More than 20 free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this March

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 March that won’t break the bank, like Celtic Fest, 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

Celtic Fest

What: The Museum of Surrey hosts Celtic Fest, with live performances, cultural displays, and interactive activities. There will also be music, a photobooth, community vendors, and crafts and activities that are fun for the whole family.

When: March 7, 2026
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Surrey – 17710 56a Ave., Surrey
Admission: Free

Orpheum Tours by Vancouver Civic Theatres

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting guided tours of the historic Orpheum theatre. The event is presented in partnership with the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and will be sure to delight music fans, architecture enthusiasts, and history buffs.

When: March 7 and 28, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 plus fees, register online

Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC

What: The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC is a fun and refreshing way to raise important funds to assist athletes with intellectual disabilities develop skills and belonging through year-round sport, youth, and health programs.

By participating in the #Plunge4SOBC, you’ll make a difference for athletes with intellectual disabilities and open hearts and minds to their abilities.

There are several events and individual Plunges across the province, including the Vancouver Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC at Kitsilano Beach on Saturday, March 7.

When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Kits Beach
Cost: Registration is free! Donations will go to help Special Olympics BC. Register online

4×4: Four Bands for Four Bucks

What: The Fox Cabaret presents a monthly showcase featuring four emerging bands for just $4. There will be drink specials available during the event.

When: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: Doors 7 p.m.
Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main St., Vancouver
Admission: $4

Workout for Women’s Day at YWCA Health + Fitness Centre

What: YWCA Health + Fitness Centre is celebrating International Women’s Day by offering non-members and members fitness classes that raise funds and awareness for charities that help girls, women, and other marginalized genders. There are a variety of group fitness classes to choose from between March 4 and 8.

When: March 4 to 8, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: YWCA Health + Fitness Centre — 535 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Meet the Maker of Canadian Whisky Bearface

What: A global spirits innovator, Andres Faustinelli brings experience across beer, bourbon, wine, and mezcal to his role as Master Blender at BEARFACE, shaping the brand’s boldly creative approach to Canadian whisky.

Known for developing BEARFACE’s signature style from inception, he embraces Canada’s unique whisky‑making freedoms to craft expressive, boundary‑pushing blends. Faustinelli’s work includes the adventurous Wilderness Series, inspired by rugged landscapes and elemental aging in the extreme Canadian climate.

His fearless experimentation continues, and Faustinelli will debut an exciting new BEARFACE innovation at this event.

When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: BCLIQUOR 39th and Cambie – 5555 Cambie St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

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 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: March 26 and 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

Vancouver Story Slam

What: Vancouver Story Slam features 10 storytellers sharing original short stories in a competition for cash and prizes as well as a spot in the championship show. Performers at The Pleasant on March 12 include Erin Reddekopp, Joy Ong, Steve Miller, and more. The event will also include special guest storyteller Abby Crispo.

When: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: The Pleasant – 2434 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 cash at the door

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

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

What: Get your cameras ready because the colourful Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF) is blooming again this spring.

The festival is one of the city’s most beloved yearly events, with a huge lineup of events to discover from March 27 to April 12. There will be several arts workshops to enjoy, the return of Blossoms After Dark from March 27 to 28 at David Lam Park, the Blossom Block Party on April 4 at Bentall Centre, the Sakura Days Japan Festival from April 11 to 12 at VanDusen Botanical Garden, and more.

When: March 27 to April 12, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Metro Vancouver

Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show

What: The Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show is returning to the PNE Forum with more than 100 gem, mineral, and jewellery vendors from across the country.

You can wander the forum filled with vendors selling all kinds of crystals, fossils, wearable art, and more. This is the perfect place to ask experts questions and learn more about rocks, minerals, crystals, and gems.

When: March 20 to 22, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: PNE Forum, 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: $6-$8, children 12 and under are free. Three-day tickets are also available. Purchase online

BC Home + Garden Show

What: The BC Home + Garden Show returns this month with everything you need to whip your home and garden into shape. The exhibition will feature home improvement, design, culinary and garden experts to inspire you and your home this spring.

When: March 12 to 15, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Thursday and Friday), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Tickets: $13-$16, children 12 and under free. Half-price tickets are available after 4 p.m. Purchase online

Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters of all ages to glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from 12 to 8 p.m. Fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.

When: Now until end of season
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: Free. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)

Workout For Women’s Day

What: From March 4 until International Women’s Day on March 8, you can sign up for a ton of incredible fitness classes by donation at Workout For Women’s Day. It’s a chance to sample classes from some of the city’s best trainers and studios. From barre fusion to intro to pile, there are classes for everyone.

When: March 4 to 8, 2026
Time: Check the schedule for class times
Where: Various locations in Vancouver
Tickets: Classes by donation