There is a ton of free and inexpensive fun to be had around Vancouver. So, let’s get started!
Check out these 27 fun events in Vancouver in May that won’t break the bank, like Shipyards Night Market, Free Comic Book Day, and more.
For more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
One-time-only events and activities
Vancouver Hong Kong Fair
@hkhouseofficial/Instagram
What: The annual Vancouver Hong Kong Fair, presented by HK House, is the biggest Hong Konger cultural celebration in Canada. Guests can visit the free event to learn about the region’s Hong Konger community while checking out the numerous vendors in the HKer cultural market for $3.50.
When: May 11, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free for general event, $3.50 for HKer cultural market
The Show at Emily Carr University of Art + Design
What: This show is a hybrid exhibition of over 420 of Emily Carr’s art, media, and design graduates. Works on display during the free event include fine arts, photography and film, animation, industrial design, and illustration. Visitors can explore the showcased pieces in person at the East Vancouver campus and online.
When: May 7 to 21, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Emily Carr University of Art + Design – 520 East 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Jane’s Walk Vancouver
What: The annual Jane’s Walk Festival of free citizen-led walking tours is happening throughout Vancouver from May 1 to 4.
Hundreds of cities host Jane’s Walk events on the first weekend of May each year, with architects, community gardeners, artists, neighbours, and more hosting the walking conversations.
When: May 1 to 4, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations throughout Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online
Free Comic Book Day
What: May 3 is Free Comic Book Day, an industry celebration where participating comic book shops worldwide give away comic books free to customers with no strings attached.
There are multiple stores around Metro Vancouver taking part, each with its own unique rules and selection of merchandise. You can use the locator map here to find participating locations near you or check out our list of comic book stores in the region to get your geek on.
When: May 3, 2025
Time: Various store hours
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Got Craft Spring Market
Got Craft/Submitted
What: Vancouver’s biggest indie craft fair is back for another weekend of community connection and mindful shopping, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Got Craft Spring Market.
At the event, shoppers will meet over 100 local small businesses and treat themselves to dishes from local food carts. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pick up a special Mother’s Day gift.
When: May 3 and 4, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Tickets: $5 online in advance and at the door; children 12 and under are free; purchase online
Our Last Tree
What: Some Assembly Theatre Company presents Our Last Tree, an apocalyptic show that explores themes of artistry and humanity in a time of great upheaval. The production was created by a diverse cast of Metro Vancouver youth along with playwright and director Valerie Methot.
When: May 2 and 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre — 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online
Ikebana & Bonsai Show
What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is hosting the Ikebana & Bonsai Show in May. Join the Vancouver Ikebana Association in its 60th anniversary celebration with an exhibition, demonstrations, and workshops. There will also be Bonsai materials, pots, and stands available for purchase to bring home.
When: May 24 and 25, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby
Cost: Free
More Than a Movie 2025
Courtesy of More than a Movie
What: Kids Up Front Vancouver, in partnership with BC Place and PavCo, will host its More Than a Movie event on Sunday, May 4.
Families and individuals can purchase tickets to see DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot on the world’s second-largest four-sided centre-hung HD video board. Each ticket purchased includes the admission of a youth from an equity-seeking group to attend for free.
When: May 4, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Tickets: $15 per ticket, $50 for a family pass (four tickets), plus fees. Purchase tickets online
RunAsYouAre: For The Long Run
What: The streets of Vancouver will be filled with runners from around the world this weekend for the annual BMO Vancouver Marathon. And a local running specialty store is gearing up to help runners step it into high gear with events like a Community Run, gear demos, mini run assessments, and a hype zone for the main event.
When: May 1 to 4, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 2033 West 4th Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Vessi 500 Dragon Boat Championship
What: Vessi 500 Championship, one of the province’s largest dragon boat races, returns to False Creek. There will be four categories of races throughout the family-friendly event, as well as a Vessi pavilion and partner tents, a dragon boat-painting experience, and more.
When: May 31, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and False Creek, Vancouver
Admission: Free
5 de Mayo at Astilleros
What: La Casa Astilleros is throwing a huge Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday, May 3, at both of its locations. Doors open at noon with special prices and exclusive menu items throughout the day.
The 5 de Mayo party will feature different activations for guests to enjoy, as well as a DJ party starting at 6 p.m.
When: May 3 and 4, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: La Casa Astilleros – 219 Union St., Vancouver; La Cerveceria Astilleros – 226 Esplanade E., North Vancouver
Admission: Free
MOSAIC’s 13th Annual Job Fair
Mosaic Job Fair
What: Are you currently looking for work? Discover your next career at MOSAIC’s 13th Annual Job Fair on May 13 at the Anvil Centre.
Meet with dozens of employers looking to fill various jobs in business, finance, IT, hospitality, trades, healthcare, retail, customer service and more.
When: May 13, 2025
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St., New Westminster
Cost: Free, register online
White Rock Night Market
What: The White Rock Night Market returns for another year with an incredible lineup of food tents, local artisans, live entertainment, lawn games, face painting, and the best sunset views in town.
When: May 2, June 6, July 18, Aug. 8, and Sept. 5
Time: Starting at 3 p.m.
Where: 14970 Marine Dr., White Rock
Eastside Flea
What: Eastside Flea features dozens of local vendors offering a variety of items, including handmade goods and vintage clothing, collectibles and plants, artisan foods, and more. Each weekend event will also have food trucks on-site, flash tattoos, beverages being served, and a free photo booth.
When: May 3 and 4, June 7 and 8, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1739 Venables St., Vancouver
Admission: $5
North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market
Shipyards Night Market/Facebook
What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 12th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2025. The popular free event takes place every Friday and features a beer garden, live music, market vendors and food trucks.
When: Every Friday from May 16 to Sept. 12, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Alannah Brittany Album Recording
What: Vancouver actor, writer and comedian Alannah Brittany is recording her debut album and invites comedy fans along for the ride. The Just For Laughs alum has performed on CBC Gem’s New Wave of Stand-Up, Apple TV, and Sirius XM Top Comic. She also won Just For Laughs’ Stand-up and Pitch with her new sitcom, Public Pooled.
When: May 5, 2025
Time: 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Where: 524 Main St., Vancouver
Tickets: $10 plus fees, purchase online
Vancouver Chinatown Mural Walks
What: The creators of the Suzhou Alley Women’s Mural, a commemorative mural and storytelling project that highlights the contributions of women who have helped shape Vancouver’s Chinatown over the last 100 years, are hosting mural walks during Asian Heritage Month.
Attendees of the pay-what-you-can tour will learn about the people and stories behind the various murals in the historic neighbourhood. Tours will be offered in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
When: May 10, 24 and 31, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 565 Columbia St., Vancouver
Cost: Pay-what-you-can, purchase online
VSO Day of Music
What: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the VSO School of Music present Day of Music, with 12 hours of free concerts of various music genres for all ages to discover in venues across the city.
When: May 24, 2025
Time: Various performances between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Various venues across the Lower Mainland
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 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
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
Burnaby Central Railway
Burnaby Central Railway. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
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
Farmers Markets in Metro Vancouver
Trout Lake Farmers Market
Trout Lake Farmers’ Market/eatlocal.org
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. 25, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Ave., Vancouver
Riley Park Farmers Market – Summer
This large farmers market takes place in both winter and summer right by Nat Bailey Stadium. Expect stalls of fresh produce, food trucks, and other local goodies.
When: Every Saturday until Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 50 East 30th Ave. and Ontario Street, Vancouver (June 21 footprint shift due to Hillcrest Carnival.)
Fort Langley Village Farmers Market
What: Shop for fresh groceries (fresh foods picked from local farmers’ fields in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys), along with plants, flowers, and other artisan goods, at this weekly market in Fort Langley.
When: Every Saturday until Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Andrews Historic Church — 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley
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 until Oct. 12, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 15154 Russell Ave., White Rock (Beside Whaling Wall)