15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: May 23 to 25

Welcome to the weekend, everyone!

Time flies when you’re having fun, so check out these 15 things to do in Vancouver from May 23 to 25, including the Hyack Festival, VSO Day of Music, and more.

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

To stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, B.C., and beyond, sign up for our newsletters!

Hyack Festival 2025

What: The 54th annual Hyack International Parade and Festival takes place in New Westminster on Saturday, May 24. The province’s largest family-oriented parade, presented by the Hyack Festival Association, includes over 100 colourful floats and free family activities and entertainment.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: Parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at 8th Avenue and 6th Street. Festival takes place at Tipperary Park in New Westminster.
Cost: Free

Rain City Comic Con

What: Check out over 100 comics creators, publishers, and panels at the Roundhouse Community Centre this weekend during the inaugural Rain City Comic Con. Shop for unique merch, discover new favourite books, and meet fellow comic fans from around the region..

When: May 24, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: Free

West End Farmers Market

What: The West End’s charming, community-minded farmers market is open on Saturdays. Grab a coffee, peek at the adjacent community garden, and stock up on a vast array of locally grown foods.

When: Every Saturday from May 3 until Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Comox Street (between Bute and Thurlow), Vancouver

Surrey SPARK Stages – Performing Arts for Kids

What: Surrey Civic Theatres presents a weekend of exciting theatre performances and activities for children and families. Surrey SPARK Stages features dance shows, acrobatics, musical storytelling, and more that all ages will enjoy.

When: May 23 to 25, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Arts Centre — 13750 88th Ave., Surrey
Tickets: Various, purchase online

Spot Prawn Festival 2025

What: Spot Prawn season is one of our favourite times of year. But with it lasting only four to six weeks, you want to make sure to enjoy as much spot prawn goodness as humanly possible.

To celebrate the season of this flavour-packed seafood, you can head over to Vancouver’s Spot Prawn Festival, which is set to officially return on Sunday, May 25, at Fisherman’s Wharf in False Creek.

The yearly event, hosted by the Chef’s Table Society of British Columbia, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When: Sunday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf — 1505 West 1st Ave., Vancouver
Tickets: On sale now

Ikebana & Bonsai Show

What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is hosting the Ikebana & Bonsai Show in May. Join the Vancouver Ikebana Association in its 60th anniversary celebration with an exhibition, demonstrations, and workshops. There will also be Bonsai materials, pots, and stands available for purchase.

When: May 24 and 25, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby
Cost: Free

VSO Day of Music

What: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the VSO School of Music present Day of Music, with 12 hours of free concerts of various music genres for all ages to discover in venues across the city.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: Various performances between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Various venues across the Lower Mainland
Cost: Free

Fleurs De Villes Downtown Abbey

What: The popular Fleurs de Villes returns to Vancouver for the Canadian premiere of its Downton Abbey-Inspired Floral Series, presented by Oakridge Park. Head to VanDusen Gardens to see stunning works of floral art installations in the open-air setting.

When: May 23 to June 1, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (May), 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (June)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Cost: Included with regular admission ticket to VanDusen Botanical Garden. Purchase online

Heidelberg Materials Open House

What: Heidelberg Materials is hosting its family-friendly annual open house on Saturday with live music, tours around the plant, and more.

The community open house will invite guests to check out Heidelberg Concrete’s huge trucks and honk the air horns. All ages can then play in a giant sandbox, get their face painted, have the chance to win prizes, and more.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Heidelberg Materials – 1415 Johnston St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Graham Clark’s 24 Hours of Stand-Up

What: Canadian Comedy Award winner and Juno nominee Graham Clark performs 24 hours of stand-up with the help of some hilarious comedians. The performance can be enjoyed live in person or streamed online, and tickets are sold in blocks of 75 minutes.

Partial proceeds from the mirth-filled marathon will be donated to Filipino BC in response to the recent tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party.

When: May 23 and 24, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. to 8 p.m., 24 hours
Where: Little Mountain Gallery — 110 Water St., Vancouver
Cost: $20 plus fees for general admission, $5 plus fees for accessible tickets. Purchase online

Birds in the Breeze – Barnet Marine Park

What: Go on a guided bird outing at Barnet Marine Park led by a birder from Stanley Park Ecology. Guests will learn how to identify the common birds in the area while discovering their living, foraging, and nesting habits.

When: May 5, 2025
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Barnet Marine Park, Burnaby
Cost: $5, register online

Staircase Sounds: Orchid Ensemble

What: Juno-nominated Orchid Ensemble wraps up the first season of Staircase Sounds with a live concert that spotlights its Taiwanese roots while mixing in influences from Chinese, Indian, Jewish, and Central Asian music.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Central Library — 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Rise vs Calgary Wild

What: Vancouver Rise continue their inaugural Northern Super League season this month with games against the Calgary Wild on May 24.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: 4 p.m.
Where: Swangard Stadium – 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Various; purchase online

Richmond Night Market 2025

What: The Richmond Night Market is open for its 2025 season with hundreds of vendors, live entertainment, and more. This highly anticipated event is the largest night market in North America.

This year is extra special because it marks the 25th anniversary of the market, and there will be some special offers for visitors to celebrate. One of these special offers is the return of its popular Summer Happy Hour with special food and drink deals that are all under $10.

When: Now through Oct. 13, 2025; The night market will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond

South Flats Pet Social

What: Low Tide Properties and Good Boy Collective are teaming up for a Pet Social this weekend, with local pet vendors, a scavenger hunt, and more. Bring your pet on a leash to get a portrait by Cold Nose Studio, and grab some eats from the CultivATE food truck on site.

When: May 24, 2025
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Where: 555 Great Northern Way, Vancouver (in front of Nemesis)
Admission: Free