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

There are a ton of free and inexpensive things to do in Vancouver this month. So, let’s get started!

Check out these 26 fun events in Vancouver in May that won’t break the bank, like Shipyards Night Market, Spot Prawn 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

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 13th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2026. 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 15 to Sept. 11, 2026
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North 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 several categories of races throughout the family-friendly event, as well as food trucks, children’s activities, live music, and more.

When: May 30, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and False Creek, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancity Innovation House by Frontier Collective

What: Produced by Frontier Collective, Vancity Innovation House is back for one day only during Web Summit Vancouver week.

A full day of world-class panels and fireside chats with top investors, frontier tech founders, climate innovators, AI researchers, and global leaders. Plus a $20,000 Pitch Competition for Canada’s boldest startups and a VIP evening networking reception. This is the most special gathering happening in Vancouver that week — and the room everyone will be talking about after.

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: Day programming from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: J Lounge – 475 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online. Spots are limited.

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.

There will also be a free concert by the VSO at 7:30 p.m.

When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: Various performances between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Various venues across the Lower Mainland
Cost: Free

Richmond Night Market 2026

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 until Sept. 20, 2026
Time: From 7 p.m.
Where: 2431 Number 3 Rd., Richmond

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

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 dozens of businesses. There will be a bunch of plant-based products to discover, including soaps and treats, while you listen to live music.

When: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Locarno Beach
Admission: Free

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

What: Head down to Granville Island for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival from May 25 to 31.

Enjoy performances from around the globe for children and families of all ages, including acrobatics, puppetry, theatre, music, and lots of arts activities.

When: May 25 to 31, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Granville Island
Tickets: Various, purchase online

MOSAIC’s 14th Annual Job Fair

What: One of Metro Vancouver’s biggest hiring events is back — MOSAIC’s 14th Annual Job Fair.

Bringing together 50+ employers and thousands of job seekers under one roof, this free, one-day event is a prime opportunity to network, explore roles across a range of industries, and connect directly with recruiters.

Whether you’re entering the workforce or considering a career change, it’s an ideal place to discover new opportunities and make your next move.

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St., New Westminster
Cost: Free, register online

The Show at Emily Carr University of Art + Design

What: This show is a hybrid exhibition 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.

When: May 13 to 27, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Emily Carr University of Art + Design – 520 East 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Guided Nature Walks with Surrey Nature Centre

What: ​Celebrate spring with the Surrey Nature Centre on their guided nature walks in Green Timbers Park. Led by an experienced guide, the event is a perfect way to discover the park, with themes changing regularly.

When: May 9, May 20, June 13, and June 24, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Nature Centre – 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey
Admission: Free

Graham Clark’s 24 Hours of Stand-Up

What: Canadian Comedy Award winner and Juno nominee Graham Clark performs 24 hours of stand-up with the help of some hilarious comedians. The event will also be live-streamed, so audiences from around the world can tune in, and comics from across the country will be able to participate in the madness.

In addition to supporting LMG operations, a portion of the proceeds will go to support a local charity.

When: May 22 to 23, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. to 8 p.m., 24 hours
Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 110 Water St., Vancouver
Cost: $20 plus fees for general admission, $12 plus fees for low-cost tickets, $60 plus fees for a full-day ticket. Purchase online

Junction Public Market

What: Vancouver’s open-air container market is back, and you won’t want to miss the fun. Now in its third year, the free-to-enter downtown market and hub has over 30 new vendors this year, in addition to live entertainment and community events throughout the summer.

When: Now until Sept. 7, 2026
Time: Open Tuesday through Sunday at varying times
Where: 200 Granville St. 
Cost: Free admission

Beneath Crimson Sails

What: The first-ever pirate-themed vertical micro-drama hits the big screen at the Rio Theatre for the first full theatrical screening of a vertical series in Vancouver’s history.

The Vancouver-filmed Beneath Crimson Sails tells the story of fiercely independent Catherine, who is on a mission to find the missing half of a cursed treasure map and avenge her father’s death. But her crossing with mysterious pirate captain Rob, who has secrets of his own, soon brings buried truths to light.

Full of action, romance, and intrigue, Beneath Crimson Sails is a unique viewing experience not to be missed. Don’t miss the pirate party, complete with a costume contest.

When: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: Doors 5 p.m., pre-show 5:30 p.m., screening 6:30 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $16.98, purchase online

Spot Prawn Festival

What: Vancouver’s beloved Spot Prawn Festival is officially returning for its twentieth year next month, offering folks an opportunity to shell-ebrate the start of B.C.’s spot prawn season.

Here, chefs, fishers, and food lovers of all kinds gather to celebrate the province’s most iconic and sustainable seafoods at Fishermen’s Wharf in False Creek.

This year, there will be multiple ways to enjoy the start of the season. In addition to free access to the docks, cooking demos, and the educational marketplace, this year will see the return of the popular $12 Prawn and Seafood Chowder and Bun.

When: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf — 1505 W. 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free entry, $12 for Prawn and Seafood Chowder and Bun, $85 for Spot Prawn Brunch

Glitch

What: Some Assembly Theatre Company presents Glitch, a show that explores themes of artistry and humanity in a time of information overload and unrealistic expectations. Can the humans break free of the cycle of trendy aps and psychosocial competition? Find out in the production created by a diverse cast of Metro Vancouver youth, along with playwright and director Valerie Methot.

When: May 8 and 9, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre — 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online

Arts Alive: (de)Construction

What: The Burnaby Art Gallery and School District 41 are partnering for the latest Arts Alive, a celebration of students’ diverse interpretations of a theme. Senior secondary students in grades 8 to 12 explored the process of dismantling as well as responded to this year’s theme of (de)Construction.

When: Now until May 31, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday), 12 to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery (Lower Gallery) — 6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Suggested donation of $10

Burnaby Village Museum – Summer Season

What: Burnaby Village Museum is open for a new summer season, and longtime visitors and new guests will discover a variety of new exhibits, entertainment, and activities to enjoy.

The beloved open-air historical attraction transports people back in time and lets them experience life in a 1920s village, complete with heritage and recreated buildings and staff dressed in the period’s fashion.

When: Tuesday to Sunday, plus statutory holidays until Sept. 7, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.71