27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: April 26 to 28

The last weekend of April is here! Fill it with these 27 fun Vancouver events happening on Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28. Vancouver Warriors, Ariana Grande, and more!

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

See also

• The Vancouver Opera Festival is throwing a FREE plaza party on Sunday
• BC's enchanting Othello Tunnels are slated to open next month
• Visually-impaired comics raising money for guide dogs for people with sight loss

Friday, April 26

The 1975

What: The 1975 bring their North American tour to Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre with guests Pale Waves and New Rome.

When: Friday, April 26, 2019
Time: Doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Blvd, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Throne and Games – The Last Laugh

What: A lonely Queen sits atop the Iron Throne, but her kingdom is under threat from all sides. The final fight between the Lannisters, Starks and Targaryens is about to go down and everyone will probably die – die laughing that is. Throne and Games – The Last Laugh is the final instalment in VTS’ parody trilogy that started in 2015.

When: Friday, April 26 to Saturday, June 15, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Kickin’ It Country

What: Enjoy a delicious variety of food and drink, an auction, and the company of fellow supporters of community philanthropy. In support of the Coquitlam Foundation.

When: Friday, April 26, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: All Saints Parish -821 Fairfax St. , Coquitlam
Tickets: Online, $50

RÜFÜS DU SOL

What: Australian three-piece electronic act RÜFÜS DU SOL is made up of Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George and James Hunt. They have released two platinum-certified albums, ATLAS and Bloom, with their newly unveiled third album Solace ushering in a new chapter for the trio. With special guest Lastlings.

When: Friday, April 26, 2019
Time: Doors 6:30 pm, show 8 pm
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $61.65

Vancouver Warriors vs Toronto Rock

What: The Warriors are stepping it up once more for the final game of the regular season this Friday against the Toronto Rock. As part of Beach Party Night, fans are encouraged to come dressed up in costume. The team is providing incentive too, as the first 1,000 costume-wearing fans to arrive will receive a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage. Plus lots of prizes to be won.

When: Friday, April 26, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Godsmack and Volbeat

What: American rockers Godsmack and Danish rockers Volbeat team up for a show at Abbotsford Centre.

When: Friday, April 26, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford
Tickets: Online

Antlers Surf Pop-Up

What: Get ready for summer with Summerland-based Antlers Surf Pop-Up at Little Mountain Shop. Check out made-in-Canada boards, apparel, hats, leather and wood goods, and more. Plus enjoy live music on opening night.

When: Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 3 to 8 pm (Friday), 10 am to 8 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 4 pm (Sunday)
Where: Little Mountain Shop – 4386 Main Street, Vancouver.
Admission: Free

Saturday, April 27

Third annual Vancouver Opera Festival

What: Explore the theme of Fairy Tales & Fables April 27 to May 5 at the Vancouver Opera Festival, presented by BMO. The third-annual Vancouver Opera Festival kicks off on April 27 with Rossini’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella) at 2 pm and Gounod’s Faust at 7:30 pm. Festival goers will also get to see Faust, which is the pinnacle of 19th century French opera.

Vancouver Opera is also welcoming everyone to their Party on the Plaza on April 28, a full day of free community stage performances, workshops, and activities at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza). The open house includes live circus performances from CircusWest, backstage tours of Queen Elizabeth Theatre and performances by the Roaming Diva. Highlighting this year’s festival is the world premiere of Brian Current’s The River of Light, a co-production with the Vancouver Bach Choir on May 3 for one performance only.

When: April 27 to May 5, 2019
Where: Various locations; check out the Festival Guide
Time: Various times
Tickets: Various prices depending on show, available at Vancouver Opera; Vancouver Opera Ticket Centre 604-683-0222

Fraser Valley Food Truck Festival

What: Featuring 28 handpicked food trucks from the Greater Vancouver Area, live music, artisan market, children activities and more. Get your eat on!

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Inlet Park – 3000 Murray Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Earth Day at Hamilton Community Centre

What: Head to Hamilton Centre for a family-friendly event with a neighbourhood cleanup that includes a free electric shredder, crafts and junk disposal by donation. Rock Art Canada will also be leading rock painting.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 10:30 am to 12 pm
Where: Hamilton Community Centre – 5140 Smith Drive, Richmond
Admission: Free

Home & Decor Lifestyle Expo 2019

What: The Home Decor & Lifestyle Expo 2019 offers attendees the opportunity to see first-hand consumer lifestyle and product trends for all areas of the home, both inside and out, under one roof. The fair will feature giftware, kitchenware, electronics, realtors, insurance, immigration, security, information technology, decor, furniture and housewares.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Punjab Banquet Hall – 8166 128 St, Surrey
Admission: Free

Art On The Spot

What: A free event celebrating International Dance Day.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 11 am
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue Burnaby, BC
Admission: Free

Welcome Ramadan, Celebrate Eid!

What: Welcome Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in the Islamic calendar. Learn about the meaning of Ramadan and enjoy family activities including calligraphy, crafts, henna tattoos, and more. This event is held in partnership with City of Richmond, Touchstone Family Association, Welcome Ramadan & Eid Celebration Committee and BC Muslim Art House.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Richmond Public Library Brighouse Branch – 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: Free

Let’s Try This Standing

What: Seven years ago, Gillian was hit by an SUV. She was on the sidewalk. Now, Gillian is a professional theatre artist. Let’s Try This Standing is about shitting on nurses, having sex with atrophied muscles, and being massaged by a therapist as he eats a bagel. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does give attendees a chance to be in a room together and be honest about how okay we are.

When: Now to Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: Online

Ariana Grande

What: International pop star Ariana Grande is back on the road for her biggest tour yet and stops at Rogers Arena on April 27, 2019. Grande is on tour supporting her latest album Sweetener, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album chart.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

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: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Vancity Blundell Centre community branch – 6020 Blundell Rd Unit 130, Richmond,
Register: Online, Free

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Philadelphia Union

What: Vancouver Whitecaps take on the Philadelphia Union on April 27 at BC Place.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: 2 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver International Children’s Festival Trivia Night #10 – Fundraiser to support VICF Hospital Program

What: Grab a team together and prepare to answer questions around general knowledge, sports, music, logos, books, movies, etc. Prizes will be awarded to the top team. A raffle and silent auction will also be present, as well as a cash bar and snacks. Funds raised will go to VICF’s Hospital Outreach Program.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, trivia at 8 pm
Location: Loungeworks Showroom – 130 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $22

BLOOM – The Abbotsford Tulip Festival

What: Over the next few weeks, millions of tulip bulbs will begin to transform into acres of rainbow-coloured fields as part of the popular springtime tradition. The annual festival is once again expected to attract thousands of locals and international tulip lovers for a joyous celebration of natural splendour in a picture-perfect country setting. With over 2.5 million tulips in bloom at various stages throughout the event, visitors are able to walk through 10 acres of fields and marvel at one of the most vivid displays of floral beauty.

When: Daily for as long as the blooms last.
Time: 9 am to 7:30 pm
Where: 36737 North Parallel Road – Abbotsford
Tickets: Online

Sunday, April 28

VanDusen Plant Sale

What: The 41st Annual Plant Sale not only offers thousands of plants for sale, but is a celebration of love of plants. All proceeds from this sale are donated to the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association.

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5151 Oak Street, Vancouver
More Info: Online

The Art of Dance: An International Dance Day Celebration

What: Enjoy a cultural and artistic fusion of dance on two stages. Featuring performances by XBa School of Dance, The Wee Drams, Keri’s Highland Dance Studio, Vancouver Chinese Folk & Minorities Dance Association, Flamenco Del Mar, Tamanawis Secondary, Earl Marriott Secondary, and more. Also music performances, artists and exhibitors’ booths, and two food trucks.

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: Surrey City Hall – Atrium and Civic Plaza – 13450 104 Ave., Surrey
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: Sunday, April 28, 2019 
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Admission: Free

Earth Day Celebration at Richmond Nature Park

What: Celebrate Earth Day at Richmond Nature Park, with fun activities for the whole family. Co-hosted by Vancouver Family Fun Club.

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Times: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Richmond Nature Park – 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Admission: By donation

Comedy for the dogs (For the Blind) at Yuk Yuks

What: Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club is hosting Comedy for the Dogs (For the Blind) on April 28 from 8 pm to 11 pm. Three comedians who are visually impaired – Darryl Lennox, Megan Milton, Alex Sparling – will take to the stage in Vancouver to spread awareness through comedy about what it is like living blind or partially sighted. Proceeds from the event go towards the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s (CNIB) Guide Dog program.

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Where: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club – 2837 Cambie St, Vancouver (The venue is fully accessible.)
Time: Doors open at 7 pm; Show starts at 8 pm
Tickets: Available online Yuk Yuks; $20 each

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 April 28, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
Admission: Free

International Dance Day – Free Dance Workshops and Performances

What: 2019 marks the 5th annual celebration of International Dance Day in Richmond. Sudnya Dance Academy and Clarkson Events have partnered with Aberdeen Centre to provide free dance celebrations, performances and workshops.

When: Sunday, April 28 and Monday, April 29, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Aberdeen Centre – 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Admission: Free

Furry Tails Foot Race

What: A fundraiser to help Langley’s stray, lost and unwanted dogs and cats. Put your best foot forward as you challenge yourself and other “heroes for animals” on the beautiful trails at Derby Reach.

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Derby Reach Regional Park – Langley
Register: Online

Party on the Plaza

What: Party on the Plaza is a free event that is part of the Vancouver Opera Festival weeklong celebration. The party is a full day of performances, music, tours, and festivities for all ages. For the kids, there’s tons of activities and performances including face painting, musical costumes and of course, the Roaming Diva on stilts. And adults, while your kids are having fun you can check out the Patio Bar, which opens at noon with live pop-up performances all afternoon.

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn Plaza (formerly Queen Elizabeth Plaza) – 695 Cambie St, Vancouver
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: FREE

Goodbye Chums!

What: Release salmon fry into the creek where they will start their journey to the sea.  Tour the hatchery. Take part in fun activities and games to find out how to help salmon. Presented with Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society.

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park – meet at 11450 256th Street, Maple Ridge
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