34 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: May 17 to 20

The long weekend just makes everything better! Pack your schedule with these 34  great Vancouver events on Friday, May 17, Saturday, May 18, Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20. Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair, Whistler GO Fest, and more!

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

See also

• Of Monsters and Men are performing in Vancouver in September
• Bulldog, corgi, and wiener dog races are back at Hastings Racecourse
• Imperial Series performances at TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Friday, May 17

Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair

What: One of North America’s longest running and most entertaining rodeos returns on May Long Weekend with more competitions, live entertainment, food and fun for fans of all ages. The Cloverdale Invitational Rodeo will once again feature the World’s best Cowboys and Cowgirls as they compete for cash prizes in roughstock rodeo events like Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, and Bull Riding, as well as Ladies Barrel Racing.

When: Friday, May 17 to Monday, May 20, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds Agriplex Bldg – 6050 176 St, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Jurassic Quest Vancouver

What: North America’s largest and most realistic Dinosaur event. The exhibit takes guests through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and the Triassic period, giving them a chance to experience what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs. From the very small to the gigantic, Jurassic Quest is the only dinosaur event that has true to life-size dinosaurs – over 80 of them in total.

When: May 17 to May 20, 2019
Time: 3 pm to 8 pm on Friday; 9 am to 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday; 10 am to 7 pm on Monday
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Place
Tickets: Available online, prices vary with time and dates selected

Bring Your Own Cup Event at 7-Eleven

What: 7-Eleven’s iconic Bring Your Own Cup Event is back… for two whole days! For the annual event, $2 will buy a choice of any Slurpee – including limited edition flavours like Ghostbusters Green Apple, Watermelon Slurpee, and Strawberry Blast Slurpee – in any cup. The Canada-wide chain of convenience stores encourages customers to get imaginative with their choice of vessel. Containers must be within 26 cm in diameter, watertight, clean, and hygienic.

When: Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2019
Time: All Day
Where: Participating 7-Eleven locations across Canada
Price: $2

PetSmart National Pet Adoption Weekend

What: From May 17 to 19, 250 Canadian animal welfare organizations will bring adorable, adoptable pets into nearly every one of PetSmart’s 130-plus stores across the country. The event organizers said the goal for the weekend is to find lifelong, loving homes for 2,114 shelter pets, including dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and various small pets.

When: Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: 9 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday
Where: Select PetSmart locations across Canada (Check website for full list of participating locations)

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

Whistler GO Fest 2019

What: The action-packed festival takes over Whistler during the May long weekend. The event, which is an initiative by the Resort Municipality of Whistler, is a celebration of both winter and summer. Most events during the festival are free, although a select few will have signup fees. Participants can take part in outdoor clinics for activities like stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, yoga, cycling, and sailing, to name a few.

When: Friday, May 17 to Monday, May 20, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues in Whistler
Admission: Free of charge; select events will have signup fees

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

What: Gathering some of Vancouver’s best food vendors, this free event will feature a full farmers’ and artisan marketplace along with local food trucks and live entertainment weekly until 10 pm. Shipbuilders’ Square in North Vancouver will be transformed into a vibrant night market with 100+ vendors. Attendees can expect to chow down on grub from 40+ food trucks in “hot food alley” and enjoy live entertainment all summer long. The Friday Night Market will also feature a 19+ beer garden, serving local craft beer and cider as well as Betty’s Vodka Iced Tea.

When: Now to Friday, September 27, 2019,
Time: Starts at 5 pm
Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Saturday, May 18

Day Out with Thomas

What: Day Out With Thomas provides an opportunity for kids to take a ride with their favourite tank engine, meet the railway controller, Sir Topham Hatt, have fun in the Imagination Station, enjoy face painting, musical entertainment and much more. Tickets are sold for specific train times, with departures from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

When: May 18 to May 20, May 25 to May 26, 2019
Time: 9 am to 4:30 pm
Where: West Coast Railway Heritage Park 39645 Government Road Squamish
Tickets: Online

The Juice Truck X TMRW Foods Pop-up

What: Popular local juicery and cafe The Juice Truck will be teaming up with Vancouver’s TMRW Foods for a drool-worthy weekly event. The Juice Truck’s Main Street location will host a weekly pop-up on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm.

When: Every Saturday
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: The Juice Truck – 4236 Main Street, Vancouver
More Info: Online

Armin van Buuren

What: Dutch DJ, record producer and remixer Armin van Buuren performs at the PNE Forum. All ages with 19+ bar.

When: Saturday, May 18, 2019
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $61.65

VanCAF 2019

What: The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival is a two day event celebrating comic creators from Vancouver and beyond. Hundreds of artists, writers, cartoonists, illustrators and more will be selling their art, promoting their work, and speaking on panels.

When: Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Reading & Book Launch: Amy Fung & Kim Nguyen

What: In celebration of the release of Amy Fung’s new book, Before I Was a Critic I Was a Human Being, the writer will read sections of the book in discussion with writer/curator Kim Nguyen. This debut collection of creative nonfiction stories by Fung takes a closer examination at Canada’s mythologies of multiculturalism, settler colonialism, and identity through the lens of a national art critic. Books will be available for sale at the event. This event is held in partnership with the Richmond Public Library, Brighouse branch at the Richmond Cultural Centre.

When: Saturday, May 18, 2019
Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Richmond Art Gallery – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: Free, more info online

42nd Annual Western Canadian Croatian Folklore Festival

What: The 42nd Annual Western Canadian Croatian Folklore Festival is being hosted by Vancouver’s own Tamburica Orchestra Kardinal Stepinac and is bringing groups from all over Western Canada to perform with guests from San Jose and Hamilton as well.

When: Saturday, May 18, 2019
Time: 12:30 pm start
Where: Hard Rock Casino Vancouver – 2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online

London Heritage Farm Mother’s Day Tea

What: Celebrate Mother’s Day with high tea in the Tea Room at London Heritage Farm. A popular annual event for mothers, grandmothers, and their families. Enjoy London Farms own blend of London Lady tea, home-baked scones, London Farm jam/jelly, and homemade goodies. Coffee, hot chocolate and juice are also available. Reservations recommended.

When: May 18 and 19, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: London Heritage Farm – 6511 Dyke Road, Richmond
Admission: $15

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 now to October 26, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: St. Andrews Historic Church – 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley
Admission: Free

The Cake

What: Della believes that the secret to a good cake and a good life is simple: just follow the rules. When her best friend’s daughter asks her to make her wedding cake, she is overjoyed… until she learns that there will be not one bride, but two. Suddenly, Della is working without a recipe as her previously-unquestioned beliefs and emotions come into sharp conflict.

When: Various dates from now to Saturday, June 8, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Pacific Theatre – 1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vallea Lumina

What:  Vallea Lumina the interactive experience is presented by by Montreal-based entertainment studio, Moment Factory and Whistler’s very own “The Adventure Group.” Through the use of emotive lights, video, soundscape, and scenography, guests are “transported” to another world with opportunities to touch, play, and explore their new environment.

When: Weekend operations begin Saturday, May 18, 2019 and nightly operations begin June 7, 2019
Time: Shows begin at sundown
Where: Cougar Mountain, free shuttles from Whistler Village
Tickets: Online, Adults: $39.99, Kids $34.99

Sunday, May 19

NCT 127

What: The Korean boy band, which made its debut in 2016, is a product of SM Entertainment. They’re the second-highest charting K-pop boyband in Billboard 200 history and they were also Apple Music’s first K-pop act in their “Up Next” series. In addition to their latest hit single, Simon Says, the group also released Let’s Shut Up & Dance – a joint effort with Jason Derulo and EXO’s Lay.

When: Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Pacific Coliseum – 100 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
More Info: Online

The Musicianer ft. Petunia and the Vipers

What: The Canadian premiere of the pilot episode of The Musicianer, with by live music by Petunia and The Vipers.A Q&A with Petunia and director Beth Harrington will follow the screening.

When: Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: Doors 9 pm, show 9:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10, $12 at the door

The Great Leap

What: It’s 1989, and for a man with a past and one teen with a future, an exhibition basketball game in Beijing is a chance at something greater. Chinese coach Wen Chang is a quiet Party supporter and Manford is a kid with hustle from San Francisco’s Chinatown who makes up for his short stature with tenacious baller skill. As the story jumps back and forth in time, tensions rise right up to the final buzzer and history collides at the leap for a 3-point shot.

When: Now to Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre – 162 West 1st Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Wilderness at Your Doorstep

What: Nature and history are woven into the landscape of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. Enhance your knowledge of plants, animals and geology and take away some practical tips on being safe in the backcountry. All ages.

When: Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Meet at BC Mills House, north end of Lynn Valley Rd.
Admission: Free

Royal Victorian Party

What: The whole family can enjoy this regal event with live dancing, birthday cake and a chance to meet the woman who had a whole era named after her – Queen Victoria. Pack a picnic, play croquet and spend a free day with your family on the scenic grounds. Royal costumes are optional, but encouraged.

When: May 19, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Historic Stewart Farm – 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey
Admission: Free

Old School Comedy Jam

What: A night of comedy featuring Headliner Ralph Porter, Host Sunee Dhaliwal, Ola Dada, Ed Hill and Lorna. After Party Music by Dj El Nino & Earl da Pearl.

When: Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Delta Hotels by Marriott Burnaby Conference Centre – 4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby
Tickets: Online

The Show at Emily Carr University of Art + Design

What: The Show features work from Emily Carr’s graduating students across all five degree programs, exhibited on all four floors of the campus. Opening Night features a celebration of art, design and media, where attendees can enjoy music, connect in the lounges, and meet the graduating students.

When: Now to May 19, 2019
Time: Various times. Opening night from 5 to 10 pm
Where: Emily Carr University of Art + Design – 520 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free

BC Spot Prawn Festival 2019

What: The annual celebration of BC’s iconic local product, spot prawns, will have some new features this year. Instead of the traditional boil, attendees can opt for a bowl of chowder served with Terra Bread for $10 per person. People can buy their chowder tickets for a specific time slot, which means no more waiting in super long lines. Another new addition to this year’s fest is the Spot Prawn Festival Brunch.

When: May 19, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 1 pm or 1:30 pm to 3 pm
Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf – 1505 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Price: Free – $60; buy online

Dinner Is Coming! – Storm Crow Tavern and Alehouse

What: Storm Crow will be hosting Vancouverites at both of its locations on May 19 to view the last-ever episode of Game of Thrones. There will be two seatings at both The Storm Crown Tavern and The Storm Crow Alehouse outposts at 5 and 8:30 pm. A special Fireball George R.R. Martini will also be available at both locations, along with a menu of Westeros-inspired grub.

When: Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: 5 and 8:30
When: Storm Crow Tavern – 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; Storm Crow Alehouse – 1619 West Broadway, Vancouver
Price: $45; buy online

Richmond Night Market

What: Running from May to October , this wildly popular event is gearing up for another season filled with epic eats and live entertainment. There will be over 100 food vendors and 200 retail stalls this year.

When: Now to October 14, 2019. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and stat holidays
Time: 7 pm to 12 am (open to 11 am on Sundays after September 2 and stat holidays)
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond (near Bridgeport Station)
Admission: $4.75, children under 8 and seniors over 60 free

Monday, May 20

French Moderns Exhibition: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950

What: Running now through May 20, the exhibition showcases a collection of mesmerizing sculptures, paintings, and drawings, from the Brooklyn Museum. You can expect to see works of art by legends like Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Auguste Rodin, and more.

When: Now to May 20, 2019
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery — 750 Hornby Street
Price: Ranging from $6.50 to $24 — Tickets available via Vancouver Art Gallery

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s G2K Cinderella

What: Celebrate Victoria Day at the Granville Island Stage. Join Children’s Theatre of Richmond’s G2K production of the award-winning musical Rogers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

When: Now to Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Granville Island Stage – 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Mechanics of Motion

What: David Dumbrell’s work, directly inspired by the great 18th-century Swiss automaton artists, combines the skills of wood sculpting, metalworking and creativity of design and concept with the complexity of engineering and electronics.

In his second show with Crafted Vancouver and third solo show, he invites visitors “behind the curtain” to view his crafting process and the inner workings of his complex and captivating automata. Selected artist notebooks, sketches, tools, working videos and partially complete automaton pieces will be on display, along with David’s newest kinetic sculpture creations.

When: Now to Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm daily
Where: Visualspace Gallery – 3352 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, Free

Granville Island Public Market

What: Open year-round and boasting stalls of fresh, colourful produce, homemade products, and some tasty must-try eats. From the ocean, oven, or field — Granville Market has got it all. Grab items to-go or order some grub from one of the many established food vendors at this indoor market, you’re going to leave happy and full.

When: Open year round seven days a week
Time: 9 am to 7 pm
Where: 1661 Duranleau Street, Granville Island
Admission: Free

Pint Of Science Vancouver

What: Pint of Science will be in Vancouver for the first time on May 20-22. Eager to learn more about science while having a beer? Enjoy a drink and let the speakers blow your mind with their latest scientific discoveries during two presentations per night and per brewery. This year themes are: Beautiful mind (The Pint), But what is happening in your brain?, Our body (St Regis Bar and Grill), Ours but so mysterious, Planet Earth (Brewhall and Mahony & Sons), Beloved endangered host.

When: Monday, May 20 to Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online, Free

Victoria Day

What: Burnaby Village Museum is celebrating Victoria Day in grand style. Come enjoy the special entertainment and activities – all day long. Climb onboard the electric tram, enjoy a ride on the carousel, watch the blacksmith working in the forge, and more.

When: Monday, May 20, 2019
Time: 11 am 4:30 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Admission is free and carousel rides are $2.65.

White Rock Farmers’ Market

What: Live music, over 80 vendors, and great local produce and food products make the White Rock Farmers’ Market a great community event for South Surrey and White Rock.

When: Every Monday from now to October 27, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 15154 Russell Avenue (Beside Whaling Wall) in White Rock
Admission: Free