10 things to do in Vancouver today: Saturday, May 4

May the fourth be with you! Check out these 10 things to do on Saturday, May 4, including Playland Season Opening, Tian Jin Festival, and more!

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

See also

• Fraser Valley's massive Chilliwack Sunflower Festival returns this August
• PNE planning new covered amphitheatre for outdoor concerts and festivals
• Single-day lineups announced for Breakout Festival 2019

Playland Season Opening

What: If you’re ready to reacquaint yourself with the rolls, drops, spins, and thrills that only Playland can offer, then you’re in luck! The always-popular amusement park located in East Vancouver opens its doors for weekend operation, beginning this Saturday, May 4. In total, there are 35 rides and attractions to enjoy, 14 of which offer an extreme experience for those who dare to ride them.

When: Open on weekends starting Saturday, May 4, 2019, until June 14, 2019, when it will open up during the week
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Playland at the PNE – Hastings Street just off Highway #1 West – Exit #26
Tickets: Available online

May the 4th Be With You: Space Centre Family Night

What: What’s a more appropriate way to spend this day than at the HR McMillan Space Centre? Head over to Kitsilano for their May the 4th Be With You Family Night. With a bunch of Star Wars themed events including live demonstrations, a star theatre show and stargazing. There’s something for everyone in the family. Don’t forget to come dressed in your favourite Star Wars themed outfit!

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: HR McMillan Space Centre — 1110 Chesnut Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Hastings Racecourse Season-Opening

What: This year, Vancouver’s iconic Hastings Racecourse and Casino are celebrating 130 years of horse racing action. It’s the longest-running sports activity in BC, and this year, you can be part of the milestone celebrations. Kick off the racing season at Hastings Racecourse on Saturday, May 4 at the Season Opening event where you’ll get to experience unparalleled entertainment. Enjoy wagering, food trucks, a Vancouver British Classic Car Showcase and more.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019
Time: 9 am start
Where: Hastings Racecourse – 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Glitter Ball 2019

What: Glitter Ball, taking place May 4 and 5 in Vancouver, BC, is a two-day music showcase celebrating feminist art and culture. The event will feature bands fronted exclusively by women and those who identify with other marginalized genders, welcoming cis women, trans women, genderqueer women, non-binary folks, and those who otherwise challenge the cis-heteronormative binary.

When: May 4 and 5, 2019
Time: 5:30 pm to midnight
Where: Creative Coworkers — 520 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $20 to $30

Free Comic Book Day

What: The annual event takes place at independent comic book shops all across North America, with thousands of comic shops giving out well-known titles like the Avengers, Captain America, Doctor Who, Pokemon, Riverdale, the Amazing Spiderman, and Star Wars, to name a few. In Vancouver, several shops will be celebrating with free books and special events.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various Comic Shops across Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Aquarium After Hours — Pints, Pinnipeds, and Rescue Stories

What: At Vancouver Aquarium’s After Hours: Pints, Pinnipeds, and Rescue Stories, you’ll learn about Señor Cinco the Californian sea lion, Hardy the sea otter, Bella Bella the Steller sea lion, and Hermes and Da Vinci the harbour seals. Hear their incredible rescue and rehabilitation stories through never-before-seen programs, all with a drink in hand. Ocean-minded breweries, cideries, and wineries will be there, including Arterra Wines, Lonetree, Moosehead Breweries Limited, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, Tofino Brewing Co., Whistler Brewing Co., and others.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Price: $36 for members, $45 for non-members

Tian Jin Festival 2019

Music performance/Tian Jin Festival

What: Taking place in Burnaby on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, Tian Jin Festival gives you the opportunity to learn about the ancient cultures of China — without leaving Canada. The seventh-annual event draws in thousands of visitors every year and it’s completely free to attend.

Taste mouthwatering Taiwanese food (you’ll want to Instagram it before your first bite), and see incredible live cultural performances. There’s also going to be plenty of traditional Chinese games and activities that children of all ages (AKA, you) can take part in.

When: May 4 and 5, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 3426 Smith Avenue, Burnaby
Price: FREE — RSVP via Facebook

Mother of all Comedy Shows

What: The Mother of All Comedy Shows features a collection of some of the best local women in stand-up comedy. They have diverse backgrounds and experiences related to ‘mothering’ and have hilarious words to share about it. Featuring Katrina Bennett, Monique Bellamy, Tania Taylor, Sarah Susswein, Erin Jeffery, Colleen Brow and emceed by Jan Bannister.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Anvil Centre Theatre – 777 Columbia Street New Westminster
Tickets: Online

Galaxion: A Star Wars 80s Party

What: This month, Galaxion is celebrating Star Wars day with an epic dance party filled with all things space. There will be retro games, prizes for the best Star Wars costume and of course an epic dance party set to your favourite 80s songs! You don’t have to dress up but if you’re aiming for those prizes then I suggest you go all out.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019 – Sunday, May 5, 2019
Time: 9 pm – 2 am
Where: Astoria — 769 East Hastings Sreet, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival 2019 – Chilliwack

What: The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival is back for its sixth year featuring delicious grub-on-wheels, drinks, and more. This year brings drool-worthy events from the Fraser Valley Food Truck Association, each featuring 28 trucks to enjoy.

When: May 4, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Heritage Park, Chilliwack
Admission: Free