15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: May 1 to 3

Apr 30 2026, 2:00 pm

The first weekend of May has arrived. What’s on your fun schedule?

If you’re looking for some ideas, check out these 15 things to do in Vancouver from May 1 to 3, including White Rock Night Market, Vancouver Canadians baseball, and more.

Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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Karan Aujla

Karan Aujla

Karan Aujla/Warner Music Canada

What: Punjabi sensation and former Vancouver resident Karan Aujla is coming back to his former home this week as part of his Canadian tour.

P-Pop Culture is the name of Aujla’s latest album. Live Nation says he surpassed his own record, earning 12.4 million streams, making it the highest debut for a Punjabi-language album in Canadian history.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets for sale online

Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights

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 features a variety of exhibitions, along with a Gallery Store for shopping and the 1931 Gallery Bistro for delicious food and drinks.

When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, though it is recommended that guests reserve a spot in advance to guarantee entry.

Got Craft Spring Market

What: One of Vancouver’s favourite handmade markets returns this spring.

The Got Craft Spring Market takes place May 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver, bringing together 100 Canadian makers and creatives.

Now in its 19th year, the curated market features handmade goods, food trucks, Kid Entrepreneurs (Saturday), a free DIY zine station (Sunday), a mobile bookshop, and limited swag bags for the first 50 attendees each day.

When: May 2 and 3, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Admission: $5 online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

Public Open House at Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club

things to do Vancouver

Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club

What: Try lawn bowling for free at the Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club’s annual public open house.

The city’s oldest lawn bowling club was established in 1912 and is located in beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park. Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club also hosts a number of club events, tournaments and inter-club tournaments throughout the season.

All skill levels are welcome, though flat shoes are required so that the bowling green is not damaged.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club in Queen Elizabeth Park. Located just north of the pitch and putt and the rose garden.
Cost: Free

Vancouver Canadians vs. Hillsboro Hops

What: Baseball is back at Nat Bailey Stadium! Join the Vancouver Canadians all season long and cheer on the future of the Blue Jays. You can enjoy the game while enjoying hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and all other ballpark favourites, along with a cold beer. Plus, don’t miss the exciting theme nights.

Cheer them on this week as they take on the Hillsboro Hops from April 28 to May 3.

When: Now until Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online at CanadiansBaseball.com

Tian Jin Festival

What: Celebrating the city’s multiculturalism and highlighting Taiwanese food in particular, TJ Fest is a highly anticipated annual event, celebrating its 15th year this May.

Taking place across two blocks at the Tian-Jin Temple at 3426 Smith Ave., guests can enjoy expanded offerings set up in an adjacent park featuring free activities for children and families, live entertainment, food and artisan vendors, and more.

When: May 2 and 3, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Tian-Jin Temple — 3426 Smith Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free

White Rock Night Market

things to do in Vancouver

White Rock Night Markets

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

Grand Opening: Atelier Munro House Vancouver

What: A new Atelier Munro House is opening in Vancouver, and it is hosting an evening of tailoring and drinks in celebration.

The new space at 535 Howe St. is described as a place dedicated to modern tailoring, with personal service and considered design. Guests can meet the team, explore the Atelier Munro House collection, and discover how each garment is made with intention and precision.

When: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: 535 Howe St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online

Ship to Shore: Kaiwo Maru

What: The City of Richmond presents Ships to Shore: Kaiwo Maru, a free and family-friendly festival that offers a unique cultural and maritime experience.

Come view the world-renowned Kaiwo Maru as it docks at Steveston’s historic waterfront for the first time in nearly a decade. Festivalgoers can enjoy live performances on three stages, hands-on workshops featuring traditional Japanese arts and crafts, watch kites sail the skies, and delight in delicious multicultural fare from food trucks.

When: Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where:
 Garry Point Park, 12011 7th Ave., Richmond
Cost: Festival is free to attend, with limited ship boarding for $10.29 (+ GST)

Good Jook Congee Bar

Good Jook Congee Bar

Good Jook Congee Bar

What: A one-day-only congee pop-up is coming to Vancouver, and it’s brought to us by Top Chef Canada season 10 runner-up Chef Dez Lo in collaboration with local seafood purveyor EatFish and Vancouver-based condiment brand Holy Duck Chili Oil.

Guests will be able to choose between two crafted bowls: the OG Seafood Jook (fish congee built on a B.C. halibut stock and topped with a selection of fresh West Coast seafood) and Shroom Jook (a umami-rich mushroom congee featuring XO mushroom sauce and pickled hon shimeji mushrooms). If that didn’t already sound delicious, each bowl will be priced at $10.

When: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Where: Shipbuilder’s Square — 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Admission: Free admission; food available for purchase

Dos de Mayo at Astilleros

What: La Casa Astilleros is throwing a huge Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday, May 2. Doors open at noon with special prices and exclusive menu items throughout the day.

The Dos de Mayo party will feature different activations for guests to enjoy, as well as a DJ party starting at 6 p.m. and piñatas breaking at 9 p.m.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 12 noon to late
Where: La Cerveceria Astilleros – 226 Esplanade E., North Vancouver
Admission: Free

DOXA Documentary Film Festival

What: Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival features public screenings, panel discussions, public forums, and educational programs for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights include the National Film Board of Canada’s presentation of the B.C. premiere of Saigon Story: Two Shootings in the Forest Kingdom. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kim Nguyen will be in Vancouver to introduce his film that uncovers the elusive connection between two families and one iconic photo.

When: April 30 to May 10, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Free Comic Book Day

Comic Books

Radiokafka / Shutterstock

What: The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day, an industry celebration where participating comic book shops worldwide give away comic books absolutely 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: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: Various store hours
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

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: April 30 to Sept. 7, 2026
Time: Open Tuesday through Sunday at varying times
Where: 200 Granville St. 
Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Hong Kong Fair

 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 and activities.

When: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

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