May is a time to demonstrate our thanks to mothers everywhere, a time to get out into the garden, and a time to enjoy longer days. May 1, has long signified the beginning of spring, so it’s also time to celebrate. Metro Vancouver is always a hive of activity as it ramps up for this busy season, which brings with it less rain and more sun. Spring brings with it, incredible immersive experiences, live performances, fun-filled family events and culinary adventures.
Remember to look for any early booking discount codes. We have actually listed more than 28 marvelous things to do in Vancouver because new events keep popping up and we don’t want you to miss any of them. If we have missed your favourite May event, let us know in the comments below and make sure to subscribe for the latest updates. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s always something exciting happening in Vancouver. If you’re short on time and want to experience the best, be sure to check out our curated list of day trips from the city. Vancouver has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural festivals, so get ready to explore! Remember berry season runs from mid-May until the middle of September. Find out where to find the freshest berries.
If you are heading to Vancouver Island soon, start planning with our guides to Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni.
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Best things to do in Vancouver in May
Vancouver May Events and Festivals
Playland Amusement Park – May 17 until August 15, 2025, on select days
Vancouver’s favourite amusement park opens for the season on May 17 and is open on select days until August 15 before the PNE opens. There are more than 30 rides and attractions for all levels of thrill-seekers. ThunderVolt’s 1.3 Gs of acceleration propel riders into an 18-metre drop. There is plenty of action with attractions, midway games and more. Buy a pass for the season or single tickets.
Cinco de Mayo – May 5, 2025
There are many events planned to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Metro Vancouver, and you’ll find numerous restaurants and pubs offering Mexican-themed food.
The Secret Garden at H Tasting Lounge – now to May 11
Be transported into spring with lunch or dinner at The Secret Garden, or with an Around the World in 80 Days Afternoon Tea at H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore. It’s always a special treat to dine within your own private sanctuary. This dreamy reimagined space where pastel-hued hot air balloons float overhead, cascading floral garlands drape from above, and flower-adorned archways invite you in. You’ll be enveloped in a soft, ethereal glow, surrounded by the fresh blooms and delicate pastels of spring. Savour artfully crafted cocktails and exquisite modern-coastal cuisine while taking in sweeping waterfront views. Indulge in coastal delights such as albacore tuna salad, char-grilled Pacific octopus or crispy Humboldt squid. Coastal mains include Haida Gwaii halibut and sablefish, or a West Coast seafood paella. For those craving something heartier, options include a decadent A5 Wagyu steak, tender boneless short ribs, the signature HTL Smash Burger, and more. Cocktails offer original uniquely inspired creations like the vodka-based Little Green Island, alongside classics such as the foamy Nitro Cosmo.
Around the World in 80 Days Afternoon Tea at H Tasting Lounge – Weekends March 8 – May 10, 2025
Experience faraway lands through the flavours of tea and an enchanting selection of sweet and savoury treats. Rather than the usual finger sandwiches, Around the World in 80 Days Afternoon Tea features a globally inspired menu. Savour a delicate pastel macaron reminiscent of Paris in the Moulin Rouge era, or indulge in the bold spices of a chocolate cardamom cake inspired by the vibrant streets of Bombay. Experience Italy with a decadent cacio e pepe risotto, be transported by Egyptian-inspired pastries, or take a virtual trip to Hong Kong with a deconstructed pork spring roll. Elevate your journey with fine Champagne by the glass or bottle, or explore an exquisite selection of black, white, green, oolong, and herbal teas from O-Five Rare Tea and Tea Leaves. A children’s tea features fluffy cotton candy, tasty scones, bite-sized tea sandwiches, irresistible s’mores pie, and more.
Art of Teppanyaki – Kobe Japanese Steakhouse – Monday-Thursday, now until May 31, 2025
Indulge in an authentic Japanese steakhouse experience at Kobe Steakhouse. Experience the ancient and time-honoured culinary art of Teppanyaki — hibachi-style cooking where skilled master chefs and showmen turn each visit into dinner and an entertaining show.
Kobe’s Art of Teppanyaki set menu features appetizers (seasonal vegetables, grilled shrimp, Shabu Shabu soup), flame-kissed and butter-basted tiger prawns, premium-cut sirloin steak and tender teriyaki chicken, sautéed bean sprouts, steamed Japanese rice and artisanal gelato for dessert for only $58 per person plus tax and gratuity.
For more than five decades, Vancouver’s Kobe Japanese Steakhouse has paid homage to the culinary art of Teppanyaki in the cozy and intimate setting of a traditional Japanese country inn.
SIX – The Musical – Broadway Across Canada – May 13-18, 2025
Don’t miss SIX! I have seen this high-energy show twice in New York City and can highly recommend it. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power! SIX won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Mother’s Day – May 10-11, 2025
Looking for the perfect Vancouver Mother’s Day brunch or afternoon tea? From luxurious buffets to elegant afternoon teas, here’s where to go.
Mother’s Day Traditional Pow Wow at Trout Lake – May 9-11, 2025
The annual three-day traditional Pow Wow features dancing and drumming and will occur outside on the southwest baseball diamond of John Hendry Park. More information can be found here.
Mother’s Day Celebration at Lavendarland in Richmond – May 10, 2025
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend by walking together to support vegetarianism, enjoy the food fair, and support environmental sustainability. The Vancouver Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Association puts on this event.
Madame Butterfly – April 26 to May 4, 2025
Vancouver Opera’s season finale presents one of the greatest works in operatic history, Puccini’s masterpiece Madama Butterfly, through love, heartbreak, hope, and tragedy. Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
West Side Story Returns to Vancouver – May 8–24, 2025
For the first time since 2016, the Broadway Classic, West Side Story is back in Vancouver, courtesy of CTORA at Granville Island Stage. Directed by Chris Adams with original 1957 choreography restored by Suzanne Ouellette, this production features a 14-piece live orchestra and a jaw-dropping 16-foot set. The musical’s themes of love, division and social injustice (racism, classism, hate) still hit home today. Get tickets here.
Inner Elder at Firehall Arts Centre – May 22-31, 2025
Nuxalk Strong: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun – until Jan 5, 2025
MOA presents the world’s first-ever exhibition on the Nuxalk Nation of Bella Coola, showcasing Indigenous sovereignty and reclamation. This exhibition is dedicated solely to the Nuxalk Nation, which has lived for more than 14,000 years on the central Northwest Coast in Bella Coola, B.C.
Discover the rich culture and worldview of the Nuxalk Nation and how the community is taking actions to strengthen and create robust futures for itself, including the revitalization of Nuxalk language, self-governance, stewardship, and ceremonial practices. One of these actions includes the Nation’s ongoing work with museums to support their efforts to reclaim and safeguard Nuxalk belongings, treasures, and ceremonies – including the return of a significant collection of masks, regalia, and cedar bark weavings at the close of the exhibit.
Nuxalk Strong will feature treasures and artworks housed at MOA, as well as loans from private collections and six participating museums: Royal British Columbia Museum (Victoria), Burke Museum (Seattle), Glenbow Museum (Calgary), Manitoba Museum (Winnipeg), and Museum of Vancouver. Location: Museum of Anthropology, UBC
VALUE: Rebecca Belmore – Museum of Anthropology – May 15 to October 19, 2025
The Museum of Anthropology presents VALUE: Rebecca Belmore, a powerful retrospective showcasing four major installation works from the celebrated four-decade career of internationally acclaimed Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore. Recently honoured with the 2024 Audain Art Prize, Belmore is known for her bold and thought-provoking work that explores themes of identity, resilience, and social justice.
This exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the concept of “value” through the lens of Belmore’s most iconic pieces, challenging ideas shaped by colonial institutions and today’s social systems. VALUE is curated by Jeffrey Boone, a collector, former gallerist, and current Master’s student in Critical and Curatorial Studies at the University of British Columbia.
All British Classic Car Show, VanDusen Botanical Garden – May 17, 2025
Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey – Presented by Oakridge Park at VanDusen Botanical Garden – May 23 – June 1, 2025
Be transported into the world of Downton Abbey in early 20th-century England, where the aristocratic Crawley family and their devoted staff navigate a rapidly changing era. This immersive experience will feature a curated collection of one-of-a-kind fresh floral mannequins inspired by the series’ unforgettable characters and iconic period fashion. From Lady Mary’s sophisticated beaded gowns and statement hats, to the impeccably tailored uniforms of the household staff, each floral masterpiece will bring Downton Abbey’s timeless style and compelling narratives to life.
Spot Prawn Festival – May 25, 2025
Vancouver’s popular Spot Prawn Festival will be back in all its glory at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf. The event features spot prawn dishes from some of Vancouver’s best chefs. Open to the public, local celebrity chefs will be doing cooking demonstrations. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample this delicious seafood. The festival itself is free, but the tasting experience requires a ticket. Find out more about the festival here.
Joshua Beamish/Move the Company 20th Anniversary Gala – May 29 and 30, 2025
Don’t miss a rare chance to see some of North America’s top ballet artists share one stage as Vancouver’s Joshua Beamish celebrates 20 years of choreographic brilliance at the Vancouver Playhouse. Featuring standout dancers from companies like San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, and American Ballet Theatre, this star-studded gala revisits five of Beamish’s most acclaimed works, ranging from playful to profound. A true homegrown success, Beamish brings the world to Vancouver in a dazzling celebration of dance. Find out more about tickets.
Vancouver International Children’s Festival – May 26 to June 1, 2025
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival will feature dazzling performances from artists far and wide. From local treasures to international gems, these captivating performers will put a smile on any child’s face and make you hoot with laughter. Tickets go on sale March 6.
Chor Leoni – Big Roar – May 3, 2025
Experience a joyous celebration of a singing community at a choral event unlike any other in Canada, featuring five choirs from the Chor Leoni organization and over 250 singers. Location: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United, 1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver.
Stuart Little – April 23-May 11, 2025
City Opera Vancouver presents Sophia’s Forest – May 29-31 and June 1, 2025
The deeply resonant and human story delves into the memories of a young girl, Sophia, who has fled civil war and settled in a new country. The innovative production seamlessly integrates live performance with projections and an array of mechanical sound sculptures, created from bike wheels and wine glasses, that are controlled remotely in real time, blurring the line between literal and symbolic as the audience travels through Sophia’s childhood memories. This performance is held at Studio T at SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts.
Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits – until May 19, 2025
This action-packed exhibit invites you to discover how to maximize your potential while exploring the psychology and science behind the thrills and challenges of adventure sports. Delve into the science that drives athletes as you learn about the physical strength and mental resilience that fuel their determination. Listen to inspiring stories from around the world that highlight athletes’ dedication and unwavering commitment. Location: Science World
Survival of the Slowest – Vancouver Aquarium – until September 2, 2025
Learn why there’s so much commotion about moving in slow motion. Experience daily ‘Slow & Tell’ animal talks and get up close to nature’s most unique survivors at Survival of the Slowest. Step into a world where being slow, small, or weak can be a powerful survival strategy. Explore all-new immersive habitats, learn hands-on with interactive experiences, and meet masters of mellow who thrive in surprising ways. Be sure to book your tickets online.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art – Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist – until February 1, 2026
The Vancouver premiere of the retrospective exhibition Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist. The multidisciplinary artworks from the past half-century range from intricate argillite carvings and monumental sculptures to ocean going cedar canoes and gold and silver jewelry – showing his lifelong commitment to the preservation and celebration of Haida stories, songs, and dances. In addition, the exhibition will feature numerous carved works created in collaboration with eight key apprentices, representing the next generation of contemporary Haida artists.
A Series of Concerts by Candlelight, now until December 31, 2025
Enjoy a series of live concerts illuminated by candlelight in a variety of locations throughout Vancouver. To find out more or to book tickets, visit Concert by Candlelight.
Burnaby Events and Festivals
Burnaby Blooms – May 4, 2025
Burnaby Blooms (formerly the Rhododendron Festival) promotes the long-term sustainability and ecological health of this Greater Vancouver community in a fun and creative environment. Locations: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Deer Lake Park.
One of the best things to do in Vancouver in May is to see the beautiful blooming rhododendrons.
Burnaby Farmers Market – May 10-October 18, 2025
Shop for an assortment of BC crafts, farm-fresh produce and delicious baked foods, while listening to live music. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through the end of October. Location: Burnaby City Hall near Deer Lake.
North Vancouver and West Vancouver Festivals and Events
Ambleside Farmers Market – From May to the end of October 2025
Shop the Ambleside Farmers Market for an assortment of BC Crafts, farm-fresh produce and delicious prepared foods. The market is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays at Ambleside Park.
One of the best things to do in May is go to the farmer’s market, and there are many to be found across Metro Vancouver.
Richmond and Delta Spring Events and Festivals
Richmond Night Market – April 26-October 20, 2025
The Richmond Night Market is the largest market of its kind in North America. It features Asian street food, entertainment, and a wide variety of merchandise vendors. There are more than 250 food and retail booths, as well as food trucks. This annual summer event has been approved for another two years. It’s easy to get to from the Canada Line and River Rock Casino.
Royal Canadian International Circus Under the Big Top – Richmond: May 15 to 19, 2025
Generations of circus families from all over the world, come together to perform aerial thrills, daredevil feats, high wire, sky walks, trapeze, motorcycle stunts, amusing clown antics, juggling, mind bending contortionist and more. See the listing for more information. Location: Lansdown Centre
Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celebration: May 14-June 15, 2025 (dates subject to change)
For seafood lovers, we can’t recommend this festival enough. Local restaurants create special menus featuring these delectable crustaceans, while fishing boats gather at Fisherman’s Wharf to sell their fresh seafood starting at 6 a.m. Tip: Bring your own bag to take your spot prawns home, and most of the fishermen only take cash. We’ll have more information closer to the date. Last year it took place in June.
New Westminster May Events
Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical – April 5-May 11, 2025
Royal City Musical Theatre presents the hotly anticipated production of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster. A fast-paced feminist adventure in the Rolodex era, three female coworkers dream up an elaborately zany plan to get even with their terrible boss, giving their workplace a dream makeover in the process.
May Day – May 24, 2025
May Day has been celebrated in the City of New Westminster since 1870. It’s a community dance featuring Folk and Maypole dances. Every year, children in grades 2 through 6 are eligible to participate in the dances. Lessons are taught at various schools and community centers around the city. This year marks the 155th May Queen’s coronation. May Day is held in Queens Park Stadium.
Coquitlam May Events
Colourfest 2025 – Diwali Fest Town Centre Park – Coquitlam- May 10, 2025
Get immersed in a rainbow of colours during the vibrant celebration of the South Asian Spring festivals: Holi and Vaisakhi. See lively music and dance performances, participate in family-friendly Arts and crafts, enjoy delicious bites from on-site Food Trucks and shop at the Spring Bazaar.
Surrey Spring Events
Royal Canadian International Circus Under the Big Top – Surrey: May 8-11, 2025
The Royal Canadian International Circus is touring again, with shows in Surrey and Richmond. Generations of circus families from across the globe come together to perform aerial thrills, daredevil feats, high-wire acts, skywalks, trapeze, motorcycle stunts, amusing clown antics, juggling, mind-bending contortionists, Globe of Death and more. These amazing athletes have headlined around the world, and many have performed in Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers, and Barnum and Bailey Circus, just to name a few. Watch for Leo Garcia, the “Human Cannonball” from Mexico, to make an explosive entrance! Note: The circus does not use exotic animals or endangered species.
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – May 16-19, 2025
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is back for its 134th year. This is one of the most popular family-friendly events of the season. Get ready for some exciting cowboy and cowgirl action. Learn about Indigenous culture and traditions at the Indigenous Village. See log rolling and more at the West Coast Lumberjack Show. In the Argi Zone there are 4H displays and lots of animals to view. There’s a variety of great entertainment at the Live Outdoor Stage. With more than 40 food trucks and the Cowboy Rib Fest there is something for everyone. And, don’t forget to hit the midway rides and games at the Country Fair. In Kiddie Land, there are rides for the younger children. Gate admission for kids 12 and under is free, but general fair entrance tickets do not provide access to the rodeo. Location:Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair Grounds, 6050A 176th Street in Surrey.
77th Annual Cloverdale Rodeo Parade – May 17 at 10 a.m.
The parade will feature a variety of floats, marching bands, an assortment of classic and antique cars, cultural groups, horses, dance groups, clowns, dogs, and more. It starts at the corner of 177B Street and Highway 10 and heads west on Highway 10 to 176 Street.
Langley Spring Festivals and Events
Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival Fort Langley – May 17, 2025
Brewhalla Fort Langley will feature more than 30 craft beverage makers: beer, wine, cider, non-alcoholic offerings and spirits, along with great local music. Get tickets here.
Festina Lente Estate Winery Mothers’ Day High Tea – May 10 and 11, 2025
An elegant high tea experience in a lovely country setting in the cozy tasting room or on a sunny patio. The winery is located at 21113 16 Avenue, Langley
Fort Langley May Day – May 19, 2025
Historic Langley celebrates its 102nd annual May Day with a May Day Parade hosted by the Fort Langley Lion’s, followed by the Family Fun Festival in the Park. The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast between 8-10:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 10:45 a.m. Here is the parade route. The route ends at Fort Langley Park, where there will be live entertainment, food trucks, Maypole dancing and the May Queen and her party, along with kids activities.
Abbotsford Spring Festivals and Events
Abbotsford Tulip Festival by Lakeland Flowers – April 12th to May 11th, 2025
Wander through 35 acres of tulips and lupins, marvelling at more than 100 breathtaking varieties. Snap Instagram-worthy photos along golden pathways, sit in canoes and swings in the fields and pose with giant Dutch klompen (traditional shoes).
Don’t leave without grabbing a fresh bouquet and sampling treats from the onsite food trucks—perfect for an early lunch among the blooms.
Lakeland Flowers is open for three months of blooms until July 1st. May and June have 30 combined acres of lavender, meadow flowers, peonies and lupines.
Before planning your visit, check the field report. Lakeland offers three months of flower festivals and tickets and season passes are available now. Free parking on-site, and the fields are open from early bird hours, from 6 a.m. until dusk. The location is 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford.
Best things to do in Abbotsford for a spring getawayis visit Lakeland Flowers’ Abbotsford Tulip Festival Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Chilliwack Spring Events
Botanica Tulip festival – April TBA – mid-May (weather dependent)
The Tulip Festival offers a vibrant floral display of 59 unique varieties of 1.5 million bulbs on over 13 acres. Location: 1310 Royalwood Drive, Chilliwack
Sweet Spring Flower Festival at the Farm – March 27-May 11, 2025
Greendale Acres Farm celebrates the season with over 100,000 hand-planted tulips with Dutch-inspired displays throughout. Stroll along the tulip river, and enjoy the sights of the spring gardens featuring a classic windmill.
The Harrison Tulip Festival – Opens April 15 until Mid-May, 2025
The Harrison Tulip Festival is the largest tulip festival in Canada. There are 10 million bulbs planted on 35 acres. There are 50 different kinds of tulips to admire, along with more then 15 varieties of double daffodils, and dozens of different types of hyacinths. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Online tickets sell out fast and if the parking lot is full, online ticket holders have priority. Location: 5039 Lougheed Hwy, Agassiz.
One of the best things to do in Vancouver in May is to see thedozens of tulip varieties on display at the Harrison Tulip Festival.
Discover more: BC Spot Prawn Festival, Discover 10 Best B.C. Provincial Parks Near Vancouver, A guide to the top 5 places to buy cheese in Vancouver If we have left out your favourite event, let us know in the comments below and remember to subscribe to be alerted to the next article as soon as it’s published. We pride ourselves in writing informative articles with interesting tips. Search for accommodation anywhere by using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
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She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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