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 below 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.
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.
– Road Trip – Top things to do driving from Victoria to Pacific Rim National Park
– Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe
– Discover 19 of the best waterfalls in British Columbia
– 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
CelticFest – March 16-23, 2024
Now in its 20th year, Western Canada’s largest Celtic Festival is a week-long community event. The outdoor event features a Celtic-themed market, live music, performance, food and drink, Irish dancing, a family zone, sports demonstrations and more.
Spring Magnolia Walk – UBC Botanical Garden – March 23, 2024
The UBC Botanical Gardens has an impressive collection of magnolia trees and their delicate white and pink blooms provide a beautiful splash of color when set against the surrounding Douglas fir trees and towering western red cedars. Tip: the blossoms in the David C. Lam Asian Garden are particularly striking.
This is a walking tour and tickets are limited. While children are welcome, the walk is really geared towards adults. Find out more
Location: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, B.C.
Website: botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – March 29 to April 25, 2024
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 Vancouver’s famous Cherry Blossoms is during the annual festival. Photo Credit: Melanie
Food Truck Festival at UBC – April 4-5, 2024: 11 am to 7 pm
Get ready for two days of food and fun at this festival, which includes more than 20 food trucks, local entertainment and an artisan market. Gate admission is free, but you still need a ticket.
Location: UBC Commons, in front of AMS Nest
The Glamorama Gala – Vancouver International Burlesque Festival – April 5, 2024
North American burlesque artists will be celebrating the dynamic spectrum of sexuality and gender expression through comedy, drag, and sensual striptease. Be entranced by royal headliners, Red Tongued Raven and Moscato Sky and other. Adults only 19+.
Location: Vancouver Playhouse
Cherry Blossom Festival and Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Gardens – April 13-14, 2024
Celebrate Japanese arts and culture at the Sakura Days Japan Fair. Activities: The fair and festival include lots of interesting and fun outdoor and indoor experiences, including everything from taiko drumming to theatre performances, and woodworking demonstrations to sake sampling. As well, visitors can learn popular Japanese games, participate in tea ceremonies, sample Japanese food, and enjoy the renewed Japanese Garden display. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Find more information here.
Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Website: vandusengarden.ca
45th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival – Feb. 24 to March 3, 2024
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 45 years. Known as VanWineFest, this year in will feature 147 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 they often sell 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, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver.
BC Distilled Festival – April 13, 2024
The 8th annual BC Distilled Festival features 44 artisan distilleries from British Columbia and is the largest event of its kind in Canada. This year the event is being held at a new venue, the Italian Cultural Centre. Get tickets here.
The Science of Cocktails – Science World – April 11, 2024
Experience Canada’s largest cocktail laboratory under the dome of Science World. Come indulge in tasty food samples created by local Vancouver restaurants and caterers, along with tempting libations designed by some of the most talented bartenders. Be sure to explore the galleries and science shows while there.
This is Science World’s fundraiser to support students, teachers, and families across BC with free access to the exhibits offered.
Chor Leoni -Big Roar Choral Summit – April 13, 2024
Chor Leoni celebrates the human voice with two performance during the Big Roar Summit.
For 30 years, JUNO-nominated Chor Leoni has provided the gift of song and is recognized internationally as one of the vanguard choirs in North America.
Harmonia – April 11, 2024 – This eight member choir performs to highlight the power of a cappella voice.
Big Roar Festival – April 13, 2024
Formerly known as the “Men’s Choir”, Big Roar is the gendered change
Location: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United, 1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver.
Monsters of the Abyss – Vancouver Aquarium – February 9 to 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.
Vaisakhi Parade – April 13, 2024
Vancouver’s annual colourful Vaisakhi Parade, known as Nagar Kirtan, starts at the temple and will follow the traditional route along parts of Main Street and Fraser, on Saturday April 13th. (note the Surrey Vaisakhi is held the following week on April 20, 2024)
Here is a map of the route.
From traditional Indian foods and sweets to more mainstream food, parade goers are treated to a wide range of delicious offerings.
Sasha Velour – The Big Reveal: Why Drag Matters – April 18, 2024
RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sasha Velour provides a unique perspective in her talk “The Big Reveal: Why Drag Matters.”
Velour examines the crisscrossing of pop politics and pop culture, explores the roots of drag, its historical significance in queer culture, and its evolution into a politically-charged art form that delights and disrupts.“Drag embodies the queer possibility that exists within each of us,” Velour states, “the infinite ways in which gender, good taste, and art can be lived.”
Presented by the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in partnership with the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, the 2024 Phil Lind Initiative Speaker Series. Tickets are free, but registration is required.
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 successful 2023-2024 season.
A story about rebellious love and passion in conflicting worlds, The performace 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.
Jurassic Quest – May 2-5, 2024
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 2 to 5, 2024.
Note: I took my five-year-old grandson last year and, while he had a good time, I found it super expensive, poorly organized, some of the large replicas were being held together with tape, and some of the inflatable dinosaur slides started to deflate while we were there, which turned out to be the perfect metaphor for the entire experience. After complaining, we ended up getting some of our money back while we were there — and we were not the only ones. The young staff members were great and clearly embarrassed by the setup. So, we’re going to go with a “buyer beware” on this one.
Two dinosaur exhibits invade Vancouver this May. Photos courtesy: Jurassic Quest
Jurassic World Live: 2024 dates are yet to be determined
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.
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!
Jurassic World Live made its Canadian debut at the Pacific Coliseum last year, and while we didn’t attend, we heard nothing but great things from friends who did.
Royal Canadian International Circus Under the Big Top – Surrey: May 2-12, Richmond: May 16 to 20, 2024
The Royal Canadian International Circus is touring again with shows in both Surrey and Richmond. Generations of circus families from across the globe, come together to perform aerial thrills, daredevil feats, high-wire acts, 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 and Ringling Brothers, 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.
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 60s 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.
All British Classic Car Show, VanDusen Botanical Garden – May 18, 2024
Spot Prawn Festival – 2024 dates yet to be determined
Vancouver’s popular Spot Prawn Festival will be back in all its glory at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf, we’re just waiting for a confirmation of the 2024 dates.
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, 2024
Enjoy a series of live concerts illuminated by candlelight in a variety of locations throughout Vancouver. “Swifties” will be excited to know this annual live-concert series launches with a tribute to Taylor Swift, Feb. 10 to April 25.
To find out more or to book tickets, visit Concert by Candlelight.
Burnaby Events and Festivals
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
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
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
Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival – April 19, 2024: 5-10 p.m.
Brewella takes place at the Shipyards in North Vancouver and features more than 25 craft beverage makers: beer, wine, cider, zero-alcohol options and spirits, along with great local music. Get tickets here.
Ambleside Farmers Market – From May to 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.
New Westminster Spring Festivals and Events
17th annual Indigenous Coastal Dance Festival – March 1-3, 2024
This year’s Coastal Dance festival features the beauty of multigenerational Indigenous stories, song and dance from across Canada and the world. This event takes place at Anvil Centre in New Westminster.
Highlights include: Auckland, New Zealand’s Turongo Collective debut of husband and wife Māori artists and Saskatchewan’s award-winning Métis fiddler Adam Daigneault
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.
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
Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celebration: 2024 dates are yet to be determined
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 begin selling their fresh seafood starting at 6 a.m. Tip: Bring your own bag to take your spot prawns home and most of the fishermen take cash only.
We’ll have more information closer to the date. Last year it took place in June.
Coquitlam Spring Festivals and Events
Evergreen Cultural Centre Spring Break Festival – March 19-21, 2024
The Dufflebag Theatre Company presents the family-friendly fairytales of Cinderella and Robin Hood.
The Evergreen Cultural Centre is located in Town Centre Park of the shores of LaFarge Lake.
Coquitlam Block Party – Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival – April 27-26, 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.
Location: Coquitlam Town Centre
Surrey Spring Festivals and Events
Easter Fun at Bear Creek Park – March 16 – April 1: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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, 2024
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. Approximately 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, parade goers are treated to a wide range of delicious offerings.
Party for the Planet Celebrates Earth Day – April 22, 2024
This annual Earth Day event in Surrey is billed as the largest celebration of its kind in B.C. The free party 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 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 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. 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 – April 19-21, 2024
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
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.
Abbotsford Spring Festivals and Events
Bradner Hall Daffodil Flower Show – April 12-14, 2024
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 gardening experts. Proceeds from cut flower sales will be donated to Abbotsford Hospital.
Location: Bradner Hall, 5305 Bradner Road, Abbotsford, B.C.
Abbotsford Tulip Festival by Lakeland Flowers – Opens in April.
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 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 am until dusk. Location: 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford.
Chilliwack Spring Events
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 takes place April 8 until 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, as well as dozens of different types of hyacinths. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Online tickets sell out fast and if the parking is full, online ticket holders have priority.
Location: 5039 Lougheed Hwy, Agassiz.
Harrison Tulip Festival is one of the best spring events in Metro Vancouver. Courtesy photo.
Search for accommodation ideas using Booking.Com and any commissions earned will go back to us to help keep this website running.
Work with us:
If you are a PR agency or brand and would like us to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send us an email wnordvikcarr@gmail.com
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.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.
Award-winning journalist and travel writer, based in Vancouver, B.C. Co-chair of the B.C. Chapter of the Travel Media Association of Canada, member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.