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.
Remember berry season runs from mid-May until the middle of September. Find out where to find the freshest berries.
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Best things to do in Vancouver in May
Vancouver May Events and Festivals
Vancouver Opera’s Carmen – April 27 – May 5, 2024
One of the most adored and widely performed works in operatic history, Georges Bizet’s Carmen closes out Vancouver Opera’s successful 2023-2024 season.
A story about rebellious love and passion in conflicting worlds, the performance updates its original setting from late-1800s southern Spain to an unnamed, pan-Latin city in the mid-1950s, where mounting political tensions and romantic desires match the scorching midsummer temperatures. Eye-catching, but peeling billboards, bustling town squares and dive cafés, and costumes that range from proletariat denim to opulent bullfighting regalia, give a vivid but distressed texture to this timeless tale of class division and teeming emotion. Ticket are likely to sell out. Find out more.
Cinco de Mayo – May 5, 2024
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.
Mother’s Day – May 10 – 12, 2024
Mother’s Day Traditional Pow Wow at Trout Lake – May 10-12, 2024
More details of this annual three-day event will be released soon here.
Mother May I: Mother’s Day Brunch – May 12, 2024
Come celebrate the Mother’s Day Drag brunch featuring performances by Carrie Dawn & Guests! Delicious food and drinks – show mom some love at the Ventura Room, 695 Cambie St., Vancouver, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mommy Dearest: Mother’s Day Comedy Show for People With Bad Moms – May 12, 2024
Mother’s Day is the worst for the childhood survivors with dead moms, absent moms and dead-to-us moms. It’s not a real holiday, it’s a marketing ploy to prop up the greeting card companies and we’re tired of feeling weird about it. Join Danielle Florence, Megan Milton and Amber Harper-Young as they spin their coping mechanisms into laughter at The Pleasant, 2434 Main St., Vancouver.
Harmonies of Devotion: A Mother’s Day Special – May 11, 2024
Celebrate the extraordinary women in your life at this in-person event filled with beautiful music and heartfelt performances. Enjoy a special evening dedicated to mothers with a memorable tribute that honors their love and sacrifices. Let’s come together to create harmonies of devotion in this touching celebration of Mother’s Day at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, 1068 Inglewood Ave., West Vancouver.
Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival – BCIT Mother’s Day Edition – May 11 and 12, 2024
Two days of food and fun with more than 20 food trucks, local musicians, and artisan market. Gate admission is free, but you still need a ticket.
Location: BCIT Parking Lot, 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
The Papa Penguin Play – May 15-June 2, 2024
IGNITE Festival Youth Arts Festival – May 13-18, 2024
In its 23rd year, the IGNITE Festival is a celebration of youth in the arts, from ages 13-30. It features filmmakers, writers, theatre performers, dancers, poets, musicians, visual artists, multidisciplinary artists and more.
BC Spot Prawn Festival – Mid May – June, 2024
The BC spot prawn season is a much-anticipated event for seafood lovers in Vancouver. From May to June, these delicious prawns are in peak season and can be found in abundance at local seafood markets.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some, be sure to try them grilled, steamed, or boiled. Once you have had fresh, there’s no substitute. Find out more about the Spot Prawn Festival.
All British Classic Car Show, VanDusen Botanical Garden – May 18, 2024
The Simon & Garfunkel Story – May 26, 2024
The Simon and Garfunkel Story is an immersive concert-style theatre show chronicling the journey of folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel from the 1960s until 1981. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including, ‘Mrs. Robinson’, ‘Cecilia,’ ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water,’ ‘Homeward Bound,’ and many more.
Music on Main presents Vancouver-born, piano superstar Vicky Chow on May 28, 2024
Vancouver International Children’s Festival – May 30-June 2, 2024
Be sure to catch Canada’s best loved children’s singer Fred Penner. Check here for the full schedule of performers at this year’s Vancouver International Children’s Festival.
Monsters of the Abyss – Vancouver Aquarium – until September 2, 2024
Discover Monsters of the Abyss, an all-new interactive exhibit where today’s most famous and feared aquatic predators clash with their prehistoric ancestors! Come face-to-face with some of the “monsters” still roaming today’s oceans, rivers and lakes in new, live habitats. Feast your eyes on supersize sculptures, marvel at the massive jaws of a Meglodon and more!
Be sure to book your tickets online.
A Series of Concerts by Candlelight, now until December 31, 2024
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 5, 2024
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 and 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 through the end of October, 2024
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 – May through the end of October, 2024
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, 2024
The Richmond Night Market is the largest market of its kind in North America. The market 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 three years. It’s easy to get to from the Canada Line and River Rock Casino.
Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celebration – May 15-June 16, 2024
The Steveston Spot Prawn Festival and Seafood Celebration runs May 15 through June 16, with lots of seafood-inspired activities, including fresh spot prawns brought into Fisherman’s Wharf daily, demonstrations from professional chefs on the Culinary Stage June 8, and locally caught seafood (by Steveston Fishers) featured on participating restaurant menus as part of Dine About June 1-16.
Royal Canadian International Circus Under the Big Top – Richmond: May 16 to 20, 2024
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 listing for more information.
Location: Lansdown Centre
New Westminster May Events
Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical – April 25-May 12, 2024
The Royal City Musical Theatre presents the delightful story of the magical nanny, Mary Poppins. It is a timeless classic and a longtime favourite of many. The enchanting heartwarming tale is a brilliant display of family strength, kindness, love and power of imagination in a world of whimsy.
The musical features a memorable soundtrack with favourite songs like, “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and “Feed the Birds.”
Performances are at the Massey Theatre.
May Day – May 25, 2024
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 154th May Queen’s coronation.
May Day is held in Queens Park Stadium.
Surrey Spring Festivals and Events
Royal Canadian International Circus Under the Big Top – May 16 to 20, 2024
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 listing for more information.
Location: Guilford Town Centre
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – May 17-20, 2024
The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is back for its 133nd 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.
76th Annual Cloverdale Rodeo Parade – May 20 at 10 a.m.
As always, the annual parade will have a variety of floats, marching bands, an assortment of classic and antique cars, cultural groups, horses, dance groups, clowns, dogs and more. The parade starts at the corner of 177B Street and Highway 10 and heads west on Highway 10 to 176 Street.
Langley Spring Festivals and Events
Festina Lente Estate Winery
Popup Gourmet Market – May 5
Mothers’ Day High Tea – May 11 and 12
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
Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival Fort Langley – May 18, 2024
Brewhalla Fort Langley will feature more than 30 craft beverage makers: beer, wine, cider, non-alcoholic offerings, & spirits, along with great local music. Get tickets here.
Fort Langley May Day – May 20, 2024
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 Flower Festival by Lakeland Flowers – May, 2024
Lakeland Flowers presents the largest tulip display in Canada with millions of bulbs planted over 27 acres, including more than 70 varieties of tulips, blooming in all different colours, shapes, and sizes. Take a walk along five kilometres of pathways lined with tulips. Bring a picnic to enjoy. On select weekends, there are food truck and music. Before planning your visit, check the field report. Lakeland offers six months of flower festivals and tickets and season passes are available now.
There is free onsite parking and the fields are open from early bird hours starting 6 a.m. until dusk. Location: 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford.
Chilliwack Spring Events
Botanica Tulip festival – April 15 – 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
Greendale Acres Spring Flower and Baby Animals Festival – ends May 12, 2024
Come see over 50 thousand spring flowering bulbs placed into unique designs around the farm, inspired by Dutch flower festivals.
Picture walking alongside a meandering tulip river with a footbridge over it which leads to a picturesque spring garden with a windmill in the centre.
Lots of fun family farm-themed activities: baby animal visits, bubble station, playground, obstacle course, pedal karts, duck racing, jumping pillow, and other games. Lily’s Barnyard is open on weekends. Find out more about tickets
Look for their corn maze opening in late August. Location: 41905 Yale Rd W, Chilliwack
Chilliwack Party in the Park – Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival – May 4-5, 2024
Two days of food and fun with more than 20 food trucks, local beers, local musicians and artisan market. Gate admission is free, but you still need a ticket. Party in the Park offers an incredible weekend of family friendly fun, food, music and more!
Location: Central Community Park
The Harrison Tulip Festival – April 8 until May 5, 2024
The Harrison Tulip Festival is on now through May 5, 2024. 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.
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