Best Metro Vancouver Spring Events and Festivals 2023

Discover the best Metro Vancouver Spring Events and Festivals. Spring in Vancouver is the most wonderful time of the year, from fun Easter activities to viewing incredible cherry blossoms, to cultural performances and so much more. There are lots of fun-filled family events for young and old to explore.

We will be continually updating these Spring Events, so remember to check back often.  If you are looking for more festive Easter events see our guide to  Easter Eggs Hunts and Easter Eggstravaganza activities around the Vancouver area.

Remember berry season is just around the corner and runs from mid-May until the middle of September. Find out where to find the freshest berries.

If we have left out your favourite event, let us know in the comments below and remember to subscribe so you will see the next update. Get the latest travel tips and learn about destinations from near and far.

If you are planning a trip to explore some of the most incredible spots in Vancouver and the rest of B.C., don’t miss our suggestions to discover more.

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– Top things to do along the Sea to Sky Highway
– B.C. Travel Guide: 21-day road trip – Vancouver, Jasper, Banff and Okanagan wine country

Vancouver Spring Events and Festivals

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – April 1-23, 2023

The Cherry Blossom Festival takes place all over Vancouver with a variety of events, from Tree Talks and Walks, and Bike the Blossoms through different parts of the city. Find out more.

Best time to see the famous Cherry Blossoms Photo Credit: Melanie

Spring Magnolia Walk – UBC Botanical Garden – April 2, 2023

The UBC Botanical Gardens has an impressive collection of magnolia trees. The white and pink blooms provide a splash of colour surrounded by Douglas fir trees and towering western red cedar. They are particularly striking in the David C. Lam Asian Garden.

This is a walking tour and tickets are limited. Children are welcome but this is geared towards adults. Find out more
Location: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, B.C.
Website: botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

Food Truck Festival at UBC – April 5-6, 2023

Two days of food and fun with more than 20 food trucks, local entertainment and artisan market. Gate admission is free, but you still need a ticket.

Location: UBC Commons

Cherry Blossom Festival and Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Gardens – April 15-16, 2023

Celebrate Japanese arts and culture at the Sakura Days Japan Fair.
Activities:  There will be indoor and outdoor experiences, from taiko drumming, theatre performances, woodworking demonstrations, sake sampling. As well, you can learn games, participate in tea ceremonies, sample Japanese food and a renewed Japanese Garden display. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Website: www.vandusengarden.ca

The Vancouver International Wine Festival – April 22-30, 2023

Love wine? This event is a must-attend. The festival offers a unique chance to meet vineyard owners, winemakers and wine representatives from around the world. This year, the Vancouver International Wine Festival celebrates 44 years. Known as VanWineFest, it will feature 148 wineries from 17 countries. It’s Canada’s premiere wine and food event and is considered one of the top wine festivals in North America. The festival is for both the public and industry. The wine experience is informative, educational and entertaining — and it helps raise fund for its charity partner, Bard on the Beach Theatre Society.

What events should you attend at VanWineFest?

The public has so many different events to choose from, but buy tickets early as it often sells out. The main event is the Tasting Room, offering 800 wines to choose from at each night of the Four International Festival Tastings events. Then there are the highly popular, outstanding winery dinners, lunches and brunches, vintage tastings, wine minglers, seminars and more, where another 550 wines will be served. Here is a complete list of events.

Location: The main events are held at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.

Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom – Vancouver Aquarium – now until September 4, 2023

Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom is a brand new interactive experience at the Vancouver Aquarium. This exhibit features 17 animal habitats with incredible new animals. Learn about the clever ways they protect themselves from lurking dangers in the wild. Be sure to book your tickets online.

Jurassic Quest – May 12-14, 2023

The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos — from the largest predators to playful baby dinos — are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago.

And these animatronic dinosaurs are taking over the Vancouver Convention Centre for one weekend only, May 12 to 14, 2023.

Two dinosaur exhibits invade Vancouver this May. Photos courtesy: Jurassic Quest

Jurassic World Live: May 19–21 and May 26–28

What’s better than watching the epic dinosaur movie Jurassic World? Experiencing all that action and adventure in a live tour, complete with 24, true-to-life (as they can make them) dinosaurs.

Jurassic World Live is making its Canadian debut at the Pacific Coliseum this May, when you can join forces with a team of scientists to unravel a corrupt plan and save Jeanie, an all-new dinosaur, from a terrible fate.

Along the way, experience some of Jurassic World’s most iconic dinosaurs including Blue the Raptor, Triceratops, Pteranodons and the mighty T. rex. But, beware, your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying turn after the Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos in the park!

Royal Canadian International Circus Under the Big Top – May 11-14, 2023

The Royal Canadian International Circus is touring again with three shows at different locations in the Vancouver area. Generations of circus families from across the globe, come together to perform aerial thrills, daredevil feats, high wire, sky walks, trapeze, motorcycle stunts, amusing clown antics, juggling, mind bending contortionist, and more.
These amazing athletes have headlined around the world and many have performed in Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, to name a few. One of the world’s fastest jugglers, Nilson Escabar from Peru, is performing in Canada for the first time.
Note: The circus does not use exotic animals or endangered species.

Location: Concord Pacific Place

BC Distilled Festival – May 13, 2023

The 8th annual BC Distilled Festival features 44 artisan distilleries from British Columbia and is the largest event of its kind in Canada. The event is held at the Croatian Cultural Centre. Get tickets here.

All British Classic Car Show, VanDusen Botanical Garden – May 20, 2023

Spot Prawn Festival – May 28, 2023

Vancouver’s popular Spot Prawn Festival is back in all its glory at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, May 28 from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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.

Where to buy the best spot prawns. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

A Series of Concerts by Candlelight, now until December 31, 2023

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

Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival – BCIT Burnaby Block Party – April 22-23, 2023

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

Burnaby Blooms – May 13-14, 2023

Burnaby Blooms (formerly the Rhododendron Festival) promotes the long-term sustainability and ecological health of our community in a fun and creative environment.

Locations: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Deer Lake Park

Burnaby Farmers Market – From May 13 to the end of October

Shop for an assortment of B.C. crafts, a variety of farm-fresh produce and delicious baked foods, while listening to live music. The market is open May 13 and 14 and then every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Burnaby City Hall near Deer Lake

North Vancouver and West Vancouver Festivals and Events

Brewella Beer and Music Festival – April 14, 2023

Brewella is presented by the Quay Market and Food Hall and will feature more than 25 craft beverage makers: beer, wine, cider, non-alocholic and spirits along with great local music. Get tickets here.

Ambleside Farmers Market – From May to the end of October

Shop the Ambleside Farmers Market for an assortment of B.C. Crafts, a variety of farm-fresh produce and delicious prepared foods. The market is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays at Ambleside Park.

New Westminster Spring Festivals and Events

Easter in the City – April 1-10, 2023

New Westminster has gone all  out to create Easter magic throughout the Royal City. Enjoy the Spring Salmon Eggstravaganza at the Fraser River Discovery Centre, an Easter Carnival with the Easter Bunny at Moody Park, egg-citing downtown scavenger hunt, and more.

Richmond and Delta Spring Events and Festivals

Bunny Kisses & Easter Wishes – Lulu Island Winery – April 7-8, 2023

Fun for the entire family with an Easter egg hunt, entertainment, wine tastings, local market and more. Register here for the Easter egg hunt.

Richmond Night Market – April 28-October 9, 2023

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. It’s easy to get to from the Canada Line and River Rock Casino.

Royal Canadian International Circus Under the Big Top – May 18-22, 2023

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

Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celebration June 1-18, 2023

More details coming.

Coquitlam Spring Festivals and Events

Coquitlam Block Party – Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival – May 13-14, 2023

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.
Location: Coquitlam Town Centre

Surrey Spring Festivals and Events

Bear Creek Park Easter Egg Hunt and Train Ride – April 1-2, 7-10, 2023

Join in all the Easter fun at Bear Creek Park. Ride the train through the forest, hunt for Easter eggs, meet the Easter Bunny, play games and make arts and crafts. New this year is a petting zoo. Concession foods are available for purchase. Parking is free. No online tickets. First come, first served.
Location: Bear Creek Park, 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey.

Vaisakhi Parade – April 20, 2023

Surrey’s annual Vaisakhi Parade is the largest of it kind in the world. Sikh communities world-wide considered Vaisakhi one of their most important festivals of the year. Around 500,000 people are expected to attend the Surrey celebration.

The parade begins at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple located at 12885 85th Avenue. Here is a map.

From traditional Indian foods and sweets to more mainstream food offerings, parade goers are treated to a wide range of foodstuffs.

Party for the Planet Celebrates Earth Day – April 29, 2023

This annual Earth Day event is billed as the largest celebration of its kind in B.C. The free event includes a sustainable marketplace, live music, dance battles and environmental workshops featuring Indigenous education. There will be a plant sale and food trucks. Find out more.
Location: Surrey Civic Centre

Royal Canadian International Circus Under the Big Top – May 4-7, 2023

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 18-22, 2023

The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is back for its 132nd 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. Buy Rodeo tickets by April 19 to receive early bird pricing. Gate admission for kids 12 and under is free. Location: Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair Grounds, 6050A 176th Street in Surrey.

75th Annual Cloverdale Rodeo Parade – May 20 at 10 am

The parade  will have a variety of floats, marching bands, an assortment classic and antique cars, cultural groups, horses, dance groups, clowns, dogs and more. To add to this year’s parade excitement, there’s a large contingent of World Class skateboarders. 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

Food Truck War – March 31-April 2, 2023

Two days of food and fun with more than 45 food trucks, local beers, talented local musicians and artisan market. Gate admission is free, but you still need a ticket.
Location: UPC Langley Campus, 20901 Langley Bypass

Brewella Beer and Music Festival Fort Langley – April 14, 2023

Brewella Fort Langley and will feature more than 30 craft beverage makers: beer, wine, cider, non-alcoholic & spirits along with great local music. Get tickets here.

Abbotsford Spring Festivals and Events

Bradner Hall Daffodil Flower Show – April 14-16, 2023

View hundreds of daffodils on display at this annual event, which has been going on since 1929. There will be arts, crafts, gardening ideas and talks by two gardening experts, Elke Wehinger and Pam Dangelmaier. Proceeds from cut flower sales will be donated to Abbotsford Hospital.
Location: Bradner Hall, 5305 Bradner Road, Abbotsford, B.C.

25th Annual Classic and Custom Car Show – April 14, 15 and 16, 2023

The Classic and Custom Car Show has muscle cars, customs and hot rods. There will be RC indoor car races, pre-1970s Show and Shine (outside on Saturday only), dragsters, live entertainment, beer gardens and more. It is B.C.’s longest running indoor car show. Find out more.

Location: The Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre

Abbotsford Tulip Festival by Lakeland Flowers – April 14 – May 14, 2023

Lakeland Flowers presents the largest tulip display in Canada. There are 27 acres of more than 70 varieties of millions of tulips, blooming in all different colours, shapes, and sizes. Take a walk along 5 kms 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. Find out more or buy tickets here.

There is free onsite parking and the fields are open from early bird hours starting 6 am until dusk. Location: 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford.

Chilliwack Spring Events

Chilliwack Block Party – Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival – April 29-30, 2023

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.
Location: Central Community Park

Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Dates to be announced

The Chilliwack Tulip Festival is a highly coveted event. There are more than 25 different kinds of tulips to admire, along with more then 16 varieties of double daffodils on 20-plus acres. As soon as dates are announced, we highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Online tickets sell out fast and if the parking is full, online ticket holders have priority. Check for updates.

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