Vancouver This Weekend

Wondering what to do in Vancouver this weekend? Lots of events are happening in the Lower Mainland including festivals, theatre performances and more.

See below for a list of what’s taking place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For a list of what’s happening on other days of the month, see our May calendars of events.

Click on any of the following to skip to a specific section:

Weekend Overview | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Other Upcoming Events

Events This Weekend in Vancouver

Highlights of the weekend of May 1st to 3rd include Brewhalla North Vancouver, the White Rock Night Market, Search for the Perfect Pint, Buddy & Friends Festival and Vancouver Marathon. There is also the Vancouver Opera Gala.

This weekend is your last chance to see most flower festivals, including Sweet Spring at Greendale Acres, the Harrison Tulip Festival, and Abbotsford Tulip Festival (although the latter continues with other varieties of flowers for a few more weeks). For baseball fans, there are games with the Vancouver Canadians at Nat Bailey Stadium.

For those who want to see a show, there is both The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe at Presentation House Theatre and Singers in a Smoky Room with First Impressions Theatre in North Vancouver. La Bohème is at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with Vancouver Opera. There is also is improvisational theatre at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. At Flyover at Canada Place there are the films Awaken Canada and Beyond Chicago.

Other things to do this weekend include walking tours with Forbidden Vancouver, games with Vancouver Mysteries, outdoor adventures with WildPlay in Maple Ridge, and indoor virtual reality battles with Zero Latency. There are also lots of great museums to visit including the Chinese Canadian Museum, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Fort Langley, Britannia Mine, Museum of Surrey and many others.

See below for a list of what’s taking place, when and where. As you’ll see, so much is happening in the Lower Mainland!

Friday, May 1st, 2026

Brewhalla North Vancouver – a craft beer festival in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
Vancouver Opera Gala – a fancy reception, dinner and fundraising event for Vancouver Opera on the set of the La Bohème opera production at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
White Rock Night Market – vendors and live music by the pier and promenade in White Rock.
Ridge Meadows Home Show – a trade show in Maple Ridge that also features amusement rides, food trucks, live entertainment and other family-friendly activities.
Stitch-a-Charm – a free felt-stitching workshop for teenagers at Place des Arts in Coquitlam.
Search for the Perfect Pint – a craft beer-tasting event put on by the local Rotary Club at Port Moody City Hall.

Shows & Concerts

First Impressions Theatre – the rockin’ 80s show Singers in a Smoky Room is at Deep Cove Theatre in North Vancouver.
Improv Centre Theatre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival at various venues around town.
The Old Woman Who Live in a Shoe – a play for young children and their families at Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver.

Flower Festivals

Harrison Tulip Festival – a flower festival showcasing stunning mountain views and 14 million tulips over the course of its season. It’s the largest tulip festival in Canada and recognized as the “World’s Most Instagrammable Tulip Farm”.
Abbotsford Tulip Festival – one of the largest displays of tulips in Canada at Lakeland Flowers.
Sweet Spring at Greendale Acres – a family-friendly spring flower festival with baby farm animals and tons of activities for children in Chilliwack.

Other Festivals & Events

Vancouver Marathon Health & Sports Expo – a running and other health and fitness-themed trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Admission is free.
Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market in Richmond.

Featured Museums & Historic Sites

Vancouver Maritime Museum – a family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
Bill Reid Gallery – free admission at the Indigenous art gallery from 2 until 5 pm (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
Chinese Canadian Museum – a museum that’s full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 4 pm to 8 pm (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway).
Harrison Sasquatch Museum – exhibits about local culture and folklore in Harrison Hot Springs.
Kilby Historic Site – a museum and historic farm in Harrison Mills in the Fraser Valley.

Other Featured Attractions & Activities

WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: Use the promo code VBP15 and save 15%.)
Flyover at Canada Place – the film Awaken Canada shows at the multi-dimensional theatre in Vancouver. Also playing is the feature film Believe Chicago.
Capilano Suspension Bridge – the world-famous attraction is a great place to visit. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
Zero Latency – a virtual reality games centre where you can battle zombies, aliens and other creatures in Vancouver and Langley. (TIP: Save 10% when you book your game with the promo code VBP10.)
Vancouver Mysteries Games – play an outdoor adventure game in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% when booking online.)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

Buddy & Friends Festival – a family-friendly festival with live entertainment and train rides takes place at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
Ridge Meadows Home Show – a trade show in Maple Ridge that also features amusement rides, food trucks, live entertainment and other family-friendly activities.
TJ Fest – a multicultural and Taiwanese-themed community event at the Tian Jin Temple in Burnaby.
Vancouver Marathon Health & Sports Expo – a running and other health and fitness-themed trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Admission is free.
Vancouver Marathon Kids Run – the Kids Run takes place today in Stanley Park for children ages 5 to 12.

Shows, Concerts and Theatre

First Impressions Theatre – the rockin’ 80s show Singers in a Smoky Room is at Deep Cove Theatre in North Vancouver.
La Bohème Opera – presented by Vancouver Opera, the famous Italian opera by Giacomo Puccini shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Improv Centre Theatre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival at various venues around town.
Orpheum Tours – guided tours of Vancouver’s iconic theatre.
The Old Woman Who Live in a Shoe – a play for young children and their families at Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver.

Flower Festivals

Abbotsford Tulip Festival – one of the largest displays of tulips in Canada at Lakeland Flowers.
Harrison Tulip Festival – a flower festival showcasing stunning mountain views and 14 million tulips over the course of its season. It’s the largest tulip festival in Canada and recognized as the “World’s Most Instagrammable Tulip Farm”.
Sweet Spring at Greendale Acres – a family-friendly spring flower festival with baby farm animals and tons of activities for children in Chilliwack.

Featured Museums & Historic Sites

Vancouver Maritime Museum – a family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
Chinese Canadian Museum – a museum that’s full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway).
Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
Kilby Historic Site – a museum and historic farm in Harrison Mills in the Fraser Valley.

Other Featured Attractions & Activities

WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: Use the promo code VBP15 and save 15%.)
Flyover at Canada Place – the film Awaken Canada shows at the multi-dimensional theatre in Vancouver. Also playing is the feature film Believe Chicago.
Capilano Suspension Bridge – the world-famous attraction is a great place to visit. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Mysteries Games – play an outdoor adventure game in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% when booking online.)
The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
Zero Latency – a virtual reality games centre where you can battle zombies, aliens and other creatures in Vancouver and Langley. (TIP: Save 10% when you book your game with the promo code VBP10.)

Saturday Markets

Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – at 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley.
Haney Farmers Market – at the Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge.
Riley Park Farmers Market – a small to medium-sized market near Nat Bailey Stadium. (TBC)
Squamish Farmers Market – in downtown Squamish. (TBC)
Trout Lake Farmers Market – at Vancouver’s John Hendry Park. (TBC)
Vancouver Flea Market – at 703 Terminal Avenue.
Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market in Richmond.

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026

Buddy & Friends Festival – a family-friendly festival with live entertainment and train rides takes place at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
Ridge Meadows Home Show – a trade show in Maple Ridge that also features amusement rides, food trucks, live entertainment and other family-friendly activities.
TJ Fest – a multicultural and Taiwanese-themed community event at the Tian Jin Temple in Burnaby.
Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Today admission is “pay-what-you-can” because it’s the first Sunday of the month.)
Vancouver Marathon – a major running race with marathon, half marathon and 8K events.

Shows & Entertainment

La Bohème Opera – presented by Vancouver Opera, the famous Italian opera by Giacomo Puccini shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
The Old Woman Who Live in a Shoe – a play for young children and their families at Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver.
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival at various venues around town.
Flyover at Canada Place – the film Awaken Canada shows at the multi-dimensional theatre in Vancouver. Also playing is the feature film Believe Chicago.
Jazz Vespers in Surrey – at Northwood United Church at 8855 156th Street in Surrey. Admission is by donation. Today features the Vancouver Groove Orchestra.

Flower Festivals

Abbotsford Tulip Festival – one of the largest displays of tulips in Canada at Lakeland Flowers. (Pianist Brenda Cottrill performs today in the evening.)
Harrison Tulip Festival – a flower festival showcasing stunning mountain views and 14 million tulips over the course of its season. It’s the largest tulip festival in Canada and recognized as the “World’s Most Instagrammable Tulip Farm”.
Sweet Spring at Greendale Acres – a family-friendly spring flower festival with baby farm animals and tons of activities for children in Chilliwack.

Featured Museums & Historic Sites

Kilby Historic Site – a museum and historic farm in Harrison Mills in the Fraser Valley.
Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
Museum of Vancouver – admission is by donation because it’s the first Sunday of the month.
Chinese Canadian Museum – a museum that’s full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway).

Other Featured Attractions & Activities

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Mysteries Games – play an outdoor adventure game in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% when booking online.)
WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: Use the promo code VBP15 and save 15%.)
Capilano Suspension Bridge – the world-famous attraction is a great place to visit. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
Zero Latency – a virtual reality games centre where you can battle zombies, aliens and other creatures in Vancouver and Langley. (TIP: Save 10% when you book your game with the promo code VBP10.)

Sunday Markets

Coquitlam Farmers Market – at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam. (TBC)
Kitsilano Farmers Market – outside the Kitsilano Community Centre. (TBC)
White Rock Farmers Market – in White Rock between 10 am and 2 pm.
Cloverdale Flea Market – at the Cloverdale fairgrounds in Surrey.
Vancouver Flea Market – at 703 Terminal Avenue.
Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market in Richmond.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

Highlights of the weekend of May 8th to 10th include the Rotary May Day Parade, Royal Canadian Circus, a pARTy@PdA: Sip, Paint, Create event, Mother’s Day Powwow, Mother’s Day Brunches and other Mother’s Day activities,

For folks who want to see a show, there is Singers in a Smoky Room with First Impressions Theatre on the North Shore and the musical Legally Blonde with Metro Theatre in Vancouver. There is also is improvisational theatre at The Improv Centre on Granville Island and the films Awaken Canada and Beyond Chicago at Flyover.

If you you like classical music, both Chor Leoni and the United Voices Choir have concerts in Vancouver.

Other things to do this time of year include walking tours with Forbidden Vancouver, outdoor adventure games with Vancouver Mysteries, indoor virtual reality games with Zero Latency, and ropes courses and ziplines at WildPlay in Maple Ridge. There are also lots of great museums to visit including the Chinese Canadian Museum, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Fort Langley, Britannia Mine, Museum of Surrey and many others.