More than 20 free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this April
There are loads of free and inexpensive fun to be had around Vancouver. So, let’s get started!
Check out these 22 fun events in Vancouver in April that won’t break the bank, like the Vaisakhi Parade, Cherry Blossom Festival, and more.
And for more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
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One-time-only events and activities
Richmond Night Market 2026
Richmond Night Market
What: The Richmond Night Market is returning this month, and with it, it’ll be bringing the world’s first night market zipline, an all-new Trading Card Zone, and over 500 food items to try.
The theme for this year’s market is “Little Wonder World,” which the market describes as a “dazzling, globe-trotting adventure filled with iconic landmark decorations, vibrant displays, and a stunning themed wall designed for unforgettable moments.” There will also be a giant soccer display.
As for bites, customers can expect anything from Asian street eats to trending global bites. In previous years, there have been eats including everything from jumbo oysters and birria tacos to takoyak, gochujang chicken corn pizza, and more.
When: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays from April 24 to Sept. 20
Time: From 7 p.m.
Where: 2431 Number 3 Rd., Richmond
Another Room Photo Festival
What: Hosted at Gallery 881 in East Vancouver, Another Room is a month-long festival from April 1 to April 30 that platforms all kinds of photographic practices.
More than 100 local artists will have their works featured throughout the festival, plus there will also be exhibitions, talks, workshops, youth programming, and community events. It’s a whole new look at photography as a whole, and it’s just in time for spring outings.
When: April 1 to April 30, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Gallery 881 — 881 E Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, with select ticketed events
Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade
What: The Khalsa Diwan Society Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is happening on Saturday, April 11, with huge floats, community performers, live music, and delicious food.
Khalsa Diwan Society encourages “all walks of life” to come together with the community. Last year saw a huge crowd of an estimated 200,000 Vaisakhi celebrants.
When: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parade will start at 11 a.m.
Where: The parade starts at Ross Street Sikh Temple – 8000 Ross St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival
Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival
What: The 2026 Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is happening at Garry Point Park on Sunday, April 12. Visitors will help celebrate the arrival of spring and the blooming of cherry blossoms, as well as enjoy a day full of free activities, live entertainment, and food trucks.
Check out the Sakura Tent for main-stage performances and demos, including taiko drumming, folk singing and dancers, and ikebana demonstrations. Children of all ages can also stop by the Chibi-Chan Tent to learn how to fold origami creatures with special Japanese papers and techniques.
Attendees will also want to visit the Hanami Tent for displays and demos from local artisans, including bonsai, calligraphy, and origami.
When: April 12, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Garry Point Park – 12011 7th Ave., Richmond
Cost: Free
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 Guzhang 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: April 12, 19 and 26, 2026
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – 578 Carrall St., Vancouver
Cost: Included with admission, free for members
Food Truck Wars 2026
What: The fifth annual Food Truck Wars is returning to the Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds from April 10 to 12, transforming the venue into a food truck lovers’ paradise.
The three-day event features a carefully curated lineup of food trucks competing across multiple categories, including Best in Show, Best Meat Sweats, Best Sweet Treats, People’s Choice, and a Creative Food Award, with the award ceremony being held on Sunday (alongside a hot dog eating contest).
When: Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12
Where: Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds — 6050 176th St., Surrey
Cost: Entry tickets available by donation
Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade 2026
ProPics Canada Media Ltd/Shutterstock
What: The largest Vaisakhi parade in the world is taking place in Surrey this spring, and organizers are expecting to draw another huge turnout for the festivities.
Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, organized by Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, will take place on Saturday, April 18.
Over 600,000 people are expected to attend the parade that is full of colourful floats, live music and dancers, as well as community groups.
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Starts at the Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar – 12885 85th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free
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
Around The Kitchen Table: Crafting Connections
What: This exhibition explores how making by hand can function as a language of its own. Through contemporary jewellery, clay works, and a participatory installation inspired by dumpling-making, the project reflects on communication across generations, cultural memory, and the quiet power of shared gestures around the kitchen table.
When: Monday to Friday until April 23, 2026
Time: 10 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Craft Council of BC – 1386 Cartwright St., Vancouver
Admission: Free
The Vegan Market
Vegan Night Market (Peaces/Facebook)
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 over 45 businesses. There will be a bunch of plant-based products to discover, including soaps and treats, while you listen to live music.
When: April 23, 2026
Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: HI Vancouver Jericho Beach – 1515 Discovery St., Vancouver
Tickets: Minimum donation of $4 or canned goods, clothing, or pet food
International Dance Day at The Dance Centre
What: The Dance Centre celebrates International Dance Day with several events this month.
On April 29, International Dance Day, the Scotiabank Dance Centre will host live performances, a studio showing, and more. They will also host free outdoor performances at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s South Plaza, as well as a unique choreography walk throughout the neighbourhood.
When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: The Dance Centre at Scotiabank Dance Centre – Level 6, 677 Davie St., Vancouver and other locations
Cost: Free and ticketed events, register online
Party for the Planet
What: The City of Surrey is set to host the 15th annual Party for the Planet at Surrey Civic Plaza, presented by TD, on Saturday, April 25.
This year’s event will be packed full of entertainment and activities for the whole family. The best part is that it’s free to attend and just steps from the Surrey Central SkyTrain station.
When: April 25, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104 Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day
Bill Reid Gallery
What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to the contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.
Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: 639 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Vancouver Public Library Movie Screenings
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is that they are free to check out. Expect to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters, timeless classics, and more.
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free
Family Saturdays at Chinatown Storytelling Centre
What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under.
When: The third Saturday of each month
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: 168 East Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free for youth 17 and under; guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission $10 to $12, purchase online
Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights
Vancouver Art Gallery/Facebook
What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Community Jam at The Improv Centre
What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.
When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Farmers markets in Metro Vancouver
Granville Island Public Market
What: You can shop at the Granville Island Public Market year-round. It’s indoors, so it’s a great option on a rainy day. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike. Shop for all your basics and extras here and grab lunch from some of the city’s best eats.
When: Every day
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Granville Island – 1661 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Trout Lake Farmers’ Market
What: 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. 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Ave., Vancouver
White Rock Farmers Market
White Rock Farmers Market/Facebook
Live music, over 80 vendors, and great local produce and food products make the White Rock Farmers Market a great community event for South Surrey and White Rock.
When: Every Sunday from April 19 to Oct. 11, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Miramar Plaza and Russell Avenue, and Johnston Road between Russell and Thrift Avenue.
Kitsilano Farmers Market
What: Kitsilano Farmers Market takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre 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 April 26, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West 10th Avenue and Trafalgar Street, Vancouver
New West Farmers Market
What: New West Farmers Market showcases dozens of vendors and food trucks each week. Shop for farm-fresh produce, local artisan items, gourmet prepared foods, and more while enjoying live entertainment.
When: Every Thursday until Oct. 29, 2026
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: Tipperary Park next to New West City Hall — 315 Queens Ave., New Westminster