What's Happening 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, Sunday and Monday. For a list of what’s happening on other days of the month, see our May Calendar of Events.

This Weekend in Vancouver

Highlights of the of May 10th to 12th include Royal Canadian International Circus shows in Surrey and both the Shipyards Night Market and Richmond Night Market.

Highlights of the Victoria Day Long Weekend of May 17th to 20th include the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair, Royal Canadian International Circus shows in Richmond, and Vancouver All British Field Meet car show at VanDusen Garden. In Vancouver there is both the Vancouver Comic Arts Festival and Vancouver Train Celebrations at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.

Also this weekend there is the Fort Langley Parade & Festival (which includes special events at the fort). In the same community there is Brewhalla Fort Langley and Spirits in the Park.

Playland at the PNE starts up for the season this weekend and there is a PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The Shipyards Night Market and Richmond Night Market are also both happening.

Also this weekend, there are live comedy shows at The Improv Centre on Granville Island, outdoor adventure games with Vancouver Mysteries, walking tours with Forbidden Vancouver, and indoor virtual reality games at Zero Latency.

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 17th, 2024

Victoria Day Long Weekend – special events happen this holiday long weekend in celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday (which was over 200 years ago).
Royal Canadian International Circus – the popular circus has shows in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 pricing on general admission.)
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair – bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment in Surrey.
WildPlay Anti-Gravity Day Camp – the ropes course adventure park in Maple Ridge has an exciting one-day camp program for youth ages 7 to 14.
Shipyards Night Market – market vendors, food trucks, beer garden and live entertainment at the Shipyards in North Vancouver.
Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market in Richmond.
The Improv Centre – live comedy at Granville Island. Today features the Theatresports and Camp What’s-It-Called shows.

Featured Attractions & Activities

FlyOver Canada – a multi-dimensional flying theatre experience at Canada Place. Today also features the films Legendary Iceland: Landscapes and Lore and Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies.
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. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown and Forbidden Vancouver tours.
Vancouver Maritime Museum – a family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: Use the promo code VBP15 and save 15%.)
Guided Tours at the FRDC – tours can be booked for today at New Westminster’s Fraser River Discovery Centre.
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 is an interesting place with free admission.
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 VBP2024.)
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).

Saturday, May 18th, 2024

Victoria Day Long Weekend – special events happen this holiday long weekend in celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday (which was over 200 years ago).
Vancouver All British Field Meet – an amazing car show featuring hundreds of British-built vehicles at beautiful VanDusen Garden.
Royal Canadian International Circus – the popular circus has shows in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 pricing on general admission.)
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair – bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment in Surrey. The parade also happens today.
PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” – the interactive live stage show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre includes music, special effects, and a fun story featuring Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups.
Brewhalla Fort Langley – a craft beer-themed music festival at Fort Langley Park. The music at the event is with Antonio Larosa, SIDE ONE, A-Slam.
Playland at the PNE – the rides at Vancouver’s favourite amusement park run from 11 am until 5 pm. (TIP: Season passes are on sale for a $20 discount, but only until May 20th.)
Fort Langley Hawaiian Luau – the Fort Langley National Historic Site has special activities today to celebrate the connection between Hawaii, the fort and both their peoples since the early 1880s. Admission is free for kids ages 17 and under!
Vancouver Canucks Hockey – if needed, the team plays in Edmonton to continue the playoffs series. (TBC)
Free Canucks Viewing Parties – free, family-friendly viewing parties happen at venues in Vancouver, Burnaby, Delta, Maple Ridge, Port Coquitlam and other communities. (TBC)
Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games, vendors and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown. Free admission.
The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island. Today features the Theatresports and Camp What’s-It-Called shows.

Featured Attractions & Activities

Vancouver Maritime Museum – a family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: Use the promo code VBP15 and save 15%.)
Guided Tours at the FRDC – tours can be booked for today at New Westminster’s Fraser River Discovery Centre.
FlyOver Canada – a multi-dimensional flying theatre experience at Canada Place. Today also features the films Legendary Iceland: Landscapes and Lore and Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown, Hidden History & Sweet Treats, Dark Secrets of Stanley Park, and Forbidden Vancouver tours.
Vancouver Mysteries Games – play an outdoor adventure game in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% when booking online.)
Chinese Canadian Museum – a museum that’s full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
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 VBP2024.)
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).
Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is an interesting place with free admission.
Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
Railway Museum of BC – a large museum with trains and railway artifacts in Squamish.

Saturday Markets

Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – in Abbotsford.
Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – in the parking lot of Burnaby’s City Hall.
Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – in Fort Langley.
Haney Farmers Market – at the Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge.
Riley Park Farmers Market – at Riley Park near Nat Bailey Stadium.
Richmond Night Market – Vancouver’s famous weekend Asian market in Richmond.
Squamish Farmers Market – in downtown Squamish from 10 am to 3 pm.
Trout Lake Farmers Market – at Vancouver’s John Hendry Park.
West End Farmers Market – at 1100 Comox Street.
Vancouver Flea Market – at 703 Terminal Avenue.

Sunday, May 19th, 2024

Victoria Day Long Weekend – lots of special events happen this holiday long weekend in celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday (which was over 200 years ago).
Royal Canadian International Circus – the popular circus has shows in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 pricing on general admission.)
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair – bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment in Surrey.
PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” – the interactive live stage show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre includes music, special effects, and a fun story featuring Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups.
Spirits in the Park – an all-inclusive BC spirits and drinks tasting event showcasing 20 distilleries, wineries, breweries and cideries.
Vancouver Train Celebrations – an event commemorating the anniversary of the arrival of the Engine 374 Locomotive and first passenger train in Vancouver over 130 years ago. There are usually speeches, cake and brass band music at the Roundhouse.
Playland at the PNE – the rides at Vancouver’s favourite amusement park run from 11 am until 5 pm. (TIP: Season passes are on sale for a $20 discount, but only until May 20th.)
Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games, vendors and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown. Free admission.
ABFM All-Brits Run – about 100 cars from the All British Field Meet from the day before drive to Harrison Hot Springs.
Improv Centre Theatre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island. Today’s show is House Teams.

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%.)
Vancouver Maritime Museum – a family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
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. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown, Forbidden Vancouver, Hidden History & Sweet Treats, and Really Gay History tours.
FlyOver Canada – a multi-dimensional flying theatre experience at Canada Place. Today also features the films Legendary Iceland: Landscapes and Lore and Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies.
Chinese Canadian Museum – a museum that’s full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
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 VBP2024.)
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).
Guided Tours at the FRDC – tours can be booked for today at New Westminster’s Fraser River Discovery Centre.
Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is an interesting place with free admission.
Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
Railway Museum of BC – a large museum with trains and railway artifacts in Squamish.

Sunday Markets

Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – in West Vancouver.
Coquitlam Farmers Market – at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
Kitsilano Farmers Market – outside the Kitsilano Community Centre in Vancouver.
Steveston Village Farmers Market – in the parking lot of the Steveston Community Centre.
Whistler Farmers Market – near the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
White Rock Farmers Market – at 15154 Russell Avenue in White Rock.
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.

Monday, May 20th, 2024

Victoria Day – the statutory holiday features numerous special events throughout the Lower Mainland.
Royal Canadian International Circus – the popular circus has shows in Richmond. (TIP: Use promo code VANSBESTPLACES and get 2-for-1 pricing on general admission.)
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair – bucking broncos, a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment in Surrey.
Fort Langley Parade & Fort Events – historic demonstrations at the fort and a community fair in a park following the Fort Langley May Day Parade.
May Day at the Fort – the Fort Langley National Historic Site has special activities today as part of the community’s May Day celebrations. Admission is free for children and youth ages 17 and under.
Vancouver Canucks Hockey – if needed, the team plays against Edmonton at Rogers Arena. (TBC)
Free Canucks Viewing Parties – free, family-friendly viewing parties happen at venues in Vancouver, Burnaby, Delta, Maple Ridge, Port Coquitlam and other communities. (TBC)
Lower Mainland Parks – if good weather, various parks and places in nature can be “best places” to be!

Featured Attractions & Activities

Vancouver Maritime Museum – a family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown and Hidden History & Sweet Treats tours.
Vancouver Mysteries Games – play an outdoor adventure game in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% when booking online.)
FlyOver Canada – a multi-dimensional flying theatre experience at Canada Place. Today also features the films Legendary Iceland: Landscapes and Lore and Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies.
Chinese Canadian Museum – a museum that’s full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
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 VBP2024.)
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).
WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: Use the promo code VBP15 and save 15%.)
Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).

UPCOMING EVENTS

Highlights of the weekend of May 24th to 26th include Ladner May Days in Delta, the West of Main Art Walk in Vancouver, Hyack Parade & Festival in New Westminster, and the BC Polish Festival in Port Coquitlam. There is also a Thomas the Train event at the BC Railway Museum in Squamish and the Big Jungle Run in Burnaby. For people who like music, there is a concert with the VAM Symphony Orchestra at the Orpheum Theatre and free Youth Concert Showcase Series performances with the Fort Langley Jazz Festival.

Other events next weekend include Playland at the PNE, the Shipyards Night Market (which is free) and the Richmond Night Market. (which costs $8.50). There is also the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History.

More fun activities this time of year include outdoor games with Vancouver Mysteries, walking tours with Forbidden Vancouver, live comedy at The Improv Centre, and virtual reality games at Zero Latency in both Vancouver and Langley. There are also ropes course adventures at WildPlay Element Park in Maple Ridge.