Save your money this spring! Check out these 40 free things to do in Vancouver this season, from a Cherry Blossom Festival to Farmers’ Markets and more!
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Spring Break at the Nature House
Deer Lake/Shutterstock
What: Get out and enjoy nature this spring break. The nature house at Burnaby Lake will be open with activities and crafts to help you and your kids get outside and experience spring. All ages.
When: March 18 to March 22, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Meet at Burnaby Lake Nature House – 4519 Piper Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Enchanted Forest
What: Experience the forest through the eyes of a gnome on a one-hour nature quest. Sneak a peek at the new nature discovery area. Bring food to roast on the campfire. Costumes welcome.
When: March 21, 2019
Time: 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Aldergrove Regional Park – Meet at Blacktail Picnic Shelter from main park entrance on 8th Ave, Langley
Admission: Free
Forest Walk and Campfire
What: Enjoy an evening forest walk to a campfire. As organizers provide the stories and roasting forks, you provide your own marshmallows and songs. Hike departs at 6 pm sharp. All ages are welcome.
When: March 30, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Tynehead Regional Park – meet at 96th Ave entrance by Tynehead Hatchery, Surrey
Admission: Free
Mother Nature’s Recycling
What: Check out displays and presentations at these themed open houses. Tour indoor and outdoor learning spaces including the Bell-Irving Hatchery, ‘Roof to Creek’ stormwater management system and wetlands. If it wasn’t for snails, slugs, worms and their allies, there’d be a whole lot more poop in the park. Learn about recycling, Mother Nature style. All ages.
When: March 31, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park – Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre. Meet at 11450 256th Street, Maple Ridge.
Admission: Free
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 2019
Cherry Blossom Vancouver/Shutterstock
What: Vancouver’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of the city’s gorgeous pink cherry trees and a welcome sight for the winter-weary Vancouverites. The Cherry Blossom Festival looks to show off close to 40,000 trees, many of which originated as gifts from Japan. The festival looks to express the city’s gratitude while celebrating the beauty and joy that the blooms with the flowers. New to this year, festival organizers have made the point of asking anyone taking photos in neighbourhoods to be respectful when visiting.
When: April 4 to 28, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Admission: Many free events and some ticketed events
Explore the city
Blossom at Metropolis
What: Metropolis at Metrotown’s Grand Court will become the site of Blossom at Metropolis, a one-of-a-kind art installation that includes more than 250,000 cherry blossoms. Mall-goers are encouraged to pass by and get an early glimpse of some gorgeous white and pink petals, all created by interactive arts company Hfour.
In addition to more than a quarter-million cherry blossoms, the exhibit will feature dozens of mirror spheres (the largest being four metres in size) that’ll create the illusion of infinite blooms. A series of floral art and Japanese culture workshops will also be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while the exhibit is in place. And of course, what installation would be complete without a selfie zone?
When: Now to Saturday, March 31, 2019
Time: Open daily during regular mall hours
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Admission: Free of charge
Spring Break at the Carousel
What: Enjoy the antics of a children’s entertainer, craft activities, heritage games and unlimited carousel rides. All activities take place in the Carousel Pavilion. No access to Museum site. Children and adults must attend together.
When: March 18 to March 29, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free. Carousel Rides $2.65 each
Spring Break Drop-In: Farm Life
What: Not sure what to do for Spring Break? Bring the kids back in time. Drop in for activities at Heritage Stewart Farm during both weeks of the break Tuesday to Thursday from 12 to 3 pm. Show the kids how people lived in Surrey in the year 1900. Themes will include spring cleaning, activities in the kitchen and old school fun. Pack snacks and boots and remember to charge up your phone to take lots of pictures.
When: March 19 to 21, March 26 to 28, 2019
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: Historic Stewart Farm – 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey
Admission: Free
Competitive Paint Off at Surrey Art Gallery
Surrey Art Gallery / City of Surrey
What: Join Surrey Art Gallery Association for an action-filled evening where twelve professional artists will face off in four 25-minute rounds using oil sticks. As a member of the audience, you’ll watch and vote for your favourite artist after each round. Winners from the first three rounds will compete in the final, fourth round, and the audience will decide on the “People’s Art Champion” at the end of the evening.
When: March 23, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free
Vancity Richmond Clothing Fix it
What: Bring your clothes that need to be repaired and a team of expert fixers will show you how you can repair the clothes yourself. Sewing machines, threads, needles and all sewing supplies will be provided on site. No experience necessary and all are welcome.
When: March 23, April 27, May 5, 2019
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Vancity Blundell Centre community branch – 6020 Blundell Rd Unit 130, Richmond,
Register: Online, Free
Adad Hannah – The Decameron Retold
What: Adad Hannah’s, The Decameron Retold, is a newly commissioned artwork by the Richmond Art Gallery based on the 14th-century literary work, The Decameron, by Giovanni Boccaccio. The medieval collection of novellas is comprised of 100 tales told over 10 days by 10 young women and men sequestered in a villa outside of Florence to escape the Black Plague.
When: Now to April 20, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Richmond Cultural Centre – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: Free
Used Kidstuff Sale
What: Find bargains on children’s toys, books, decor items and more! Free admission for buyers.
When: March 30, 2019
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Willingdon Community Centre – 1491 Carleton Avenue, Burnaby,
Admission: Free
Parkside Comedy Nights
What: Vancouver comedians Ryan Williams and Alistair Ogden host a night of comedy in the Parkside Tasting Room with a rotating cast of comedians monthly.
When: April 4, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Parkside Brewery – 2731 Murray Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free
Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival 2019
What: The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival is back for its sixth year featuring delicious grub-on-wheels, drinks, and more. This year brings seven drool-worthy events from the Fraser Valley Food Truck Association, each featuring 28 trucks to enjoy.
When: April 27, May 4, May 11, May 25, June 2, June 15 to June 25, and June 16, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Locations across Greater Vancouver
Admission: Free
Car-Free Day: West End, Main Street and Commercial Drive
Eric Zimmer / Daily Hive
What: Vancouver’s ever-popular Car Free Day is returning for another summer in several of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods. Enjoy community booths, food trucks, live entertainment and more. As per usual, attendance to the three events are free, and visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or transit to get to the festivities.
When: Saturday, June 15, Sunday, June 16 and Sunday, July 7, 2019
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Denman Street between Robson Street and Davie Street (West End); Main Street between Broadway and 30th (Main Stree), Commercial Drive between Grandview and Venables (Commercial Drive)
Admission: Free
Eat fresh with farmers’ markets
Riley Park and Nat Bailey Stadium Farmers’ Market
What: Each week you can look forward to finding locally grown vegetables and fruit, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal crafts.
When: Open year round
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Riley Park Plaza – 50E. 30th Ave., Vancouver, Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Hastings Park Farmers’ Market
What: Find a great selection of local produce, fish, meat, dairy, artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts, craft alcohol producers, and food trucks. There is free parking for market shoppers at Gate 2 off of Renfrew St.
When: Every Sunday to Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
Admission: Free
New West Farmers Winter Market
What: The market features farm-fresh produce, plants, quality crafts from local artists and artisans, gourmet prepared foods, community information, live entertainment, and more.
When: April 6 and April 20, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Belmont Street between 6th Street and 7th Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free
Kwantlen Street Winter Market
When: Every Saturday from now to June 29, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Kwantlen Polytechnic University – 12666 72nd Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free
Port Moody Winter Farmers Market
What: Established in 2008, the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market began as a bi-weekly market in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Rec Centre. Now a weekly market, shoppers can stop by every Sunday for local BC produce, artisan crafts, and delicious baked goods.
When: Every Sunday to April 28, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Rd, Port Moody
Admission: Free
Langley Community Farmers’ Winter Market
What: Find vendors inside and out of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University courtyard and parking lot. Look out for new and returning vendors, and tons of fun activities at each market
When: Saturday, April 13, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Kwantlen Langley Campus Courtyard – 20901 Langley Bypass, Langley
Admission: Free
Cannery Farmers’ Market
What: The Cannery Farmers’ Market is Steveston’s indoor winter market, held at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. This unique market features local food and artisan merchants, inside a historic cannery setting. Admission to the museum is free on market days, with guided heritage tours by donation.
When: Various dates from now to Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Admission: Free
Kwantlen Street Farmers’ Market
When: Every Tuesday from April 16 to October 8, 2019
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Plaza in between the Richmond Public Library and the Minoru Place Seniors’ Centre – 7660 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: Free
Downtown Farmers’ Market
When: Every Thursday from June 6 to October 3, 2019
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Kitsilano Farmers’ Market
When: Every Sunday from May 5 to October 20, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Parking lot of Kits Community Centre – 2690 Larch Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Trout Lake Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday from May 4 to October 19, 2019
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free
West End Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday from May 25 to October 19, 2019
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Where: 100 Comox Street, Vancouver between Bute and Thurlow
Admission: Free
Main Street Station Farmers’ Market
Image: Vancouver Farmers Market
When: Every Wednesday from June 5 to October 2, 2019
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: Main Street Station – 1100 Station Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market
When: Every Sunday from May 26 to October 27, 2018
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Dude Chilling Park – 2390 Brunswick Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Ambleside Farmers’ Market
When: Every Sunday from May 5 to October 27, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Ambleside Park – 1000 Argyle AveWest Vancouver
Admission: Free
Lonsdale Artisan Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday from May 4 to October 26, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: East Plaza of the Lonsdale Quay Market – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Admission: Free
Clayton Community Farmers’ Market
When: Every second Sunday from May 6 to October 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Clayton Heights Secondary School, 7003 188 St, Surrey
Admission: Free
Burnaby Artisan Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday, May 4 to October 26, 2019
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Where: North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall (4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Pkwy)
Admission: Free
Steveston Farmers’ & Artisans Market
Image: Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market / Facebook
When: Alternate Sundays from May 5 to September 29, 2019
Time: 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Easthope Parking Lot (across the street from the Steveston Community Centre) – 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
Admission: Free
New West Farmers’ Market
What: The market features farm-fresh produce, plants, quality crafts from local artists and artisans, gourmet prepared foods, community information, live entertainment, and more.
When:
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: Tipperary Park – 315 Queens Ave, New Westminster
Admission: Free
Poirier Street Market
What: Launched in 1996, the Poirier Street Farmers’ Market is the longest running suburban farmers market in the Lower Mainland. The Poirier Street Market hosts a diversity of vendors and products from May through October. Each week a wide variety of vendors gather to showcase their products – made, baked, grown, or raised in BC.
When:
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Dogwood Pavilion Parking Lot – 624 Poirier Street, Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Surrey Urban Farmers’ Market
What: A vibrant, multi-cultural Farmers’ Market, promoting small-scale farmers, food producers and artisans. Meet farmers, bakers, distillers, artisan and crafters, food trucks, community groups, and more.
When: Every Saturday from June 8 to October 5, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza
Admission: Free
Haney Farmers’ Market
What: A vibrant outdoor Saturday market in downtown Maple Ridge, Haney Farmers’ Market sells fresh farm produce, locally-grown fruit and veg, preserves, baked goods, artisan crafts, fine art, and more.
When: Saturday, April 13, 2019, then weekly from Saturday, May 11 to Saturday, September 7, 2019
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Memorial Peace Park – 224th Street, Maple Ridge
Admission: Free
Langley Community Farmers’ Market
What: Explore the dozens of local makers, bakers, and growers at two weekly locations of Langley Community Farmers’ Market.
When: Wednesdays from May 15 to October 9, 2019, and Saturdays from June 1 to October 5, 2019
Time: 12 to 4:30 pm (Wednesdays), 10 am to 2 pm (Saturdays)
Where: Kwantlen Langley Campus Courtyard – 20901 Langley Bypass, Langley (Wednesday), Timms Community Centre – 20339 Douglas Crescent, Langley (Saturdays)
Admission: Free
Fort Langley Village Farmers’ Market
What: Fort Langley Village Farmers’ Market is an authentic BC Farmers’ Market and features local farmers and Certified Safe Prepared food vendors bringing in fresh local produce, field greens, vegetables, fruits & flowers, fresh baking, fruit pies, cupcakes & cookies, local craft beer, varietal wines, tasty prepared foods from our Fraser Valley, the Similkameen and Okanagan Valleys.
When: Every Saturday from May 4 to until October 26, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: St. Andrews Historic Church – 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley
Admission: Free
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