Home April Events Free April Events in Vancouver

Free April Events in Vancouver

March 28, 2026

There are lots of free things to do in Vancouver in April 2026 including Vaisakhi Festivals, markets and cherry blossom-viewing activities.

Free Vancouver Activities in April 2026

For a list of some of the best things to do in April including activities that aren’t free, check out the April Events Calendar.

For a list of the best FREE (or almost free) special events this month, see below.

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

In addition to checking out all the free activities listed below on specific dates, click Vancouver on a Budget for a list of activities that don’t cost a lot of money throughout the year.

Monday, April 13th (2026)

Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island, Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Museum of Surrey, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Museum, Harrison Sasquatch Museum and Stewart Farm. See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission. For a list of other free and extra affordable places, see our article about Vancouver on a Budget.

Tuesday, April 14th (2026)

Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at the West Vancouver Public Library.
Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – an informal drumming event at Third Beach in Stanley Park from early evening until sunset (but only on sunny days). A few people arrive with their drums and many more just show up for the fun!
Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.

Wednesday, April 15th (2026)

Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at the West Vancouver Public Library.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

Thursday, April 16th (2026)

Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at the West Vancouver Public Library.
Beaty Nocturnal – admission to UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum is by donation this evening between 5:00 and 8:30 pm.
New West Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce and other products at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

Friday, April 17th (2026)

Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at the West Vancouver Public Library.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

Other Events on A Budget

Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – kids ages 17 and under are free at the historic site in Steveston Village.
- Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Museum, Harrison Sasquatch Museum and Stewart Farm. (See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission.)

Saturday, April 18th (2026)

Vive les Voyageurs Festival – a special event celebrating the history and culture of 19th century French-Canadian and Métis fur traders at Fort Langley National Historic Site. (General admission applies, which means kids ages 17 and under get in for free.)
SV Maple Leaf at Heritage Harbour – a tall ship is in the harbour outside the Vancouver Maritime Museum from 5:30 until 8:30 pm. Admission to see it is free. Admission to an evening talk is just $5.
Surrey Vaisakhi Parade – a massive East Indian cultural event with music, parade floats and free food in Surrey.
Made in the 604 Market – a pop-up artisan market at Heritage Hall in Vancouver.
Earth Day in Maple Ridge – free, family-friendly activities happen in Memorial Peace Park between 10 am and 2 pm.
Riley Park Farmers Market – at Nat Bailey Stadium and Riley Park between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Squamish Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in Squamish.
Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

Sunday, April 19th (2026)

Made in the 604 Market – a pop-up artisan market at Heritage Hall in Vancouver.
Jazz Vespers – at 3:30 pm at Northwood United Church in Surrey. Today features the Inlet Jazz Band. Admission is by donation.
Port Moody Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $2, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

Monday, April 20th (2026)

Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

Tuesday, April 21st (2026)

Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – an informal drumming event at Third Beach in Stanley Park from early evening until sunset (but only on sunny days). A few people arrive with their drums and many more just show up for the fun!
Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

Wednesday, April 22nd (2026)

Earth Day – a day that’s commemorated around the world with activities that celebrate the planet we live on and the importance of taking care of it. Various environmental-themed activities take place around the Lower Mainland.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

Thursday, April 23rd (2026)

New West Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce and other products at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s Best Parks and Places in Nature.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).

Other Events on A Budget

Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – kids ages 17 and under are free at the historic site in Steveston Village.
- Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Museum, Harrison Sasquatch Museum and Stewart Farm. (See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission.)

Friday, April 24th (2026)

Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

Saturday, April 25th (2026)

Chilliwack Party in the Park – a Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival event at Central Community Park in Chilliwack.
Koningsdag – free family-friendly activities celebrating the Dutch king’s birthday in North Vancouver at the Shipyards.
Surrey’s Party for the Planet – a family-friendly Earth Day event outside Surrey City Hall.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

Saturday Markets

Riley Park Farmers Market – at Nat Bailey Stadium and Riley Park between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Squamish Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in Squamish.
Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.

Sunday, April 26th (2026)

Chilliwack Party in the Park – a Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival event at Central Community Park in Chilliwack.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – the free museum in Cloverdale currently has a special, interactive exhibit about hockey.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

Sunday Markets

Port Moody Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $2, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.

Monday, April 27th (2026)

Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

Tuesday, April 28th (2026)

Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – an informal drumming event at Third Beach in Stanley Park from early evening until sunset (but only on sunny days). A few people arrive with their drums and many more just show up for the fun!
Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – an interesting museum with free admission in Cloverdale.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

Wednesday, April 29th (2026)

Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – an interesting museum with free admission in Cloverdale.
Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

Thursday, April 30th (2026)

New West Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce and other products at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park.
Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Museum of Surrey – an interesting museum with free admission in Cloverdale.
If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s Best Parks and Places in Nature.
If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free). Or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).

Other Events on A Budget

Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – kids ages 17 and under are free at the historic site in Steveston Village.
- Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Museum, Harrison Sasquatch Museum and Stewart Farm. (See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission.)