Vancouver’s May calendar features 2021 festivals and events in the Lower Mainland including markets and Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Victoria Day events.

JANUARY – FEBRUARY – MARCH – APRIL

MAY – JUNE – JULY – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

Vancouver May Calendar of Events

May 5, 2021 – Cinco de Mayo
May 9, 2021 – Mother’s Day
May 24, 2021 – Victoria Day (Stat Holiday)

2021 May Events in Vancouver

Below is what’s happening on the different days of the month in May 2021.

(NOTE: Since the spring of last year, most Metro Vancouver events and attractions have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. As you’ll see below, many events in this calendar are marked as “to be determined” or “(TBD)”. For the most up-to-date information and statuses of events, see official event websites.)

Week of May 1st to 2nd

May 1-2 | May 3-9 | May 10-16 | May 17-23 | May 24-31

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
CityFest – a youth-focused festival and skate competition in North Vancouver. (TBD)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Marathon Kids Run – the Kids Run would ordinarily takes place today in Stanley Park for children ages 5 to 12. (Taking place as a virtual event this year from May 1 to 31.)
Garden Events
- Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack.
- Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public at 36737 North Parallel Road. (CANCELLED)
- Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Farmers Markets
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of Burnaby‘s City Hall at 4949 Canada Way.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – between 9 am and 3 pm at 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market in North Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10 am until 2 pm at Riley Park near Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Squamish Farmers Market – in Squamish from 10 am to 3 pm. (TBD)
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – from 9 am to 2 pm at Vancouver’s John Hendry Park.
Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World.
Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. (TBD)

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Farmers Markets
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – first market of the season in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm. (TBD)
- Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam. (Details to be confirmed.)
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – first market of the season from 10 am to 2 pm outside the Kitsilano Community Centre at 2690 Larch Street in Vancouver.
- White Rock Farmers Market – first market of the year at 15154 Russell Avenue in White Rock between 10 am and 2 pm.
Vancouver International Marathon – one of the top marathon events in Canada. There are usually multiple running races with entertainment along the various routes, as well as a street festival and the Health & Sports Expo. (Taking place as a virtual event this year from May 1 to 31.)
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack.
Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public at 36737 North Parallel Road. (CANCELLED)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Flea Markets
- Cloverdale Flea Market – a large weekly flea market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm. (TBD)
- Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World.
- Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm. (TBD)

Week of May 3rd to 9th

May 1-2 | May 3-9 | May 10-16 | May 17-23 | May 24-31

Monday, May 3, 2021

Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature are “best places” to be (so long as you remain far enough away from other people).

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

May the Fourth – a day when you get to dress up like your favourite Star Wars character and say “May the Fourth be with you” to all your friends. It’s also a day with a few Star Wars-themed events around town most years. (2021 details to be confirmed.)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday). (TBD)
Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach from early evening until sunset (assuming sunny weather). Free! (TBD, but likely not happening.)
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Vancouver Canucks Hockey – the team plays against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena. (Fans can’t attend in person, but they can watch the game on TV and at sports bars around the Lower Mainland.)
Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland. (TBD)

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Cinco de Mayo – a Mexican celebration with various events around town. (TBD)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (TBD)
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature are “best places” to be (so long as you remain far enough away from other people).

Thursday, May 6, 2021

New Westminster Farmers Market – at Tipperary Park in New Westminster from 3 until 7 pm.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (TBD)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Vancouver Canucks Hockey – the team plays against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena. (Fans can’t attend in person, but they can watch the game on TV and at sports bars around the Lower Mainland.)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.

Friday, May 7, 2021

Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (TBD)
Night Markets
- Shipyards Night Market – an evening concert and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver. (TBD)
- Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)

Saturday, May 8, 2021

DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (TBD)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Canucks Hockey – the team plays against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena. (Fans can’t attend in person, but they can watch the game on TV and at sports bars around the Lower Mainland.)
Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. (TBD)
Saturday Market
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of Burnaby‘s City Hall at 4949 Canada Way.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – between 9 am and 3 pm at 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley.
- Haney Farmers Market – first day for the market at the Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge from 9 am until 2 pm.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market in North Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – a small to medium-sized market from 10 am until 2 pm near Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Squamish Farmers Market – in downtown Squamish from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – from 9 am to 2 pm at Vancouver’s John Hendry Park.
- Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue.
- Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)

Sunday, May 9, 2021

Mother’s Day – don’t forget to spoil your Mom (or give her a call, send her a card or at least take a moment to remember her).
- Mother’s Day at Glades Garden – live music and refreshments for sale at the semi-private garden park in Surrey. (TBD)
- Restaurant Brunch Buffets – most years a number of restaurants put on fancy brunch events where people can spoil their moms. (To be confirmed.)
- Mother’s Day Tea & Plant Sale – at London Heritage Farm in Richmond. (TBD)
Farmers Markets
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm. (TBD)
- Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street. (TBD)
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm outside the Kitsilano Community Centre.
- White Rock Farmers Market – in White Rock between 10 am and 2 pm.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Fairmont Mother’s Day Run – 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km runs and walks to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public in Surrey today. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – a tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (TBD)
Flea Markets
- Cloverdale Flea Market – in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm. (TBD)
- Vancouver Flea Market – at 703 Terminal Avenue.
- Abbotsford Flea Market – at Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm. (TBD)
Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.

Week of May 10th to 16th

May 1-2 | May 3-9 | May 10-16 | May 17-23 | May 24-31

Monday, May 10, 2021

DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach from early evening until sunset (assuming sunny weather). Free! (TBD)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town.
Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday). (TBD)
Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland. (TBD)

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

Thursday, May 13, 2021

New Westminster Farmers Market – at Tipperary Park in New Westminster from 3 until 7 pm.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town.
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

Friday, May 14, 2021

Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Night Markets
- Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)
- Shipyards Night Market – an evening concert and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver. (TBD)
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature are “best places” to be (so long as you remain far enough away from other people).

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Saturday Markets
- Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – first market of the season from 9 am until noon in Abbotsford.
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of Burnaby’s City Hall at 4949 Canada Way.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – between 9 am and 3 pm at 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley.
- Haney Farmers Market – at the Memorial Peace Park at 11900 224th Street in Maple Ridge from 9 am until 2 pm.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market in North Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – a small to medium-sized market from 10 am until 2 pm at Riley Park near Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Squamish Farmers Market – at the corner of Victoria Street and Cleveland Avenue in Squamish from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – from 9 am to 2 pm at Vancouver’s John Hendry Park.
- Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World.
- Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. (TBD)

Sunday, May 16, 2021

DOXA Film Festival – last day for the documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public by donation (or possibly by paid ticket) from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Farmers and Other Markets
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm. (TBD)
- Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm outside the Kitsilano Community Centre at 2690 Larch Street.
- Whistler Farmers Market – at the base of Blackcomb Mountain from 11 am to 4 pm.
- White Rock Farmers Market – at 15154 Russell Avenue in White Rock between 10 am and 2 pm.
- Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World.
- Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)

Week of May 17th to 23rd

May 1-2 | May 3-9 | May 10-16 | May 17-23 | May 24-31

Monday, May 17, 2021

Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (Likely SOLD OUT.)
Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday). (TBD)
Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach from early evening until sunset (assuming sunny weather). Free! (TBD)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland. (TBD)

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (Likely SOLD OUT.)
New Westminster Farmers Market – at Tipperary Park in New Westminster from 3 until 7 pm.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.

Friday, May 21, 2021

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a 4-day event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment. (CANCELLED)
Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” with all kinds of sporting events and live music. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)
Shipyards Night Market – an evening concert and market activities in North Vancouver. (TBD)

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Vancouver All British Field Meet – a car show featuring hundreds of British-built vehicles at VanDusen Garden. (TBD)
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a four-day event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment. (CANCELLED)
Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Saturday Markets
- Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – from 9 am until noon in Abbotsford.
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of Burnaby’s City Hall.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – between 9 am and 3 pm in Fort Langley.
- Haney Farmers Market – at the Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge from 9 am until 2 pm.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market in North Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10 am until 2 pm at Riley Park near Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Squamish Farmers Market – in downtown Squamish from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – from 9 am to 2 pm at Vancouver’s John Hendry Park.
- West End Farmers Market – at 1100 Comox Street from 9 am to 2 pm.
- Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue.
- Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a four-day cowboy and cowgirl event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment. (CANCELLED)
All-British Vancouver-Whistler Run – a continuation of the May 22 show at VanDusen Garden where cars meet in West Vancouver before driving up to Whistler for display at the Creekside Village Plaza. (TBD)
Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
Royal Victorian Party – old fashioned celebrations at Stewart Farm in Surrey. (TBD)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Farmers Markets
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
- Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm outside the Kitsilano Community Centre in Vancouver.
- Whistler Farmers Market – near the base of Blackcomb Mountain from 11 am to 4 pm. (TBD)
- White Rock Farmers Market – at 15154 Russell Avenue in White Rock between 10 am and 2 pm.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Flea Markets
- Cloverdale Flea Market – at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm. (TBD)
- Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue.
- Abbotsford Flea Market – at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm. (TBD)
Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)

Week of May 24th to 31st

May 1-2 | May 3-9 | May 10-16 | May 17-23 | May 24-31

Monday, May 24, 2021

Victoria Day – the statutory holiday features numerous special events throughout the Lower Mainland (including at Burnaby Village, Cloverdale, Fort Langley, Squamish and Whistler). Click Victoria Day for details.
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a four-day cowboy and cowgirl event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment. (CANCELLED)
Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes live entertainers in the streets of Whistler Village. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
Fort Langley Parade and Fort Events – historic demonstrations at the fort and a community fair in the park following the Fort Langley May Day Parade. (TBD)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (Likely SOLD OUT.)
Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach from early evening until sunset (assuming sunny weather). Free! (TBD, but likely not happening.)
Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday). (TBD)
Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland. (TBD)

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

Thursday, May 27, 2021

New Westminster Farmers Market – at Tipperary Park in New Westminster from 3 until 7 pm.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Friday, May 28, 2021

Ladner May Days – first day of the 3-day community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, amusement rides and fastball tournament. (In-person event is CANCELLED, but some activities may take place online.)
Coastal Swap Meet – an automotive-themed swap meet featuring as many as 500 vendors at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. (Cancelled)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Night Markets
- Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)
- Shipyards Night Market – an evening concert and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver. (TBD)

Saturday, May 29, 2021

5K Foam Fest – an obstacle course event with slides, bubbles, mud and foam. (To be confirmed.)
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Ladner May Days – an event with live music, amusement rides and a fastball tournament. (The in-person event is CANCELLED, but some activities may take place online.)
Survival of the Fittest – 18 km and 35 km runs on rugged trails in Squamish. (TBD)
Coastal Swap Meet – an automotive-themed swap meet in Abbotsford. (CANCELLED)
Saturday Markets
- Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – from 9 am until noon in Abbotsford.
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – in the parking lot of Burnaby’s City Hall.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – between 9 am and 3 pm in Fort Langley.
- Haney Farmers Market – at the Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge from 9 am until 2 pm.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market in North Vancouver.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10 am until 2 pm near Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Squamish Farmers Market – in downtown Squamish from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – from 9 am to 2 pm at Vancouver’s John Hendry Park.
- West End Farmers Market – at 1100 Comox Street from 9 am to 2 pm.
- Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue.
- Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public in Surrey. Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children under 12 years of age.
Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. (TBD)

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Ladner May Days – a 3-day community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, amusement rides, pancake breakfast and fastball tournament. (In-person event is CANCELLED, but some activities may take place online.)
Farmers Markets
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm. (TBD)
- Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm outside the Kitsilano Community Centre at 2690 Larch Street in Vancouver.
- Whistler Farmers Market – at the base of Blackcomb Mountain from 11 am to 4 pm.
- White Rock Farmers Market – at 15154 Russell Avenue in White Rock between 10 am and 2 pm.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Flea Markets
- Cloverdale Flea Market – a large weekly flea market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm. (TBD)
- Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World. (TBD)
- Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm. (TBD)
Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (TBD)

Monday, May 31, 2021

Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work.
Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do on Granville Island.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

To return to the top of the page, click May Calendar.

To see what’s happening next month, click June Calendar of Events.

2021 May Events

Below are other events that may or may not also take place this month in 2021 (with some details to be confirmed).

Shows & Entertainment

The Rogue Folkies Jam – live music at Mel Lehan Hall at The St. James in Vancouver on various dates in May. (TBD)
Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (TBD)
Jazz in the Vine – live Jazz at a winery in Langley.
Jazz Vespers
- At 4 pm on Sundays in the salons at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (TBD)
- At St. Stephen’s Anglican Church at 885 – 22nd Street in West Vancouver at 4 pm on one Sunday in the month. Admission is by donation. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)

Festivals and Events

Vancouver Turkic Festival – a free event in late May celebrating Turkish culture with live music and market vendors at North Vancouver’s Shipbuilders’ Square in the afternoon and early evening. (TBD)
European Festival – a festival highlighting European culture at the Vancouver Alpen Club in late May. (TBD)
BC Cider Festival – a cider-sampling event at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale District. (TBD)
British Columbia Polish Festival – a cultural event at 2253 Leigh Square in Port Coquitlam. (Formerly called Polish Culture & Heritage Day.) (TBD)
Hyack International Parade – a parade with over 120 floats, marching bands and other entries in New Westminster in late May. (TBD)
The Pull of the Net: A Multicultural Celebration – a free family-friendly cultural event at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in late May. (TBD)
Jurassic World Live Tour – a touring dinosaur exhibit at the Pacific Coliseum. (TBD).
Public Lego Exhibition – Lego toy exhibits at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond. (TBD)
Royal Canadian Family Circus – under big tops at Richmond’s Lansdowne Centre, Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds and Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Place. (CANCELLED)
Search for the Perfect Pint – a craft beer-tasting event at Port Moody City Hall at 100 Newport Drive. The event is put on by the local Rotary Club and features over two dozen breweries. Funds raised benefit various charitable organizations. (CANCELLED)
Surrey International Children’s Festival – a 3-day event in mid or late May featuring art activities, workshops, storytelling, and live performances at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park. (CANCELLED)

Markets and Trade Shows

BC Bike Show – a bicycle trade show featuring road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes and cycling equipment at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (Likely cancelled for 2021.)
Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show – a trade show featuring adventure travel and outdoor gear at the Vancouver Convention Centre on May 15 and 16. (Likely cancelled for 2021.)
Eastside Flea – a bi-weekly weekend market with about four dozen vendors selling vintage, collectibles, handmade and other items at 550 Malkin Avenue in East Vancouver (about 1.2 km from Science World). (TBD)
The Olde Farmhouse Market – a vintage market featuring dozens of vendors selling antiques, collectibles, jewellery, handmade goods and other home and garden treasures at Tradex at 1190 Cornell Street in Abbotsford. Admission is $7 for one day or $9 for both days. Children 12 and under are free.
Fort Langley Makers Market – a monthly craft fair and celebration in scenic Fort Langley. (Details to be confirmed.)
Steveston Village Farmers Market – in the parking lot of the Steveston Community Centre from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm on a couple of Sundays.
Vancouver Marathon Health & Sports Expo – a running and other health and fitness-themed trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Admission is free. (Likely cancelled for 2021.)
Cloverdale Market Days – a large artisan market featuring over 100 vendors in downtown Cloverdale on 176th Street (between 56A Avenue and 58 Avenue). (Cancelled for 2021.)

Sports and Sporting Events

Vistas Run – a 5 km walk/run and 10 km race event benefiting the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society at Kanaka Creek Regional Park.
Vancouver Whitecaps – soccer game against various teams at BC Place Stadium. (TBD)
Run for Women – 5 km, 10 km and 1 km (Little Steps for kids) runs benefiting the BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre Foundation. Starts at Wesbrook Village at UBC. (Happening in July in 2021.)

Free Stuff & Free Admission Days

Museum of Vancouver – admission is by donation from 5 pm to 8 pm (on the last Thursday of the month, but to be confirmed for 2021.)
Seniors Day at MOV – admission to the Museum of Vancouver is just $5 today for anyone age 65+ (on the first Tuesday of the month, but to be confirmed.)
Roedde House – admission to the historic museum in Vancouver’s West End is by donation on the last Friday of the month (but to be confirmed for 2021).
Free Comic Book Day – a number of independent comic book stores give out free comic books on the first Saturday of May. (TBD)

Food-Related Events

Spot Prawn Festival – a small 1-day festival celebrating spot-prawn season at Fishermen’s Wharf not far from Granville Island. (To be confirmed.)
Tonight for Tomorrow – Mealshare is a program where participating restaurants buy a meal for a youth in need when you purchase one of their participating dinner items. When it happens, for every $1 you spend at select restaurants $1 is donated to Mealshare. So dine out on whatever day it happens, enjoy the food, and make a difference! (TBD)
Abbotsford Food Truck Festival – a food truck event at Thunderbird Square in the Abbotsford Civic Plaza at 32388 Veterans Way. (Happened on April 3rd and 4th at the Tradex Centre.)
Cloverdale Food Truck Festival – a food truck event at Surrey’s Shannon Hall. Admission is free. (Scheduled for late April in 2021 at the Cloverdale Rodeo Grounds.)
Fort Langley Beer & Food Festival – at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. (TBC)

Other Events

Glades Garden Open House – a beautiful garden in Surrey at 561-172nd Street that’s open to the public only a small number of days. In 2021 it’s open on Saturdays between May 1st and June 5th. Guests must register in advance and admission is about $7 per person.
Mother’s Day Tea & Plant Sale – at London Heritage Farm in Richmond. (TBD)
Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown. Free admission. (To be confirmed for 2021.)
Thomas the Train – rides with Sir Topham Hatt on the classic storybook train take place at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish. Book your tickets well in advance! (TBD)
Vancouver Train Celebrations – to honor the 132nd anniversary of the arrival of Engine 374 as the first passenger train in Vancouver, there is birthday cake, speeches, and brass band music at the Roundhouse. (To be confirmed.)
Art in the City – an art event featuring works by local artists at the West End Community Centre at 870 Denman Street. Free Admission. (In early May.) (TBD)
Playland – Vancouver’s summer amusement park.
Beaty Nocturnal – UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum is open by donation from 5 to 8:30 pm. (On a Thursday in mid-May.) (TBD)
Nikkei Spring Bazaar – a Japanese-themed rummage sale at the Nikkei Cultural Centre at 6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby. Free admission. (In early May.) (TBD)
Fair in the Square – a free community event featuring a BBQ, artisan market, live music and family-friendly activities at Vancouver’s Victory Square at 200 West Hastings Street. (Details to be confirmed.)

Top Things to do in Vancouver

Below are the top five things to do in Vancouver in May (in years when there is no COVID-19 pandemic.

Treat Mom out to brunch, lunch or dinner for Mother’s Day at any of Metro Vancouver’s best restaurants, and combine it with a family walk at one of Vancouver’s Best Places in Parks and Nature, or just make it a picnic.
Head over to Victoria on Vancouver Island for the May Long Weekend and take in the Victoria Day Celebrations over there.
Go camping on the May Long Weekend at Alice Lake, Rolley Lake, Alouette Lake, Porteau Cove or Cultus Lake, but make your reservations months in advance and take your rain gear just in case.
Go for a bike ride, especially during Bike to Work Week towards the end of the month. Also, check out Vancouver’s Best Places for a Jog, Walk or Cycle for suggestions on leisurely cycling routes.

Typical May Vancouver Weather

Summer is close and the beautiful weather is finally here, at least normally. May is typically one of the nicest months of the year in Vancouver – definitely in the top five.

The days in May are long, the temperature is getting warm, and the sun seems to shine more often than not. It still rains, but less than eight of the other months of the year.

Average high temperatures in May are 16 degrees C (or 61 F) and the lows are in the range of 8 C (or 46 F). It usually only rains about 60 mm (or less than 2.5 inches), which in Vancouver is something to celebrate.

Oddly, the weather almost always seems to be nicer in May than in June – nobody really knows quite why.

Recommended May Activities

Spring flowers are in full bloom around Vancouver in May, and all the trees finally have their leaves. This, plus the increasingly sunny weather and all the snow still usually on the mountain peaks, means that Vancouver is visually at its most spectacular.

May is a great time to check out Vancouver’s beautiful gardens, especially those at Stanley Park, VanDusen Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park and Sun Yat-Sen Garden, or any of Vancouver’s sandy beaches or other best places for nature.

The Cleveland Dam and Capilano River Regional Park in North Vancouver can be especially picturesque this time of the year, with all the green everywhere, but still snow-covered peaks on the Lions mountain peaks in the background.

With the snow-melt run off, Shannon Falls (not far from Squamish) and Bridal Veil Falls in the Fraser Valley can also be especially large and spectacular. If it’s a sunny day, then May is a good month to be almost anywhere outside!