May in Metro Vancouver is coming in hot with night markets, musicals, street fests, concerts, and so much more. Whether you’re here for the eats, the beats, or just the vibes, this city’s got something popping off every weekend. Here’s your no-FOMO guide to maxing out May.
38 Fun Things To Do in Metro Vancouver This May
Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is back, offering a vibrant mix of street food, games, and live entertainment. Open weekends from April 25 to October 13, it’s a must-visit for foodies and fun-seekers alike. This year’s theme, “Summer Wonderland,” promises whimsical decorations and new attractions to explore.
📅 Date: April 25 – October 13, 2025
📍 Location: 8351 River Road, Richmond
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Richmond Night Market
Brewhalla Fort Langley
It’s back, it’s boozy, and it’s one of the biggest craft beverage festivals in the Fraser Valley. Brewhalla Fort Langley returns for its 8th year with over 25+ vendors serving up craft beer, wine, cider, cocktails, spirits, and zero-proof options, plus live bands, food trucks, DJs, games, and pure summer energy. Feeling spicy? Enter one of their surprise contests and win bragging rights for life.
📅 Date: May 17, 2025
📍 Location: Fort Langley Park, 9089 Nash St, Langley Township
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: brewhalla.ca
White Rock Night Market
White Rock Beach just got even better. The White Rock Night Market is back and bringing food trucks, artisan stalls, live music, and a full-on community beach vibe every month this summer. Expect lawn games, a local artist walk, a sunset you’ll want to post, and DJs spinning ocean-side. It’s everything you love about White Rock, just way more fun.
📅 Date: May 2, 2025 (Also returns June 6, July 18, August 8 & September 5)
📍 Location: 14970 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: White Rock Night Market
Junction Public Market
Discover local artisans, food vendors, and live entertainment at the Junction Public Market. Located at Granville Square, it’s open from May 1 through September 28. Enjoy waterfront views while sipping on craft beverages from the “sipping container” bar.
📅 Date: May 1 – September 28, 2025
📍 Location: Granville Square, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Junction Public Market
Fish + Sips: Fin-tastic Fiesta Edition
Join the Vancouver Aquarium for an adults-only evening featuring margaritas, sustainable seafood, and live music. It’s a unique way to experience the aquarium after hours. Don’t forget to try their award-winning fish tacos while exploring the exhibits.
📅 Date: May 3, 2025
📍 Location: Vancouver Aquarium
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Fish + Sips
BMO Vancouver Marathon
Cheer on runners or participate in the BMO Vancouver Marathon, one of the city’s most anticipated athletic events. Be aware of road closures on May 3 and 4. The scenic route showcases Vancouver’s stunning waterfront and diverse neighborhoods.
📅 Date: May 3–4, 2025
📍 Location: Various routes through Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: bmovanmarathon.ca
Harrison Tulip Festival
Stroll through vibrant fields of tulips at the Harrison Tulip Festival. Open until May 4, it’s a picturesque outing perfect for flower enthusiasts. This year’s expanded “Secret Garden” features over 4 acres of stunning blooms.
📅 Date: Until May 4, 2025
📍 Location: Agassiz, BC
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Harrison Tulip Fest
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert
Experience the beloved series like never before with a live orchestra performing the score alongside a screening of the show. A treat for fans of all ages. Relive Aang’s journey with the Orchestre FILMharmonique at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
📅 Date: May 4, 2025
📍 Location: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: vancouvercivictheatres.com
Soundscapes by Alessandro Martire
Join composer Alessandro Martire for a mesmerizing performance that combines piano, orchestral strings, and stunning visuals. A one-night-only event not to be missed. Let the music transport you through landscapes inspired by the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como.
📅 Date: May 10, 2025
📍 Location: Vancouver Playhouse
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: SOUNDSCAPES
Vancouver Hong Kong Fair
Celebrate Hong Kong culture with over 60 booths, performances, and family-friendly activities at the Shipyards in North Vancouver. Discover traditional crafts, delicious food, and vibrant cultural displays.
📅 Date: May 11, 2025
📍 Location: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Vancouver Hong Kong Fair
Shipyards Night Market
Every Friday night, the Shipyards Night Market lights up North Van with live music, local vendors, and some of the best food trucks around. It’s your chance to try new eats, shop handmade goods, and vibe out by the water. Expect everything from pierogies to Peruvian BBQ, all with a view of the city skyline.
📅 Date: May 16 – September 12, 2025
📍 Location: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Shipyards Night Market
Spot Prawn Festival
The Spot Prawn Festival is back at Fisherman’s Wharf, and it’s one of the most delicious ways to celebrate Vancouver’s local seafood scene. Hosted by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC, this event features cooking demos, tastings, and boat-side sales. Bring a cooler—fresh prawns sell fast and usually sell out.
📅 Date: May 25, 2025
📍 Location: Fisherman’s Wharf, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Spot Prawn Festival
Jasmine Jazz
This fusion concert blends smooth jazz with Chinese instrumentation, all in the tranquil setting of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden. Presented by Jade Music Fest, it’s an intimate show where East meets West musically. It’s a perfect chill night out with a side of cultural depth.
📅 Date: May 25, 2025
📍 Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Jasmine Jazz
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair
Dust off your cowboy boots—the Cloverdale Rodeo is back for the long weekend with bull riding, barrel racing, and tons of family-friendly fun. You’ll also find a midway, live country music, and enough mini donuts to feed a barn. It’s one of the last true rodeos left in Canada, and it doesn’t disappoint.
📅 Date: May 16 – 19, 2025
📍 Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Cloverdale Rodeo & County Fair
Create & Connect: May The Fourth Be With You
Calling all Jedi and little Padawans—this Star Wars–themed art day at MONOVA brings together crafts, costumes, and galactic creativity. Kids (and parents) can take part in interactive activities while celebrating one of the most iconic fandoms of all time. Lightsaber crafts? Yes, please.
📅 Date: May 4, 2025
📍 Location: MONOVA – Museum of North Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: eventbrite.ca
Kids Up Front: More Than a Movie – Wild Robot
This special event includes a screening of The Wild Robot, plus activities that support Kids Up Front Vancouver, a charity that provides event access for children in need. It’s a fun way to give back while enjoying a family day at the movies. There’ll be pre-show games, prizes, and plenty of popcorn.
📅 Date: May 4, 2025
📍 Location: Cineplex Cinemas, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: kidsupfrontvancouver.com
Climb for Nature at BC Place
Think of this as Vancouver’s most epic stairmaster—Climb for Nature is a fundraiser where you ascend BC Place’s inner staircases to support the Nature Conservancy of Canada. You’ll get a serious workout, plus views of the city from spots usually closed to the public. Good sweat, good cause.
📅 Date: May 10, 2025
📍 Location: BC Place, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: http://wwf.ca/bcplace
Vancouver Postcard Club Show & Sale
A low-key gem for history buffs, this postcard show lets you browse and buy vintage cards featuring Vancouver and beyond. Expect century-old travel vibes, rare prints, and collector-grade pieces. It’s basically time travel, but on cardstock.
📅 Date: May 10, 2025
📍 Location: Hastings Community Centre, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: vancouverpostcardclub.ca
El Tequileño Cocktail Competition
Some of the city’s best bartenders will battle it out at this high-energy cocktail showdown hosted by El Tequileño tequila. Sip creative agave-based concoctions while cheering for your favourite mixologist. Your vote might just help crown Vancouver’s margarita royalty.
📅 Date: May 20, 2025
📍 Location: The Loft at Earls Yaletown
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: tequilaandagavefestival.com
Champions of Magic: Chasing the Unbelievable
This globally touring magic show brings five world-class illusionists to the Vancouver stage for a mind-bending performance. Expect everything from vanishing acts to teleportation, all wrapped in Vegas-level stage production. It’s like Now You See Me, but live.
📅 Date: May 20 – 22, 2025
📍 Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: championsofmagic.co.uk
Tequila & Agave Festival
The grand finale of Vancouver’s agave month is this full-blown tasting festival featuring 25+ tequila and mezcal brands. There’ll be seminars, tacos, cocktails, and DJs—because why should learning about agave not be a party? The samples are flowing, but the education is real.
📅 Date: May 24, 2025
📍 Location: Vancouver Convention Centre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: tequilaandagavefestival.com
Art Party – Vancouver Art Gallery
This is not your typical quiet night at the museum. Art Party transforms the Vancouver Art Gallery into a high-energy night of art, music, drinks, and unexpected performances. Come for the exhibits, stay for the dance floor.
📅 Date: May 24, 2025
📍 Location: Vancouver Art Gallery
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: vanartgallery.bc.ca
Live With Jake Shane at the Orpheum
If you’ve been on TikTok or listened to “Therapuss,” you know Jake Shane—and now he’s bringing his chaotic, hilarious energy to Vancouver IRL. Expect stories, sketches, and zero filter. It’s part stand-up, part live podcast, and all vibes.
📅 Date: May 28, 2025
📍 Location: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Jake Shane Live
Port Coquitlam May Day Parade & Events
One of BC’s longest-running community festivals, May Day in PoCo is a week of parades, music, markets, and good ol’ small-town pride. It’s 101 years strong this year, with events for all ages. Bonus: the downtown core shuts down for a massive street party.
📅 Date: May 10, 2025 (Main Parade Day)
📍 Location: Downtown Port Coquitlam
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: PoCo MayDay
Ripples of Sound
Immerse yourself in traditional Chinese music at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This concert offers a serene blend of culture and nature. The Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble’s performance is a harmonious tribute to Asian Heritage Month.
📅 Date: May 4, 2025
📍 Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Ripples of Sound
Heritage Hall May Day Market
This charming spring market in Mount Pleasant features 40+ local makers, from handcrafted jewelry to natural skincare. It’s the perfect spot to find a gift for Mom (or yourself). Grab a snack from a local bakery while you browse.
📅 Date: May 4, 2025
📍 Location: Heritage Hall, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: May Day Market
Lights Live at the Commodore
Juno-winning pop artist Lights brings her synthy, alt-pop magic to one of Vancouver’s most iconic venues. She’s known for her high-energy sets and emotional bangers. Expect a dancey crowd and lots of dyed hair.
📅 Date: May 9, 2025
📍 Location: Commodore Ballroom
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Commodore
James Bay – Up All Night Tour
British singer-songwriter James Bay is making a stop in Vancouver with a soulful set full of radio hits and deep cuts. Bring tissues—it might get emotional. It’s been years since he last played the city, so fans are hyped.
📅 Date: May 10, 2025
📍 Location: Commodore Ballroom
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Commodore
Dope Lemon at the Malkin Bowl
Indie fans, this one’s for you. Dope Lemon (aka Angus Stone) is bringing his chill, psych-folk vibes to Stanley Park’s dreamy outdoor venue. Picnic blanket recommended—vibes will be immaculate.
📅 Date: May 19, 2025
📍 Location: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: malkinbowl.com
Jack White – No Name Tour
The White Stripes legend is hitting the Commodore Ballroom for a rare, up-close gig that’s guaranteed to melt faces. Raw, loud, and bluesy as hell. There’s no opener—just two hours of pure guitar wizardry.
📅 Date: May 22, 2025
📍 Location: Commodore Ballroom
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: livenation.com
Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5 The Musical’
Experience the classic tale of friendship and revenge in the workplace with Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5 The Musical’. Running until May 11 at Massey Theatre, it’s a show filled with laughter and empowerment. With catchy tunes and a stellar cast, it’s a theatrical treat you won’t want to miss.
📅 Date: April 25 – May 11, 2025
📍 Location: Massey Theatre, New Westminster
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: masseytheatre.com
James Arthur at the Orpheum
Known for his hit “Say You Won’t Let Go,” James Arthur delivers emotional ballads and powerhouse vocals in a grand, orchestral setting. If you like Ed Sheeran but wish he had more angst, this is your guy. The Orpheum’s acoustics will do him justice.
📅 Date: May 26, 2025
📍 Location: Orpheum Theatre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: ticketmaster.ca
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Home Games
BC Place will be buzzing with excitement as the Vancouver Whitecaps FC host several MLS home matches in May. Fans can look forward to thrilling soccer action and a lively stadium atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to support the Whitecaps as they compete against top teams in the league.
Home Games in May:
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May 3: vs. Real Salt Lake at 6:30 PM
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May 11: vs. Los Angeles FC at 4:00 PM
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May 28: vs. Minnesota United FC at 7:30 PM
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May 31: vs. Portland Timbers at 6:30 PM
📍 Location: BC Place, Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: whitecapsfc.com/schedule/matches
From tulip fields to tequila tastings, concerts to football matches, May in Metro Vancouver is absolutely stacked. Whether you’re catching a match at BC Place, dancing under the stars at a night market, or soaking up the arts, there’s no excuse to stay in. So block your weekends, rally the group chat, and get outside—because this city knows how to do spring right.
