15 fun things to do in Vancouver this May: Foodie festivals, night markets, flower farms, and more
May is officially here and there are so many exciting things to do in Vancouver this month.
From food festivals to night markets and Playland opening for the season, the month of may is jam packed with fun activities.
Some of these events have an admission fee while others are free so you can pick and choose how much you want to spend on activities this month.
Here are 15 fun things to do in and around Metro Vancouver this month.
Shipyards Night Market
Price: Free admission
When: Runs from May 10 until September 13, 2024
Address: 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The Shipyards Night Market is back this month with many fun activities you can enjoy with friends or family.
The popular free night market features food trucks, a beer garden, crafts, vendors and live bands on Friday nights.
Playland
Price: $33 for a fun pass advanced ticket, $45 for a thrill pass advanced ticket
When: Opens on May 18, 2024
Address: 1910 Hastings Park, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: It feels like summer is just around the corner when Playland opens for the season. The amusement park opens on May 18 and runs until August 16, 2024.
The park has loads of fun rides, games and other activities for you to enjoy. This year you can also take a ride on Playland's new ride the ThunderVolt, Canada's faster electric launch coaster.
Abbotsford flower festival
Price: $8 (Monday to Friday), $15 (Saturday and Sunday)
When: Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to dark
Address: 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford
Why You Should Go: The Abbotsford Tulip Festival marked the start of the Summer Flower Festival at Lakeland Flowers.
In May you can wander the tulip fields and 100 varieties of peonies are expected to bloom.
Free night at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Price: Free admission
When: May 4, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The Vancouver Art Gallery is hosting a free night on the first Friday in May. That means you can check out the gallery's latest installations and programs without spending a dime.
Due to popular demand, the gallery recommends reserving a spot in advance so you're guaranteed a free spot.
Saturday Skate Party
Price: $16 - $28
When: Saturday evenings (5-7 p.m. for all ages and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. 19+)
Address: 2901 E Hasting Rollerland Building, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Grab your friends and go check out a skate party at Rolla Skate Club in Vancouver. The club hosts a public skating party with live entertainment every Saturday. There's usually a theme so make sure you dress up for the occasion!
Richmond Night Market
Price: $8.50 for general admission, $40 for a Zoom Pass
When: Runs from April 26 until October 14, 2024, weekend evenings (Fridays to Sundays) as well as on long-weekend Mondays
Address: 8351 River Rd, Richmond
Why You Should Go: The Richmond Night Market is a beloved event in B.C. that draws thousands of visitors every year.
The market is a hub for Asian culture and cuisine and features innovative foods like chicken lollipops, kimchi bacon rolls and Japanese poutine.
Vancouver Canadians baseball game
Price: Starting at $20
When: Various dates in May
Address: 4601 Ontario St, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Baseball season has begun in Vancouver meaning you can head to a game at Nat Bailey Stadium this month. The Vancouver Canadians have 10 home games scheduled in May with the first one happening on May 7.
Tian Jin (TJ) Festival
Price: Free admission
When: May 4 and 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 3426 Smith Ave, Burnaby
Why You Should Go: You can feast on authentic Taiwanese street foods at Burnaby's TJ Fest. The event will also have outdoor performances showcasing the community's diverse cultures and free carnival-style games for all to enjoy.
TJ Fest website
Science World After Dark
Price: $35
When: May 30, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: This 19+ event is a great night out for adults at Science World every month. You can enjoy the exhibits and galleries while sipping drinks, eating food and listening to music.
Cheap movies at Cineplex
Price: $3.99 plus tax
When: Fridays in May
Address: Cineplex locations around Vancouver
Why You Should Go: If you want to have a budget-friendly night out, Cineplex is hosting $3.99 movie nights at its locations across B.C.
The movies featured in May include Wonka on May 3, Peter Rabbit 2 on May 10, Migration on May 17 and Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse on May 24.
Avril Lavigne concert
Price: Starting at $181
When: May 22, 2024
Address: Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Canadian singer Avril Lavigne is kicking off her "Greatest Hits Tour" in Vancouver on May 22. The musician will be joined by special guests All Time Low and Royal and the Serpent.
Ticketmaster website
Food Truck Festival Mother's Day Edition
Price: Free admission
When: May 11 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and May 12 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Address: BCIT Burnaby, 3700 Willingdon Avenue
Why You Should Go: Take your mom to a special edition food truck festival for Mother's Day. You two can enjoy live music, shopping from local artisan vendors and some great food from 20 food trucks that will be on site.
Chilliwack Party in the Park
Price: Free admission
When: May 4 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and May 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Central Community Park, 45951 Victoria Ave, Chilliwack
Why You Should Go: A fun two-day event is coming to Central Community Park the first weekend of May.
The Chilliwack Party in the Park will blend the magic of Star Wars and the vibrant spirit of Cinco de Mayo for a fun celebration. Organizers encourage you to show up in your best costumes for a chance to win $50 in food truck dollars. There will also be live entertainment, a beer garden, an artisan market and a kid zone.
Vancouver British Car Show
Price: $20.50 for adult ticket
When: May 18, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The Vancouver All British Field Meet returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden this month for its annual car show. There will be nearly 500 cars in 62 different classes as well as live entertainment, food trucks, vendor booths, high tea options and more.
Ourofest
Price: By donation
When: May 25-28, 2024
Address: Various locations
Why You Should Go: This four-day street festival features dance battles and performances by local and national artists. You can also take part in a workshop, for an additional charge, if you're interested in learning more about different street dance styles.
Destination Vancouver website
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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