27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: April 19 to 21

Time flies when you’re having fun! Here are 34 great events to check out in Vancouver on Friday, April 19, Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21. Check out Easter, 420 Vancouver, and more!

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

See also

• Sale alert: Plenty is having a massive warehouse sale with up to 90% off
• A streetwear and vintage flea market is coming to Vancouver
• Take a 5 km walk to help people living with dementia and Alzheimer's

Friday, April 19

Vancouver Tattoo and Culture Show 2019

What: The annual Vancouver Tattoo and Culture Show has returned to the Vancouver Convention Centre, and it’s going to be a three-day celebration dedicated to tattoo lovers and some of the most talented artists in the city. Over 200 tattoo artists from around the world are expected to be at the Vancouver Tattoo and Culture Show — a full list of tattoo artists can be viewed at VancouverTattooShow.ca.

Aside from artists, patrons can also look forward to performances from Gidget Gravedigger (burlesque performer), Miss Becks (contortionist), LUMINESQUE (dance performers), Matt the Human, and Ella Hotwheels (pole dancers).

When: April 19 to April 21, 2019
Hours: 4 to 11 pm (Friday), 11 am to 11 pm (Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, East Building Hall B — 999 Canada Place
Price: Day pass — $25, Weekend pass — $50 (all children aged 12 and under FREE). Tickets available at the door.

Easter at Vancouver Aquarium

What: This Easter, join in the third annual Easter Scavenger Hunt from April 19 to April 22, where you will embark on a hunt with your friends and family as questions crafted by eggs-perts take you on a journey through the Vancouver Aquarium, celebrating the weird (and wonderful) creatures (and maybe even win prizes once you finish).

When: April 19 to April 22, 2019
Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily
Price: $38 for adults | $21 for children – Tickets available online

lovelytheband

What: Los Angeles indie pop band lovelytheband bring the finding it hard to smile tour to Vancouver with guests Jagwar Twin and Flora Cash.

When: Friday, April 19, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Chilliwack Tulip Festival

What: The 13th annual Tulips of the Valley Festival, now known as Chilliwack Tulip Festival, has announced its return to Chilliwack for the 2019 season. This year’s festival features more than 6.5 million bulbs. The first two weeks of the flowers will show off 10 varieties of hyacinths, 17 varieties of daffodils, and one-of-a-kind, handmade floral mosaics. Starting after the second weekend, 30 different kinds of tulips will be in bloom, with millions of bulbs in all the colours of the rainbow.

The festival will also offer a number of Instagram-worthy photo ops. Returning this year is the Chilliwack Tulip Festival’s famous windmill, traditional Dutch bicycle, and the famous tulip swing. Other attractions include the Rotary Train during weekends, weekend food trucks, a flower-themed gift shop, and tractor rides.

When: Now to May 5, 2019, with possible extension
Time: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 9 am to 7 pm
Where: 41310 Yale Road, Chilliwack
Tickets: Online

VanDusen Garden’s Eggciting Easter Hop

What: From Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21, families are invited to the VanDusen Botanical Garden for the annual Easter Hop. Young children will get the chance to collect eggs near the maze, take home some sweet treats, and hop along to music on the great lawn.

In addition to taking photos with the Easter Bunny, children are also encouraged to dress up in their own spring attire, with prizes awarded to the best costume. VanDusen will also have several food trucks on-site for families to enjoy after the hunt. Entry to the event also includes access to VanDusen’s 55-acre garden.

When: Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21, 2019
Time: Four sessions daily at 10 and 11 am; 12 and 1 pm
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online. Prices range from $7.50 to $18 based on age

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

Plenty Warehouse Sale

What: Canadian apparel brand Plenty is having a massive warehouse sale with 60 to 90% off women’s and men’s apparel, footwear, and accessories. With bright colour palettes and everything from tees, to jumpsuits, skirts, pants, and jackets, you’ll find pieces that you can easily wear every day. There’s going to be a mandatory coat and bag check, but cash, credit, and debit will be accepted so you only need to bring your payment method and a passion for shopping with you. Gift cards cannot be used at the event so make sure to keep these for your next Plenty store visit.

When: April 19 to April 22, 2019
Time: 8 am to 7 pm (Friday), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday), 11 am to 5 pm (Sunday), 11 am to 4 pm (Monday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre — 999 Canada Place
Admission: FREE admission — Details via Facebook

Saturday, April 20

Vaisakhi Day Parade

What: Everyone is welcome at the annual Vaisakhi Day Parade, featuring cultural floats, community performers and live music. To pay tribute to the harvest celebration roots of the parade, attendees are given free food and drink from hundreds of local residents and businesses.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Parade starts at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar – 12885 85 Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free

Pop-up rollerskate at Robson Square rink

What: The good times start at 4 pm with the All-Ages Family Skate, a roller derby bout presented by Rolla Skate Club at 6 pm. Then, from 7 pm to 10 pm, there will be disco-themed adult-skate, featuring tunes from DJ K-Tel. Rental skates will be available, provided by the Rolla Skate Club truck, but sizes are limited. Skaters are encouraged to purchase tickets and reserve skates in advance

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online. Adults $15, Kids 12 & under $10, skate rentals $10

420 Vancouver 2019

What: 420 Vancouver celebrates its 25th anniversary with special live musical guests, activist speakers and a huge cannabis farmers market.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Location: Sunset Beach, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Mostly For Us

What: Award-winning comedians Shawn O’Hara and Abdul Aziz host a comedy variety show featuring Sketch, Improv and Standup by some of the best comedians in the city.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 10:30 pm
Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 195 East 26th Avenue Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10

Burnaby Mountain Golf Festival

What: Free golf clinics, custom club fitting, demo days, prizes, and fun for the whole family.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Burnaby Mountain Golf Course & Driving Range – 7600 Halifax Street, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Easter Eggstravaganza

What: Celebrate Easter at Hamilton Community Centre with an Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, games and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Parent participation and registration of child only required.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Hamilton Community Centre – 5140 Smith Drive, Richmond
Admission:$10 per child. To register contact the front desk at 604-718-8055

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: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Belmont Street between 6th Street and 7th Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free

Delhi 2 Dublin

What: Vancouver-based “Subcontinental Pop” band Delhi 2 Dublin perform at the Commodore with guests Tonye and King Kang.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show at 9:30 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

4 Stories 4 Directors

What: Four short plays by Vancouver writer Gerald Williams. Each play is brought to life by an accomplished local director who has been making their mark on the local theatre scene.

When: Now to Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $20

Adults-only Easter Egg Hunt

What: Taking place at Taves Family Farms’ Applebarn in Abbotsford, the event is open to the public and will feature local food, beverages, and live music. Ticket prices include one complimentary alcoholic beverage, and additional drinks can be purchased throughout the duration of the event. For designated drivers, there will be unlimited complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be a petting zoo and charcuterie plates. The event is a new element being introduced this year, as part of Taves Family Farms’ annual Easterfest celebration, and is being held in support of Canuck Place.

When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: Taves Family Farms’ Applebarn – 333 Gladwin Road., Abbotsford
Admission: $55, tickets available online

Sunday, April 21

Granville Flea

What: The indoor market is the first centralized flea market that caters towards streetwear and vintage clothing. In addition to clothing and sneakers, visitors will also be able to find toys, memorabilia, and other luxury goods. Several of Vancouver’s popular food vendors will also be on site, including Miss Lisa Brown from Kiss Yo Mama Soul Food, who will be serving up chicken and waffles.

When: Sunday, April 21, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Venue Night Club – 881 Granville Street
Admission: $5 at the door or online

The Room Sweet 16th Anniversary with Greg Sestero 

What: Actor and bestselling author Greg Sestero returns to the Rio to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the cult favourite, The Room. Greg will also be holding a Q&A and signing copies of his book.

When: Sunday, April 21 and Monday, April 22, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Eastside Flea

What: Eastside Flea is a modern-day flea market that takes place bi-weekly in Vancouver, BC. Each event hosts over 50 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade independent maker wares to vintage clothing, collectibles, plants, artisan eats and more. You’ll also find food trucks, live vinyl deejays, pinball, an outdoor courtyard, and more.

When: April 20 and 21, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Location: Eastside Studios – 550 Malkin Ave, Vancouver
Admission: $3

Easter Bunny Bunanza

What: Vancouver’s largest rabbit rescue and education societies are joining forces on Easter Sunday to present a rabbit experience you didn’t know you needed: The Easter Bunny Bunanza.

The event will feature a “Rabbit Agility” demonstration courtesy of the Vancouver Rabbit Agility Club, and Vancouver Rabbit Rescue and Advocacy will host “Hoppy Hour” for guardians to bring their own bunnies to socialize with other rabbits. Rabbitat will host its’ signature “Meet n’ Treat,” allowing people to feed healthy treats to the many willing bunny participants.

Date:  Sunday, April 21, 2019
Time: 12 to 3:30 pm
Where:  Ukrainian Hall, 805 East Pender Street, Vancouver
Admission: Entry by donation

Shakespeare After Dark: The Bard Improvised and Twisted

What: Shakespeare After Dark is the highbrow fusion of Shakespeare served with a side of improvisational mischief. In the first half, witness a scene from the Bard monkey-wrenched by a punch-drunk cast member leaving the rest of the cast to improvise around them. Then, stick around for the second half where the cast lays the booze aside to serve a straight up Shakespearean tragedy – based on your suggestions.

When: Sunday, April 21, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Easter at the Cannery

What: This annual fun-filled family-friendly weekend features crafts, story time, games, and of course, the Easter Salmon Scavenger Hunt, all inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Throughout the day, the Cannery will have activities suitable for kids ages 2 to 12 years old, including the Easter Salmon “Egg” Hunt – hunts start every 30 minutes, beginning at 11 am and ending at 4:30 pm. All Easter hunt participants will receive an Easter treat for their efforts!

When: Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21, 2019 
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Admission: $4.90 for Kids/Youth (2-16) and $3.90 for accompanying Adults 17 and over.

Make It! Vancouver 2019

What: Over 200 Makies are bringing their beautiful handmade goodies back to the PNE Forum for Make It!’s spring show. Stock up on accessories, jewellery, clothing, art, home decor, food, baby/kid items, and lots of other beautifully crafted goods.

When: Friday, April 20 to Sunday, April 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $3-$6 | Kids under 12 are free

Jokes N Tokes Pro/Am Show

What: Comedian Andrew Packer hand picks a line up of professional comedians and rising stars to deliver a night of laughs at Cannabis Culture.

When: Sunday, April 21, 2019
Times: 8 pm
Where: Cannabis Culture Lounge – 307 West Hastings Street Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10

Easter Brunch at Fairmont Vancouver Airport

What: A family-friendly celebration featuring live music, a visit from the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt for the children. Prepared by Executive Chef Nandakishore Rangan and his culinary team, dine on a brunch menu of fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, sushi and dim sum stations, breakfast favourites, and delectable selection of treats from our pastry kitchen.

When: Sunday, April 21, 2019
Time: Reservations available between 11 am to 12 pm, Children’s Easter Egg Hunt: 10:30 am and 11:30 am
Where: Globe@YVR at Fairmont Vancouver Airport- 3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond
Cost: $86 per adult, $43 for children (3-12 years). Pricing excludes tax and gratuity. Book at 604-248-3281 or email [email protected]

Mystery Nights with Vancouver Mysteries

What: Experience a variety of Vancouver Mysteries adventures: Superhero quest Heroes & Villains every Monday and Thursday, Downtown spy thriller Secret Mission every Wednesday and Sunday, and Gastown murder mystery Crime in Downtown every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.

When: Every night from Saturday, April 20 to Friday, May 31, 2019 
Time:7 pm
Where: Various locations
Book Tickets: Online