15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: May 29 to 31

The last weekend of May is here, and there are plenty of great things to do in Vancouver!

Time flies when you’re having fun, so check out these 15 events taking place from May 29 to 31, including dragon boat races, Mamma Mia!, and more.

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

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Vessi 500 Dragon Boat Championship

What: Vessi 500 Championship, one of the province’s largest dragon boat races, returns to False Creek. There will be several categories of races throughout the family-friendly event, as well as food trucks, children’s activities, live music, and more.

When: May 30, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and False Creek, Vancouver
Admission: Free

The Black Keys

What: The Black Keys are a five-time Grammy-winning rock band that formed in 2001. Made up of the duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, The Black Keys are known for huge hits like “Tighten Up,” “Lonely Boy,” and “Howlin’ For You.”

For a time, their song “Gold on the Ceiling” was the goal song for the Vancouver Canucks. And now, The Black Keys are hitting the road in support of their upcoming 14th studio album, Peaches.

When: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets for sale online

The Sutton Place Hotel 40th Anniversary Brunch

What: To celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is hosting an exclusive brunch across only two weekends.

This special experience is a modern take on a beloved Vancouver tradition with a refined three-course brunch, blending Boulevard’s signature culinary style with a nostalgic nod to the hotel’s iconic Chocoholic buffet. 

Reimagined by three-time winner of Canada’s Best Pastry Chef, Kenta Takahashi, it features an indulgent spread of house-made desserts, signature bonbons, and a chocolate fountain.

When: May 30 to 31, and June 6 to 7, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar — 845 Burrard St., Vancouver
Cost: $118 per adult, $58 per child (plus tax and gratuity), reserve online

Game Day Happenings at Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown

What: The Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown’s Game Day Happenings highlight an elevated experience during the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring special food and beverage offerings, themed cocktails, exclusive dining features like the Chef’s Burger & Brew for $22, and a fan zone in the lobby.

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with curated menus, extended happy hour, and convenient access to match-day excitement, along with a Match Day Package that includes champagne, breakfast for two, and added touches designed to elevate the game-day experience, with options to reserve in advance for the best experience.

When: Now available until end of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Where: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown – 1128 West Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Happy Hour pricing varies. Chef’s Burger & Brew – $22. Match Day Package – room rate based on date & room type chosen. More info online

Fleurs de Villes Wonder

What: The Fleurs de Villes show will return to Vancouver from May 22 to 31 to blossom at VanDusen Botanical Garden.

With spring in full swing, the flower show, titled “Wonder,” is dedicated to the natural wonders of the world, with stunning floral art installations created by Vancouver artists. Keep an eye out for a giant floral octopus, an eye-catching beehive installation, and more.

When: Now until May 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Cost: Various prices, garden members and children aged 4 and under receive free admission. Purchase online

The Kingsgate Chorus

What: Vancouver’s Kingsgate Chorus presents their spring concert, Earth Oddity, at St. James Community Square. Leah Abramson directs the evening and features a variety show and special guests. There will also be a bake sale fundraiser for the Kingsgate Chorus bursary program.

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: St. James Community Square – 3214 West 10th Ave., Vancouver
Tickets: $20-$30, free for children 12 and under. Purchase online

Broadway Across Canada – Mamma Mia

What: Mama Mia! comes to Vancouver later in the spring from May 26 to 31. Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, box office record-breaking Mamma Mia! brims with non-stop laughs, explosive dance, and the magic of ABBA’s hit songs: “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “SOS,” and many more.

When: Now until May 31, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Canadians vs. Eugene Emeralds

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 Eugene Emeralds from May 26 to 31.

When: Now until Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online at CanadiansBaseball.com

Art Vancouver

What: Art Vancouver 2026 returns as a premier contemporary art event in Vancouver, marking its 10th edition.

Taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the fair brings together Canadian and international art showcasing painting, sculpture, and mixed media works, alongside immersive programming including live art demonstrations, Art Talks, art classes, a painting competition, and the Face of Art runway.

A standout cultural experience for the weekend, the fair invites visitors to explore contemporary art in one place.

Spot Prawn Festival

What: Vancouver’s beloved Spot Prawn Festival is officially returning for its twentieth year next month, offering folks an opportunity to shell-ebrate the start of B.C.’s spot prawn season.

Here, chefs, fishers, and food lovers of all kinds gather to celebrate the province’s most iconic and sustainable seafoods at Fishermen’s Wharf in False Creek.

This year, there will be multiple ways to enjoy the start of the season. In addition to free access to the docks, cooking demos, and the educational marketplace, this year will see the return of the popular $12 Prawn and Seafood Chowder and Bun.

When: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf — 1505 W. 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free entry, $12 for Prawn and Seafood Chowder and Bun, $85 for Spot Prawn Brunch

Kanteen Sundays — Alai Coffee x Kavita Restaurant Brunch Pop-up

What: Following its inclusion in the top restaurants in Canada by Canada’s 100 Best, Kavita is hosting a special brunch pop-up in collaboration with Alai Coffee.

Called Kanteen Sundays, this four-part pop-up brunch series is born from a love of old Mumbai, drawing inspiration from Irani cafés, street fruit vendors, Bombay soda culture, and what Alai shared were the “kind of mornings that make you stay longer than you planned.”

As part of this special brunch pop-up, Alai Coffee has created a special Indian coffee menu alongside canteen-style light brunch offerings courtesy of Kavita.

When: May 24 and 31, and June 14 and 21
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Kavita Restaurant — 250 W. 3rd Ave., Vancouver
Reservations: RSVP for free online

Buzz and Bloom Fest

What: Surrey Nature Centre hosts a celebration of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The free event features family-friendly activities, including a pollinator in the park nature walk. You can even learn more from organizations on-site, like Surrey Mobile Library, Honeybee Centre, Metro Vancouver, and Green Timbers Heritage Society.

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Surrey Nature Centre – 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey
Cost: Free

The Vancouver Vice Tour

What: Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours presents a deep dive into the gritty history of the city’s West End neighbourhood in the ’70s and ’80s.

Led by award-winning author and historian Aaron Chapman, the Vancouver Vice Tour will explore a world of turf wars, gambling dens, wiretapped hustlers, vigilante cops, and more.

When: May 30, June 13, and July 4, 2026
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Meet at Jim Deva Plaza on Davie Street
Cost: $35, purchase online

Trout Lake Farmers Market

What: This farmers market began back in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market collective of markets. One of the most popular markets, Trout Lake has food trucks on-site and a variety of vendors selling fresh local produce, locally made goods, and all things food.

When: Every Saturday until Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Ave., Vancouver