Vancouver’s May calendar features 2019 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 Event Calendar

• May 5, 2019 – Cinco de Mayo (Mexico)
• May 12, 2019 – Mother’s Day
• May 20, 2019 – Victoria Day (Stat Holiday)

May Events in Vancouver

Below is what’s happening on the different days of the month in May 2019.

Note: Schedules are subject to change – check official websites for exact details.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

• Chilliwack Tulip Festival – final day of the season for 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 in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road.
• Vancouver Opera Festival – multiple days of opera productions (which, for 2019, have a fables and fairy tales theme). (April 27th to May 5, 2019.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 2 pm and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road.
• DOXA Film Festival – first day of the documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town (May 2-12, 2019).
• Vancouver Opera Festival – multiple days of opera productions (which, for 2019, have a fables and fairy tales theme).
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.

Friday, May 3, 2019

• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town.
• Vancouver Marathon Health & Sports Expo – a running and other health and fitness-themed trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre from 10 am until 8 pm. Admission is free.
• Art in the City – an art event featuring works by local artists at the West End Community Centre at 870 Denman Street from 7 until 9 pm. Free Admission.
• Vancouver Opera Festival – multiple days of opera productions (which, for 2019, have a fables and fairy tales theme).
• Friday Night Live – live music in North Vancouver at Lynn Valley United Church at 3201 Mountain Highway. Tonight features Folk Pop artist Melanie Dekker.
• Bill Reid Gallery – free admission at the Bill Reid First Nation’s art gallery between 2 and 5 pm (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.
• Garden Events
  • Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road.
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
    
• Shipyard Night Market – first night of the season for the evening concerts and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver.
  

Saturday, May 4, 2019

• 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 various Star Wars-themed events around town including at community libraries and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
• Free Comic Book Day – a number of independant comic book stores are giving out free comic books today (as are thousands of stores across the continent because today is the first Saturday in May).
• The Pull of the Net: A Multicultural Celebration – a free family-friendly event both indoors and outdoors at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from 11 am until 4 pm. Activities include dance performances, drumming, the showcasing of Indigenous culture and live music.
• Cinco de Mayo – a Mexican celebration with various events around town including the following:
  • Sol Fiesta Mexico – Cinco de Mayo celebrations with live music at the Harbour Events Centre at 750 Pacific Boulevard in Vancouver.
• CityFest – a youth-focused festival and the Lower Mainland’s largest skate competition in North Vancouver.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour in the morning, the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour in the afternoon and both the Forbidden Vancouver Tour and Lost Souls of Gastown in the evening.
• Vancouver Opera Festival – multiple days of opera productions (which, for 2019, have a fables and fairy tales theme).
• Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby (May 4-11, 2019).
• Nikkei Spring Bazaar – a Japanese-themed rummage sale at the Nikkei Cultural Centre at 6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby. Free admission.
• Vancouver Marathon Health & Sports Expo – a running and other health and fitness-themed trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre from 9 am until 6 pm. Admission is free.
• Vancouver Marathon Kids Run – the full marathon, half marathon, relay and 8 K races for adults take place tomorrow. Today, however, is when the Kids Run takes place in Stanley Park for children ages 5 to 12.
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
• Art in the City – an art event featuring works by local artists at the West End Community Centre at 870 Denman Street from noon until 5 pm. Free Admission.
• Garden Events
  • Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road.
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Playland – first weekend of the season for Vancouver’s summer amusement park. Open from 11 am to 6 pm.
  
• Farmers Markets
  • Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – first market of the season from 9 am until 1 pm in Abbotsford.
  • Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – first market of the season from 9 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of Burnaby‘s City Hall at 4949 Canada Way.
  • Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – first market of the season between 10 am and 3 pm at 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley.
  • Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market at Lonsdale Quay 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 – first market of the year 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.
  
• East Side 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).
• Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am.

Sunday, May 5, 2019

• Cinco de Mayo – a Mexican holiday with various events in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland including the following:
  • Trout Lake Community Centre – family-friendly Mexican-themed activities taking place between 12 and 3 pm. Admission is free but advanced registration is encouraged.
• BMO Vancouver International Marathon – one of the top marathon events in Canada. There are multiple running races with entertainment along the various routes, as well as a street festival and the Health & Sports Expo.
• BC Cider Festival – a cider-sampling event at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale District. SOLD OUT (as of early April)!
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
• Vancouver Opera Festival – multiple days of opera productions (which, for 2019, have a fables and fairy tales theme).
• LCMS Concerts Café Classico – live music with LCMS alumni Roland Gjernes (on cello) and Paul Williamson (on piano) at the Langley Community Music School at 4899 207th Street in Langley. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – this afternoon features the Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver’s West End and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour around Chinatown, Victory Square, and Gastown.
• Art in the City – an art event featuring works by local artists at the West End Community Centre at 870 Denman Street from noon until 5 pm. Free Admission.
• Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby.
• Sakura Night Gala – a stand-up dinner and fundraising event at the Stanley Park Pavilion from 6:30 until 9:30 pm as part of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Tickets cost $150 to $175 plus taxes and online fees, but include a tax receipt.
• Playland – first weekend of the season for Vancouver’s summer amusement park. Open from 11 am to 6 pm.
• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Farmers Markets
  • Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
  • Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – first market of the season in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
  • 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.
    
  • Steveston Village Farmers Market – first market of the season in the parking lot of the Steveston Community Centre from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm.
    
  • White Rock Farmers Market – first market of the year at 15154 Russell Avenue in White Rock between 10 am and 2 pm.
• Flea Markets
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – a large weekly flea market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World.
  • East Side 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).
  • Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm.
• Jazz Vespers
  • A jazz concert-style service hosted by St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church but taking place at First Baptist Church at 969 Burrard Street between 4 and 5 pm. Admission is by donation.
  • With the Jazz Connexion Band at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church at 885 – 22nd Street in West Vancouver at 4 pm. Admission is by donation.

Monday, May 6, 2019

• The Forbidden Vancouver Tour – a 2-hour walking tour around Victory Square, Chinatown and Gastown in downtown Vancouver. Departs at 7 pm and costs $28 for adults and $25 for seniors and students.
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
• Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby.
• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road.
• Metro Vancouver Restaurants – in case of inclement weather, then perhaps a good day to eat indoors and take in a movie or a show.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided evening tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown and Forbidden Vancouver Tour routes. Both begin across the street from the Holy Rosary Cathedral, which is located at 646 Richards Street.
• Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday).
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
• Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby.
• Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach from early evening until sunset (assuming sunny weather). Free!
• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road.
• Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 2 pm and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm.
• 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. Tonight, for every $1 you spend at select restaurants $1 will be donated to Mealshare. So dine out tonight, enjoy the food, and make a difference!
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
• Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby.
• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road. (To be confirmed.)

Thursday, May 9, 2019

• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. Today is the opening day of a series of performances in Richmond, Tsawwassen and Surrey from May 9th to June 9th. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.
• 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. Tickets cost $45 and include both food and beer. Funds raised benefit various charitable organizations.
• Ballet BC Presents Program 3 – at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
• Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby.
• Art Walk & Wine Tasting – a walking and wine tasting tour in Fort Langley between 4 and 8 pm. Tickets start at $57.
• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road. (To be confirmed.)

Friday, May 10, 2019

• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Friday Night Live – live music in North Vancouver at Lynn Valley United Church at 3201 Mountain Highway.
• Vancouver Whitecaps – soccer game against the Portland Timbers at BC Place Stadium.

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.

• Art World Expo – a large art event at Science World.
• Ballet BC Presents Program 3 – at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
• Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby.
• Vancouver Chamber Choir – Youth & Music 2019: Music’s Future concert featuring winners and finalists from the 14th Annual Young Composers’ Competition at Shaughnessy Heights United Church.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road. (To be confirmed.)
• Night Markets
  • Shipyard Night Market – evening concerts and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver.
  • Richmond Night Market – first day of the season for Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

• Mother’s Day Tea & Plant Sale – at London Heritage Farm in Richmond.
• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour in the morning, the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour in the afternoon, and both the Forbidden Vancouver Tour and Lost Souls of Gastown in the evening.
• Ballet BC Presents Program 3 – at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
• 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.
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
• Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road. (To be confirmed.)
• Abbotsford Food Truck Festival – a food truck event at the Abbotsford Civic Plaza at 32388 Veterans Way between 11 am and 6 pm.
• Saturday Markets
  • Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – from 9 am until 1 pm in Abbotsford.
  • Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 9 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of Burnaby‘s City Hall at 4949 Canada Way.
  • Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – between 10 am and 3 pm at 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley.
  • Haney Farmers Market – at 11900 224th Street in Maple Ridge from 9 am until 2 pm.
  • Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market at Lonsdale Quay 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.
• Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am.

Sunday, May 12, 2019

• Mother’s Day – don’t forget to take her out for brunch or make her feel special some other way!
• Mother’s Day at Glades Garden – live music and refreshments for sale at the semi-private garden park at 561-172nd Street in Surrey.
• Mother’s Day Tea & Plant Sale – at London Heritage Farm in Richmond.

• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.) This is a fabulous circus and highly recommended!

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – this afternoon features the Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver’s West End and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour around Chinatown, Victory Square and Gastown.
• DOXA Film Festival – last day of the documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town.
  
• Fairmont Mother’s Day Run – 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km runs and walks between Stanley Park and just east of the Westin Bayshore to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road. (To be confirmed.)
• Farmers Markets
  • Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
  • Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
  • Kitsilano Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm outside the Kitsilano Community Centre.
    
  • White Rock Farmers Market – at 15154 Russell Avenue in White Rock between 10 am and 2 pm.
• Flea Markets
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm.
  • 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.
• Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond.
• Free Jazz Vespers
  • A jazz concert-style service hosted by St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church but taking place at First Baptist Church at 969 Burrard Street between 4 and 5 pm. Admission is by donation.
  • With the Glenda Rae Trio Northwood United Church at 8855 156th Street in Surrey from 4 to 5 pm. Admission is by donation.

Monday, May 13, 2019

• The Forbidden Vancouver Tour – a 2-hour walking tour around Victory Square, Chinatown and Gastown in downtown Vancouver. Departs at 7 pm and costs $28 for adults and $25 for seniors and students.
• Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature are the “best places” to be!
• Metro Vancouver Restaurants – if not such good weather, then perhaps a good day to eat indoors and take in a movie or a show.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

• Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach from early evening until sunset (assuming sunny weather). Free!
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided evening tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown and Forbidden Vancouver Tour routes. Both begin across the street from the Holy Rosary Cathedral which is located at 646 Richards Street.
• Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday).
• Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 2 pm and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm.
• Vancouver Whitecaps – soccer game against the Atlanta United Football Club at BC Place Stadium.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.
• Beaty Nocturnal – UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum is open by donation tonight from 5 to 8:30 pm. Guided tours are at 7 pm.
• Music on the Bow – free live music featuring local artists at the Trout Lake Community Centre at 3360 Victoria Drive. Today features Rain City Swing from 7 to 9 pm.
• Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature are the “best places” to be!

See the Cloverdale Rodeo‘s official website for full details about the 2019 Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair which runs from May 17th to 20th.

Friday, May 17, 2019

• Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a 4-day cowboy and cowgirl event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment (May 17-20, 2019). Tonight is fireworks night!
• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” with all kinds of sporting events and live music (May 17-20).
  
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.
• Night Markets
  • Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond.
  • Shipyard Night Market – evening concerts and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver.

Saturday, May 18, 2019

• Vancouver All British Field Meet – a car show featuring hundreds of British-built vehicles at VanDusen Garden.
• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a four-day event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment. Today the parade takes place in the morning.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour in the morning, the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour in the afternoon and both the Forbidden Vancouver Tour and Lost Souls of Gastown in the evening.
• Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts.
• Fort Langley Beer & Food Festival – at the Fort Langley National Historic Site from noon until 6 pm.
• 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!
• Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown. Free admission.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Saturday Markets
  • Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – from 9 am until 1 pm in Abbotsford.
  • Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 9 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of Burnaby’s City Hall at 4949 Canada Way.
  • Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – between 10 am and 3 pm at 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley.
  • Haney Farmers Market – at 11900 224th Street in Maple Ridge from 9 am until 2 pm.
  • Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market at Lonsdale Quay 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.
  • East Side 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).
  • Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond.
• Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a four-day cowboy and cowgirl event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – this afternoon features the Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver’s West End and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour around Chinatown, Victory Square and Gastown.
• All-British Vancouver-Whistler Run – a continuation of the May 18th show at VanDusen Garden where cars meet at Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver before driving up to Whistler for display there at the Creekside Village Plaza.
• Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts.
  
• Royal Victorian Party – old fashioned celebrations at Stewart Farm in Surrey.
  
• 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!
• Spot Prawn Festival – a small 1-day festival celebrating spot-prawn season at Fishermen’s Wharf not far from Granville Island.
• Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown. Free admission.
• 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 from noon until 3 pm.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. Today features a plant sale at the garden.
• Farmers and Other Markets
  • Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
  • Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
  • Kitsilano Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm outside the Kitsilano Community Centre at 2690 Larch Street.
  • Steveston Village Farmers Market – outside the Steveston Community Centre from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm.
    
  • 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.
  • East Side 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).
  • Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond.
• Jazz Vespers – a jazz concert-style service hosted by St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church but taking place at First Baptist Church at 969 Burrard Street between 4 and 5 pm. Admission is by donation.

Monday, May 20, 2019

• 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.
• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• The Forbidden Vancouver Tour – a 2-hour walking tour around Victory Square, Chinatown and Gastown in downtown Vancouver. Departs at 7 pm and costs $28 for adults and $25 for seniors and students.
• Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes live entertainers in the streets of Whistler Village.
• 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.
• Fort Langley Makers Market – a monthly craft fair and celebration in scenic Fort Langley.
• 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!
• Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided evening tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown and Forbidden Vancouver Tour routes. Both begin across the street from the Holy Rosary Cathedral which is located at 646 Richards Street.

• Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday).
• Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach from early evening until sunset (assuming sunny weather). Free!
• Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 2 pm and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm.
• Music on the Bow – free live music featuring local artists at the Trout Lake Community Centre at 3360 Victoria Drive. Today features the Soda Crackers from 7 to 9 pm.
• Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature are the “best places” to be!

Thursday, May 23, 2019

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.
• Surrey International Children’s Festival – first day of the 3-day event featuring art activities, workshops, storytelling, and live performances at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park.

Friday, May 24, 2019

• Ladner May Days – first day of the 3-day community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, amusement rides and fastball tournament.
• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Tsawwassen Mills near the BC Ferries Terminal. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Surrey International Children’s Festival – art activities, workshops, storytelling and live performances at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Coastal Swap Meet – an automotive-themed swap meet featuring as many as 500 vendors at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. Admission for shoppers costs $8 for folk ages 17 and older. The cost for vendors is $45 per stall.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.
• Roedde House – admission to the historic museum in Vancouver’s West End is by donation today (because it’s the last Friday of the month).
• Night Markets
  • Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond.
  • Shipyard Night Market – evening concerts and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Tsawwassen Mills near the BC Ferries Terminal. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Family Fun Day at Britannia Mine – the historic site up the Sea to Sky Highway is hosting 2 days of special extra activities and exhibits this weekend.
• Ladner May Days – a 3-day community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, amusement rides and fastball tournament.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour in the morning, the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour in the afternoon and both the Forbidden Vancouver Tour and Lost Souls of Gastown in the evening.
• Surrey International Children’s Festival – a 3-day event featuring art activities, workshops, storytelling and live performances at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park.
  
• Hyack International Parade – a parade with over 120 floats, marching bands and other entries in New Westminster.
• Cloverdale Market Days – a large artisan market featuring over 100 vendors in downtown Cloverdale on 176th Street (between 56A Avenue and 58 Avenue) from 10 am until 3 pm.
• 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. Admission by donation.
• Cloverdale Food Truck Festival – a food truck event at Surrey’s Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds between 11 am and 6 pm. The event includes both live and DJ music, kid-friendly activities, a magic show and a beer garden. Admission is free.
• Alexandra Festival – a community event at Alexandra Neighbourhood House at 2916 McBride Avenue in Crescent Beach, Surrey. It takes place on the last Saturday of May each year and as many as 3000 people attend.
• Coastal Swap Meet – an automotive-themed swap meet featuring as many as 500 vendors at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. Admission for shoppers costs $8 for folk ages 17 and older. The cost for vendors is $45 per stall.
• 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!
• Sporting Events
  • Vancouver Whitecaps – soccer game against FC Dallas at BC Place Stadium.
  • Survival of the Fittest – 18 km and 35 km runs on rugged trails in Squamish.
• Darts Hill Garden – open house and plant sale from 10 am to 4 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Saturday Markets
  • Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – from 9 am until 1 pm in Abbotsford.
  • Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 9 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of Burnaby’s City Hall at 4949 Canada Way.
  • Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – between 10 am and 3 pm at 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley.
  • Haney Farmers Market – at 11900 224th Street in Maple Ridge from 9 am until 2 pm.
  • Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – a small artisan market at Lonsdale Quay 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.
  • West End Farmers Market – first market of the season at 1100 Comox Street from 9 am to 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.
• Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

• Ladner May Days – a 3-day community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, amusement rides, pancake breakfast and fastball tournament.
• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Tsawwassen Mills near the BC Ferries Terminal. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• Family Fun Day at Britannia Mine – the historic site up the Sea to Sky Highway is hosting 2 days of special extra activities and exhibits this weekend.
• Fair in the Square – a free community event featuring a BBQ, artisan market, live music and family-friendly activities from 11 am until 2 pm at Vancouver’s Victory Square at 200 West Hastings Street.
• Vancouver Turkic Festival – a free event celebrating Turkish culture with live music and market vendors at North Vancouver’s Shipbuilders’ Square in the afternoon and early evening.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – this afternoon features the Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver’s West End and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour around Chinatown, Victory Square and Gastown.
• 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!
• British Columbia Polish Festival – a cultural event at 2253 Leigh Square in Port Coquitlam from 1 pm until 9:30 pm. (Formerly called Polish Culture & Heritage Day.)
• European Festival – a festival highlighting European culture at the Vancouver Alpen Club. (In previous years the event took place at Swangard Stadium, but now no longer.)
• Vistas Run – a 5 km walk/run and 10 km race event benefiting the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society at Kanaka Creek Regional Park.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Farmers Markets
  • Coquitlam Farmers Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
  • Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – in West Vancouver between 10 am and 3 pm.
    
  • 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.
• Flea Markets
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – a large weekly flea market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm.
  • 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.
• Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond.
• Free Jazz Vespers
  • A jazz concert-style service hosted by St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church but taking place at First Baptist Church at 969 Burrard Street between 4 and 5 pm. Admission is by donation.
  • At Northwood United Church at 8855 156th Street in Surrey from 4 to 5 pm. Admission by donation. Today features Seven Women in Jazz.
  • With Siobhan Walsh at St. Andrew’s United Church at 4 pm at 1044 St. George’s Avenue in North Vancouver. Admission is by donation.

Monday, May 27, 2019

• Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work (May 27 to June 1, 2019).
• Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do (May 27 to June 2, 2019).
• The Forbidden Vancouver Tour – a 2-hour walking tour around Victory Square, Chinatown and Gastown in downtown Vancouver. Departs at 7 pm and costs $28 for adults and $25 for seniors and students.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

• Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work.
• Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach from early evening until sunset (assuming sunny weather). Free!
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided evening tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown and Forbidden Vancouver Tour routes. Both begin across the street from the Holy Rosary Cathedral which is located at 646 Richards Street.
• Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday).
• Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

• Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work.
• Music on the Bow – free live music featuring local artists at the Trout Lake Community Centre at 3360 Victoria Drive. Today features the Blue Lasso Band from 1 to 3 pm.
• Sounds of Spring in Surrey – live classical music at Glades Garden at 561-172 Street. Free admission.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 2 pm and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

• Cher in Concert – on her Here We Go Again Tour at Rogers Arena.
• Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work.
• Museum of Vancouver – admission is by donation from 5 pm to 8 pm (as it’s the last Thursday of the month).
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.

Friday, May 31, 2019

• Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Guildford Town Centre in Surrey. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 general admission tickets.)
• West Vancouver Bridge Festival – a 2-day community event at Ambleside Park.
• Vancouver Whitecaps – soccer game against Toronto FC at BC Place Stadium.
• Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm.
• Night Markets
  • Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond.
  • Shipyard Night Market – evening concerts and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver.

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

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

2019 May Events

Here are other events scheduled for May 2019 (with details to be confirmed):

• The Rogue Folkies Jam – a free Acoustic Old Time, Folk and Bluegrass open jamming session at Aberthau Mansion at 4397 West 2nd Avenue in Vancouver. Bring your own banjo, fiddle or other instrument! (On various dates in May.)
• West Coast Amusements – carnival rides at Guildford Mall in Surrey in the afternoon and evening (on various days).

Top Things to do in Vancouver

Below are the top five things to do in Vancouver in May.

1. 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.
2. Visit Fort Langley – over the May Long Weekend will be one of the best times to visit the fort as they celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday.
3. Head over to Victoria on Vancouver Island for the May Long Weekend and take in the Victoria Day Celebrations over there.
4. 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.
5. 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!