Home Special Events Free May Events in Vancouver in 2020

Free May Events in Vancouver in 2020

Free Events in Vancouver in May

There are so many free things to do in May in Vancouver including Victoria Day celebrations, Ladner May Days, markets and other fun activities.

In May there are also night markets, food truck festivals, parades, the BMO Vancouver Marathon to watch, and a number of other free fun events. See below for details.

COVID-19 AND FREE THINGS TO DO

NOTE: As a result of the current coronavirus pandemic, most events and attractions in the Vancouver area (and entire province) this spring have ceased operations temporarily or been cancelled or postponed.

Before heading out to an event or venue over the next few weeks, check out your destination’s official website to make sure that it’s still open to the public. Also, as much as possible, maintain appropriate physical distancing, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. Together we can beat this virus!

For more information about the coronavirus and its impact on the Lower Mainland, see our article about Vancouver COVID-19 Closures & Cancellations. For a list of ideas of things to do while staying at home, see our article about Rainy Day Activities.

Free Vancouver Activities in May 2020

For a list of May events including activities that aren’t free, click May Events Calendar.

For a list of FREE (and almost free) activities and 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 great activities that don’t cost a lot of money throughout the year.

Note: Schedules are subject to change, especially given the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Check official websites for exact details.

Sunday, May 31st (2020)

  • Vancouver Turkic Festival – a live music and family-friendly cultural activities at Shipbuilders’ Square in North Vancouver. (CANCELLED)
  • Jazz Vespers
    • From 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the salons at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (TBC, but likely cancelled.)
    • At St. Andrew’s United Church in North Vancouver at 1044 St. George’s Avenue from 4:00 until 5:00 pm. (TBC, but likely cancelled.)
  • Farmers Markets
  • Flea Markets
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – a giant market with primarily (but not exclusively) second-hand goods between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm in Surrey. Admission is $1.50, but free for kids ages 12 and under. (TBC, but likely cancelled.)
    • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap. (TBC, but likely cancelled.)
    • Abbotsford Flea Market – a market at 32470 Haida Drive in Abbotsford from 6:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. Admission is just $1.00, but free for kids under 10 years of age. (TBC, but likely cancelled.)

Monday, June 1st (2020)

  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

Kidsworld Program

Tuesday, June 2nd (2020)

  • Vancouver Art Gallery – admission to the city’s main art gallery at 750 Hornby Street is by donation today between 5:00 and 9:00 pm. (TBC, although likely cancelled.)
  • Seniors Day at MOV – for anyone over the age of 65 admission to the museum costs $5 today (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap). (TBC, although likely cancelled.)
  • 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! (TBC)
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap). (CANCELLED)

Wednesday, June 3rd (2020)

  • Main Street Farmers Market – first market of the season between 2:00 and 6:00 pm outside Central Pacific Station.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

Thursday, June 4th (2020)

  • New Westminster Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

2020 Entertainment Coupon Book

Friday, June 5th (2020)

  • Surrey Greek Food Festival – at 13181 96th Avenue in Surrey. You pay for the food, but the entertainment and admission is free. (To be confirmed, but likely cancelled.)
  • West Vancouver Bridge Festival – a family-friendly event featuring a beach parade, live music, community information booths and other activities at Ambleside Park. (CANCELLED)
  • Darts Hill Garden – a semi-private garden in South Surrey that’s open by donation between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. (TBC)
  • Shipyard Night Market – market activities and a free concert from 5:00 until 10:00 pm not far from Lonsdale Quay. (TBC)

Other Information

For a more complete list of things to do in May, including activities that aren’t free, see Vancouver’s May Events Calendar.

And for a list of great activities that don’t cost a lot of money throughout the year, click Vancouver on a Budget.

 

 

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