Home Vancouver Monthly Calendar MAY Events in Vancouver 2020

MAY Events in Vancouver 2020

May in Vancouver

Vancouver’s May calendar features 2020 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 Events in Vancouver

Below is what’s happening on the different days of the month in May 2020. First though, see the following note about the impact of the novel coronavirus on Vancouver and upcoming events.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Beginning in the spring of 2020, many Metro Vancouver events and attractions have been adversely impacted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. As you’ll see below, many events are marked “to be confirmed” or “to be determined” or “(TBD)”. Unless we know that an event has been cancelled or postponed, we have marked it in most cases as “(TBD)” to reflect the fact that its status may change. For the most up-to-date information, see official individual event websites.

For a comprehensive list of Lower Mainland places that have been affected by the pandemic to date, see our article about Coronavirus Closures & Cancellations.

 

Week of May 1st to 3rd

May 1-3 | May 4-10 | May 11-17 | May 18-24 | May 25-31

 

Friday, May 1, 2020

  • Vancouver Marathon Health & Sports Expo – a running and other health and fitness-themed trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre from 10 am until 7 pm. Admission is free. (CANCELLED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED due to facility closure.)
  • Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Tonight’s performances are Classic TheatreSports and Frisky Friday. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • FlyOver Iceland – a special feature Icelandic-themed film shows at the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place in addition to the regular FlyOver Canada show. (TBD, but likely CLOSED.)
  • 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). (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Garden Events
    • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)
    • Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public at 36737 North Parallel Road. (CANCELLED)
    • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Shipyards Night Market – first night of the season for the evening concert and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver. (POSTPONED until June.)

Saturday, May 2, 2020

  • Farmers Markets
  • Free Comic Book Day – a number of independent 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). (POSTPONED until summer)
  • Motown Meltdown 2020 – a night of music and dancing in support of sight and the charitable organization Seva Canada at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom. (CANCELLED)
  • Out of Dust Concert with Laila Biali – featuring JUNO Award-winning native Vancouver musician and host of CBC’s Saturday Night Jazz Laila Biali at Pyatt Hall at 843 Seymour Street. At the concert she’ll be joined by local Jazz musicians James Danderfer and Jodi Proznick as well as students from the VSO School of Music. (POSTPONED)
  • The Pull of the Net: A Multicultural Celebration – a free family-friendly cultural event at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from 11 am until 4 pm. (POSTPONED)
  • CityFest – a youth-focused festival and the Lower Mainland’s largest skate competition in North Vancouver. (Note: The event was going to take place at Shipbuilders’ Square, but now will happen ONLINE instead.)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour and the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Today’s performances include Classic TheatreSports and The Late Show. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • FlyOver Iceland – a special feature Icelandic-themed film shows at the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place in addition to the regular FlyOver Canada show. (CLOSED.)
  • Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver Marathon Health & Sports Expo – a running and other health and fitness-themed trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre from 10 am until 6 pm. Admission is free. (CANCELLED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED due to facility closure.)
  • Nikkei Spring Bazaar – a Japanese-themed rummage sale at the Nikkei Cultural Centre at 6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby. Free admission. (POSTPONED until October)
  • Garden Events
    • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)
    • Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public at 36737 North Parallel Road. (CANCELLED)
    • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
    • 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 from 10 am until 3 pm. Admission by donation. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • 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). (CANCELLED)
  • Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. ((CANCELLED))

Vancouver 5K Foam Fest

Sunday, May 3, 2020

  • Farmers Markets
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. This evening’s show is Rookie Night. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • FlyOver Iceland – a special feature Icelandic-themed film shows at the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place in addition to the regular FlyOver Canada show. (TBD, but likely CLOSED.)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Really Gay History Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 4 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED due to facility closure.)
  • Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby. (POSTPONED)
  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)
  • Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public at 36737 North Parallel Road. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Flea Markets
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – a large weekly flea market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • 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). (CANCELLED)
    • Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Jazz Vespers
    • At 4 pm in the salons at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • At St. Stephen’s Anglican Church at 885 – 22nd Street in West Vancouver at 4 pm. Admission is by donation. Music with the Saxalamode Quartet. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)

 

Week of May 4th to 10th

May 1-3 | May 4-10 | May 11-17 | May 18-24 | May 25-31

 

Monday, May 4, 2020

  • 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, although not in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year though there is a virtual event hosted by the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco and Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby. (POSTPONED)
  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

  • Cinco de Mayo – a Mexican celebration with various events around town. (TBD)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided evening tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown and Forbidden Vancouver Tour routes. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday). (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Seniors Day at MOV – admission to the Museum of Vancouver is just $5 today for anyone age 65+ (because it’s the first Tuesday of the month). (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby. (POSTPONED)
  • 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 cancelled.)
  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland. (CANCELLED)

2021 Entertainment Coupon Book

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 10 pm and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • 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! (“Tentatively” CANCELLED)
  • Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby. (POSTPONED)
  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)

Thursday, May 7, 2020

  • 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. Today features the Art Deco and Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby. (POSTPONED)
  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours

Friday, May 8, 2020

  • Willowbrook Food Truck Festival – a food truck event at Willowbrook Shopping Centre at 19705 Fraser Highway in Langley between 4 and 10 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Tonight’s performances are Classic TheatreSports and Frisky Friday. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Burnaby Festival of Learning – a series of free learning events at community centres, galleries, libraries, museums, parks and other venues throughout Burnaby. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver Chamber Choir – This Delicate Universe concert at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)
  • Night Markets
    • Shipyards Night Market – an evening concert and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver. (POSTPONED until June.)
    • Richmond Night Market – first day of the season for Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (CANCELLED)

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Mother's Day in Vancouver

Sunday, May 10, 2020

  • 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). And if you wanted to treat her to brunch, but can’t take her to a restaurant, make her brunch at home, or promise to treat her out another time, 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. (CANCELLED)
    • Mother’s Day Tea & Plant Sale – at London Heritage Farm in Richmond. (CANCELLED)
    • Mother’s Day Brunch Buffets – most years on this day a number of restaurants put on fancy brunch events where people can spoil their moms and grandmothers with a wide range of tasty treats. Not so in 2020, however, thanks to COVID-19. As restaurants are closed for dine-in services, people will have to rely on take-out or do the cooking for themselves at home today!
  • Farmers Markets
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Really Gay History Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 4 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with movies showing at venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. This evening’s show is Rookie Night. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (CANCELLED)
  • Summersing Concert with the Bach Choir – the Vancouver Bach Choir performs their final concert of the 2019/20 season at UBC’s Chan Centre. (CANCELLED)
  • Flea Markets
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (CANCELLED)
  • Free Jazz Vespers
    • At 4 pm in the salons at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (CANCELLED)
    • At Northwood United Church at 8855 156th Street in Surrey from 4 to 5 pm. Admission is by donation. (CANCELLED)

 

Week of May 11th to 17th

May 1-3 | May 4-10 | May 11-17 | May 18-24 | May 25-31

 

Monday, May 11, 2020

  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco and Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be! (Note: Many are closed though due to COVID-19, so it’s likely best to stay close to home, or even just walk around the block, all while maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between you and other people who don’t reside with you.)

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

  • 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 cancelled.)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday). (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)

Vancouver TheatreSports

ARTS GROUPS ARE HURTING

Forced to close their doors temporarily, and thus unable to earn revenue as they usually do, arts and cultural organizations are struggling in this world of COVID-19. We all are too. If you have the resources though, and want to support the arts, consider donating to your favourite theatre, cultural or other non-profit group.

Vancouver TheatreSports, for example, has a “Donation Show” campaign. Instead of asking fans of live improv theatre to buy a regular ticket to see a show, they are encouraging people to donate the value of tickets to help them stay afloat and cover their expenses. Every little bit counts, and every contribution is so gratefully appreciated. Thanks for supporting the arts if you can! Together we can beat this pandemic!

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be! (Note: Many are closed though due to COVID-19, so it’s likely best to stay close to home, or even just walk around the block, all while maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between you and other people who don’t reside with you.)

Thursday, May 14, 2020

  • New Westminster Farmers Market – at Tipperary Park in New Westminster from 3 until 7 pm.
  • Roedde House Jazz Evenings in the Parlour – tonight features Shannon Scott, Steve Smith and Dan Reynolds at the Roedde House Museum in Vancouver’s West End (not far from Robson Street). Tickets cost $12 to $15. (CANCELLED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be! (Note: Many are closed though due to COVID-19, so it’s likely best to stay close to home, or even just walk around the block, all while maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between you and other people who don’t reside with you.)

Friday, May 15, 2020

  • Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a 4-day cowboy and cowgirl 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Tonight’s performances are Classic TheatreSports and Frisky Friday. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Night Markets
    • Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (CANCELLED)
    • Shipyards Night Market – an evening concert and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver. (POSTPONED until June.)

Saturday, May 16, 2020

  • Saturday Markets
  • Vancouver All British Field Meet – a car show featuring hundreds of British-built vehicles at VanDusen Garden. (POSTPONED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Today’s performances include Classic TheatreSports and The Late Show. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour and the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver Whitecaps – soccer game against the Nashville SC at BC Place Stadium. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown. Free admission. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. (TBD, bit likely cancelled.)

Victoria Day in Vancouver

Sunday, May 17, 2020

  • Farmers and Other Markets
  • Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a four-day cowboy and cowgirl event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment. (CANCELLED)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Really Gay History Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 4 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • All-British Vancouver-Whistler Run – a continuation of the May 16th 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. (POSTPONED)
  • Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts. (CANCELLED)
  • DOXA Film Festival – last day for the documentary film festival with films showing at different venues around town. (POSTPONED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. This evening’s show is Rookie Night. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Royal Victorian Party – old fashioned celebrations at Stewart Farm in Surrey. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown. Free admission. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Jazz Vespers – at 4 pm in the salons at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)

 

Week of May 18th to 24th

May 1-3 | May 4-10 | May 11-17 | May 18-24 | May 25-31

 

Monday, May 18, 2020

  • 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 (although most events this year will likely be cancelled).
  • Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – a four-day cowboy and cowgirl event with bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment. (CANCELLED)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – a 2-hour walking tour around downtown Vancouver. Today features the Art Deco and Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Whistler Go Fest – a “Great Outdoors Festival” which includes live entertainers in the streets of Whistler Village. (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. (CANCELLED)
  • Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (CANCELLED)

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking ToursForbidden 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday). (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • 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 cancelled.)
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!
    • Note: Most (but not all) provincial parks have reopened for day-use. Parking and vehicle traffic is still also restricted at some city parks, although tennis courts, golf courses and other facilities have now reopened at many venues. If visiting a park be sure to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and other people who don’t reside with you. Stay safe!
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be! (Note: Many are closed though due to COVID-19, so it’s likely best to stay close to home, or even just walk around the block, all while maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between you and other people who don’t reside with you.)

Thursday, May 21, 2020

  • New Westminster Farmers Market – at Tipperary Park in New Westminster from 3 until 7 pm.
  • Jazz in the Vine – live Jazz with Cousin Harley at the Vista D’oro Farms Winery in Langley. (CANCELLED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (CLOSED until further notice)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Beaty Nocturnal – UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum is open by donation tonight from 5 to 8:30 pm. (CLOSED until further notice)

Friday, May 22, 2020

  • Today the Aquabus and False Creek Ferries both resume operations!
  • Ladner May Days – first day of the 3-day community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, amusement rides and fastball tournament. (CANCELLED)
  • Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Richmond’s Lansdowne Centre. (CANCELLED)
  • Surrey International Children’s Festival – art activities, workshops, storytelling and live performances at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Coastal Swap Meet – an automotive-themed swap meet featuring as many as 500 vendors at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. (CANCELLED)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Tonight’s performances are likely Classic TheatreSports and Frisky Friday. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Night Markets
    • Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (CANCELLED)
    • Shipyards Night Market – an evening concert and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver. (POSTPONED until June.)

Saturday, May 23, 2020

  • Saturday Markets
  • Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Richmond’s Lansdowne Centre. (CANCELLED)
  • Rotary Get Inspired Talks – an afternoon and evening of inspirational speakers of all ages at the Granville Island Stage Theatre. The event is a collaborative initiative between Get Inspired Talks Vancouver and area Rotary Clubs. Ticket prices are between $39 and $47 per session. (POSTPONED until November 7, 2020.)
  • 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! (POSTPONED until October.)
  • Ladner May Days – a 3-day community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, amusement rides and fastball tournament. (CANCELLED)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour and the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Hyack International Parade – a parade with over 120 floats, marching bands and other entries in New Westminster. (CANCELLED)
  • Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival LogoCloverdale Food Truck Festival – a food truck event at Surrey’s Shannon Hall. Admission is free. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Coastal Swap Meet – an automotive-themed swap meet featuring as many as 500 vendors at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. (CANCELLED)
  • 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! (POSTPONED until October.)
  • Sporting Events
  • Darts Hill Garden – open house and plant sale from 10 am to 4 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • 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 from 10 am until 3 pm. Admission by donation. (CLOSED until further notice)
  • Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Today’s performances include Classic TheatreSports and The Late Show. (CLOSED until further notice.)

Sunday, May 24, 2020

  • Farmers Markets
  • Ladner May Days – a 3-day community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, amusement rides, pancake breakfast and fastball tournament. (CANCELLED)
  • Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Richmond’s Lansdowne Centre. (CANCELLED)
  • BC Cider Festival – a cider-sampling event at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale District. (CANCELLED)
  • 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! (POSTPONED until October.)
  • Family Fun Day at Britannia Mine – the historic site up the Sea to Sky Highway has special extra activities and exhibits today. (TBD, but likely cancelled as the venue has closed temporarily.)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. This evening’s show is Rookie Night. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Really Gay History Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 4 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • 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.) (CANCELLED)
  • Vistas Run – a 5 km walk/run and 10 km race event benefiting the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society at Kanaka Creek Regional Park. (POSTPONED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Flea Markets
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – a large weekly flea market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (CANCELLED)
  • Free Jazz Vespers
    • At 4 pm in the salons at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • At Northwood United Church at 8855 156th Street in Surrey from 4 to 5 pm. Admission by donation. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)

 

Week of May 25th to 31st

May 1-3 | May 4-10 | May 11-17 | May 18-24 | May 25-31

 

Monday, May 25, 2020

  • Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work (May 25 to 31, 2020). (POSTPONED until the fall.)
  • Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do. (CANCELLED)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – a 2-hour walking tour in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Art Deco and Chocolate Tasting Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!
    • Note: Most (but not all) provincial parks have reopened for day-use. Parking and vehicle traffic is still also restricted at some city parks, although tennis courts, golf courses and other facilities have now reopened at many venues. If visiting a park, because of COVID-19, be sure to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and other people who don’t reside with you. Stay safe!

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

  • Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work (May 25 to 31, 2020). (POSTPONED until the fall.)
  • Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do. (CANCELLED)
  • 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 cancelled.)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday). (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)

2021 Entertainment Coupon Book

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

  • Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work (May 25 to 31, 2020). (POSTPONED until the fall.)
  • Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!
    • Note: Most (but not all) provincial parks have reopened for day-use. Parking and vehicle traffic is still also restricted at some city parks, although tennis courts, golf courses and other facilities have now reopened at many venues. If visiting a park, because of COVID-19, be sure to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and other people who don’t reside with you. Stay safe!

Thursday, May 28, 2020

  • New Westminster Farmers Market – at Tipperary Park in New Westminster from 3 until 7 pm.
  • Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do. (CANCELLED)
  • Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work (May 25 to 31, 2020). (POSTPONED until the fall.)
  • Museum of Vancouver – admission is by donation from 5 pm to 8 pm (as it’s the last Thursday of the month). (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. (CLOSED until further notice.)

Friday, May 29, 2020

  • Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Tonight’s performances are Classic TheatreSports and Frisky Friday. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • 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)
  • Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work (May 25 to 31, 2020). (POSTPONED until the fall.)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours around Gastown and other parts of downtown Vancouver. Today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • 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). (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Night Markets
    • Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (CANCELLED)
    • Shipyards Night Market – an evening concert and market activities at the Lower Lonsdale waterfront in North Vancouver. (POSTPONED until June.)

Vancouver 5K Foam Fest

Saturday, May 30, 2020

  • 5K Foam Fest – a 5 km obstacle course event where you get to slide down slides and run through bubbles, mud and foam. (TIP: Use promo code 5BUCKSOFF and save $5.) (CANCELLED)
  • Saturday Markets
  • Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do. (CANCELLED)
  • Abbotsford Food Truck Festival – a food truck event at Thunderbird Square in the Abbotsford Civic Plaza at 32388 Veterans Way. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • 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! (POSTPONED until October.)
  • 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. (TBD)
  • Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work (May 25 to 31, 2020). (POSTPONED until the fall.)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Art Deco & Chocolate Tasting Tour and the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour at 10 am, the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 7 pm and Lost Souls of Gastown at 8 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – open to the public by donation from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (CANCELLED)
  • 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 from 10 am until 3 pm. Admission by donation. (CLOSED until further notice)
  • The Olde Farmhouse MarketThe Olde Farmhouse – 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. (POSTPONED until further notice.)
  • Family Favourites Movies – $2.99 movies at select Cineplex theatres at 11 am. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. Today’s performances include Classic TheatreSports and The Late Show. (CLOSED until further notice.)

Sunday, May 31, 2020

  • Farmers Markets
  • Royal Canadian Family Circus – under the big top at Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver. (CANCELLED)
  • 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. (CANCELLED)
  • Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a child-focused event featuring live performances, music and kid-friendly things to do. (CANCELLED)
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Really Gay History Tour at 10 am and the Forbidden Vancouver Tour at 4 pm. (CANCELLED)
  • 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! (POSTPONED until October.)
  • European Festival – a festival highlighting European culture at the Vancouver Alpen Club. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Bike to Work Week – a week where people are encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work (May 25 to 31, 2020). (POSTPONED until the fall.)
  • Vancouver TheatreSports – live improv theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island. This evening’s show is Rookie Night. (CLOSED until further notice.)
  • Jazz Vespers
    • At 4 pm in the salons at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • At St. Andrew’s United Church at 1044 St. George’s Avenue in North Vancouver from 4 to 5 pm. Music with Karin Plato. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • The Olde Farmhouse MarketThe Olde Farmhouse – 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. (POSTPONED until further notice.)
  • Flea Markets
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – a large weekly flea market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
    • Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm. (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
  • Richmond Night Market – at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (CANCELLED)

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

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

2020 May Events

Here are other events that may or may not also take place this month in 2020 (with some details to be confirmed):

  • The Rogue Folkies Jam – live music at Mel Lehan Hall at The St. James in Vancouver. (On various dates in May.) (Upcoming events have been postponed.)
  • Spot Prawn Festival – a small event celebrating spot prawn season near Granville Island (mid-May). (CANCELLED in 2020)
  • Playland – Vancouver’s summer amusement park. (Open on various days of the month, but postponed until June 2020.)
  • 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. (Date to be confirmed.)
  • Jurassic World Live Tour – a touring dinosaur exhibit at the Pacific Coliseum (May 21-24, 2020). (CANCELLED)
  • Public Lego Exhibition – Lego toy exhibits at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond (May 2 and 3, 2020). (CANCELLED)
  • Spot Prawn Festival – a small 1-day festival celebrating spot-prawn season at Fishermen’s Wharf not far from Granville Island. (To be confirmed.)
  • 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. (To be confirmed.)
  • Fort Langley Makers Market – a monthly craft fair and celebration in scenic Fort Langley. (Details to be confirmed.)
  • 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.

  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. Head over to Victoria on Vancouver Island for the May Long Weekend and take in the Victoria Day Celebrations over there.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!

 

 

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