begin to transform into acres of rainbow-coloured fields as part of the popular springtime tradition. The annual festival is once again expected to attract thousands of locals and international tulip lovers for a joyous celebration of natural splendour in a picture-perfect country setting. With over 2.5 million tulips in bloom at various stages throughout the event, visitors are able to walk through 10 acres of fields and marvel at one of the most vivid displays of floral beauty.

When: Daily for as long as the blooms last.
Time: 9 am to 7:30 pm
Where: 36737 North Parallel Road – Abbotsford
Tickets: Online

WHL Championship– Vancouver Giants vs Prince Albert Raders – Game 4

What: Vancouver Giants face off with the Prince Albert Raiders in Game 4 of WHL Championship action at Langley Events Centre.

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Passion Pit

What: In celebration of the 10th anniversary of their breakthrough debut album Manners, Passion Pit will be touring in 18 major cities across North America. This includes a concert at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver on May 8. The band released their debut studio album in 2009, to widespread acclaim. Upon release, the album was praised as “insanely catchy, and a total success of both sound and vision.”

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Time: Doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street
Price: $45 — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Tonight for Tomorrow

What: On May 8 one dollar from each meal ordered at participating restaurants will be donated to help grow Mealshare, a restaurant charity program focused on helping to end youth hunger. So really, could there be a better night to chow down on the town? You can find the full list of places online where you can head to dine out for good on May 8

When: May 8, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Participating restaurants in Vancouver
More Info: Online

Thursday, May 9

HUNCH: Festival of Solo Performances

What: HUNCH is Vancouver’s only festival dedicated entirely to the development of solo performance work. Featuring Butt Kapinski, Magic Unicorn Island, TAP TAP, the Closing Night Cabaret, and more.

When: May 9 to 11, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Red Gate Revue Stage – 1601 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Tea Party

What: Toronto rockers The Tea Party bring the Black River Tour to Vancouver. Their 1993 album, Splendor Solis, sold over one million copies in Canada. The Edges of Twilight followed, trailed in 1997 by Transmission.

When: Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Museum After Dark

What: Experience a unique adult-only evening at the Museum of Surrey exploring the galleries after dark. Enjoy live music, food and talks, exclusive to this evening event. Ticket includes one complimentary drink. Ages 19+.

When: May 9, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Museum of Surrey – 17710 56a Ave, Surrey
Admission: $25.25. Register online or by calling 604-501-5100 with barcode 4650704

Xaxatko: Water Spirit concert with Ronnie Dean Harris

What: A hiphop poetry multi-media performance with Ostwelve: Ronnie Dean Harris. The gentle warrior, artist, grandson of Chief of Kwikwetlem will share his words, music, and storytelling.

When: Thursday, May 9, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Noons Creek Hatchery – 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody
More Info: Online

The 2019 Royal Canadian Family Circus

What: The internationally-renowned event is kicking off its 2019 Canadian tour with 34 shows in the Lower Mainland.  Expect explosive circus acts like the Flying Cortes Trapeze, the Wheel of Destiny, chair balancing, and aerialists, to name a few.

When: May 9 to June 9, 2019
Time: Showtimes vary based on date and location
Where: Lansdowne Centre (May 9 to 20) – 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond; Tsawwassen Mills (May 24 to 26) – 5000 Canoe Pass Way, Tsawwassen; Guildford Town Centre (May 31 to Jun 9) – 10355 152 Street, Surrey
Tickets: Available online starting at $25 for general admission

Search for the Perfect Pint

What: The Search for the Perfect Pint is a craft beer tasting event, with over 22 breweries, appetizers from six local restaurants and live music. Presented by the Rotary Club of Port Moody.

When: Thursday, May 9, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Port Moody City Hall – 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
Tickets: Online, $45

Fraser Valley Bandits vs Guelph Nighthawks

What: The Fraser Valley Bandits take on the Guelph Nighthawks in Canadian Elite Basketball League action at Abbotsford Centre on May 9.

When: May 9, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford
Tickets: Online