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Things to do

51 Fun + Free Things To Do In Metro Vancouver This Spring

things to do vancouver

Spring is just around the corner, and there is so much to look forward to. Not only is warmer weather coming, but there are also a massive amount of events returning to Vancouver this year.

So make the most of the season by checking out our compilation of ALL the events and activities coming up.

From seasonal parades and festivals to an adults-only Easter egg hunt — there’s a plethora of fun things to do and see around Metro Vancouver this spring.

RELATED: 31 Things To Do With Your Family Over Spring Break Near Vancouver

Events in March

Marvel Station

marvel avengers exhibit burnaby
Photo: Marvel Avengers Station (CAN) / Facebook

The Marvel Avengers exhibit S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) is an immersive experience that allows visitors to step into the world of the Avengers and interact with their favorite superheroes.

The exhibit has been touring different cities around the world since 2014, and is at The Amazing Brentwood Mall in Burnaby this spring from March 3 to May 28.

Bite of Burnaby

Foodies can get a taste of one of BC’s most diverse cities for dining options at this food festival taking place throughout the entire month of March.

Participating restaurants will be offering special menus priced anywhere between $10 to $60.

Pokemon Tournament

Vancouver fans are in for a treat with the Pokémon Regional Championships taking place in the city from March 11 to March 12. The event will feature players from all over Vancouver, as well as attracting hundreds of fans.

Thousands of trainers from across the region are expected to gather at the Vancouver Convention Centre for the championships, where they will be competing for up to $65,000 in prizes, scholarships, and gift cards.

CelticFest Vancouver

Celebrate all things Celtic at this two-day festival at the Vancouver Art Gallery on March 17 and 18. Enjoy free concerts, a beer tent and other festivities throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

The 19th annual CelticFest also has many other events taking place over the week of March 11 to 18.

Monster Jam

Photo: Monster Jam / Facebook

Monster Jam is back in Vancouver from March 17 to 19, with the exciting event taking place at the Pacific Coliseum at the PNE. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with some of the most impressive monster trucks in the world set to take center stage.

The event features a variety of competitions, and fans will be treated to the sight of some of the biggest and most impressive monster trucks in the world.

BC Beer & Beverage Festival

Beer enthusiasts can discover 50+ local craft breweries, cideries and wineries from throughout the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland at the Fraser Valley’s newest beer and beverage festival.

It will take place at TradeX in Abbotsford on March 17 and will feature performances by Five Alarm Funk & Delhi 2 Dublin.

Brewski Fest

Visit Cypress Mountain for an apres ski beer sample on March 26. The annual Brewski Fest is on from noon to 4 pm and is open to all pass and ticket holders of the mountain.

Rank your favourite sample with their marble voting system.

Food Truck Wars

Watch (and taste) the greatest food trucks in Metro Vancouver battle it out in Langley March 31 to April 2.

Food Truck Wars will include more than 45 food trucks, a beer garden, market vendors and live entertainment.

Richmond Spring Carnival

The popular carnival at the Lansdowne mall in Richmond returns Thursday March 30 and will remain open through the Easter long weekend till April 10th.

The annual Richmond carnival is a local favourite for young ones, hosted by West Coast Amusements, the largest Canadian midway operation in Western Canada.

Events in April

Cherry Blossoms Festival

Photo: @mikelan1986 / Flickr

One telltale sign that spring has sprung, is when the cherry blossoms pop up across Metro Vancouver.

This usually happens in April. And it brings cherry blossom chasers to various streets and parks to soak up the blossoms while they last. There are also month long festivities and amazing treats to try out this time of years. So get your camera ready for one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Some Cherry Blossom Events Includes:

Easter Events

Easter 2023 falls on April 16th, and there are plenty of fun activities to do in and around Vancouver. From egg hunts to brunches, there’s something for everyone.

Some Easter Events Includes:

  • April 1st: Easter Hunts hosted by various cities
  • April 1st: Bunny and Booze at Maan Farms
  • April 1st: Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Taves Farm
  • April 8th: The Big Easter Run at Jericho Beach Park

Filipino Restaurant Month in Metro Vancouver

Filipino cuisine has been steadily gaining popularity in the international food scene, and the Vancouver food community is no exception.

Vancouverites are in for a treat this April as the city celebrates the Filipino Restaurant Month. The month-long event aims to showcase the diverse flavors and cooking styles of the Philippines through its food.

UBC Food Truck Festival

Fraser Valley Food Truck Festival

UBC’s inaugural food truck festival is taking place April 5 to 6.

The event is being organized by the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival and will include over 20 food trucks, 15 market vendors, and of course, some live entertainment.

Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival

Whistler is home to the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, taking place from April 10 to 16.

The festival brings non-stop events and action on and off the slopes, with ski and snowboard competitions, music, art, photography, filmmaking and exciting nightlife, plus some of the best skiing and après sessions of the season.

AMS Block Party at UBC

This is the largest university music festival in Western Canada, attracting over 6000 attendees each year. The annual event celebrates the end of a school year and the coming of summer with an impressive lineup of headliners and local artists, as well as delicious food. This year’s event takes place on April 13th.

Surrey Carnival

carnival
Photo: @colinsmithtakespi / Instagram

Surrey is hosting a 10-day Carnival from Friday April 14th to Sunday April 23rd. It will be held at Guildford Town Centre.

As per usual, visitors can expect plenty of rides, fun fair games, and plenty of delicious bites for the whole family.

Science World’s Extravagant Evenings for Teens (SWEET)

This Spring, Science World is offering a FREE event to teens, teaching them about the future of food and how we can create a thriving, sustainable food ecosystem. The event is perfect for teens to connect with peers who share similar interests and passions, engage in fun activities, and learn about the exciting world of STEAM.

BrickCan Lego Festival

Andrew-Delbaere-LEGO-model
Photo: Brickcan

Get ready to relive all of your favourite childhood memories. Metro Vancouver is once again hosting the popular adult LEGO fan convention BrickCan from April 20 to 23.

The four-day convention will take place at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond. Their most recent event was the largest public exhibition of incredible LEGO creations ever held in BC. This year, fans can expect BrickCan to come back with even more unique displays of LEGO creativity.

Tulip Festival Season

Wander through rows upon rows of vibrant tulips during the beautiful Tulip Festival.

You can visit the beautiful fields at Abbotsford’s Lakeland or Chilliwack’s Tulip Festival to soak in some beautiful blooms. It is a great way to spend your Spring day,

Vancouver Sun Run

Walk, jog or run in downtown Vancouver on April 16. The scenic 10K course will feature water stations and live entertainment along the way.

And there will even be a post-race party at BC Place.

Vaisakhi Parade

Surrey Vaisakhi Parade
Photo: BC NDP / Flickr

The Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, organized by Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, will take place on April 22 after being cancelled for the past three years due to the pandemic.

This annual tradition is a religious celebration for Sikhs around the world, commemorating the birth or establishment of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The parade, featuring floats, live music and dancers, and community groups, will begin and end at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar Temple, and the procession of over 2,500 participants will travel through various streets before returning to the Temple.

Burnaby Food Truck Block Party

The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival is hosting a massive Block Party in Burnaby this spring, and it promises to be a delicious event for foodies and casual diners alike.

It will be taking place at a new location in the BCIT parking lot on April 22nd. Per usual, there will be an abundance of great food, and live entertainment.

The Science of Cocktails at Science World

Science World’s coveted adults-only event is coming back after a three year hiatus for another booze-filled evening and it’s all for a good cause.

Science World’s most popular fundraiser, Science of Cocktails, is back on April 27, where the iconic dome will transform into a giant laboratory of delicious, scientifically-designed drinks and tasty eats. All proceeds benefit Science World’s Bursary Program, providing access to the dome for those who otherwise may not be able to attend.

Richmond Night Market

richmond night market
Photo: @richmondnightmarket / Instagram

The Richmond Night Market is set to return April 28, with a magical “Summer Wonderland” theme. Promising the return of over 100 vendors, live shows, and delicious eats.

It’s the perfect way to kick off the spring and summer months, with tons of vendors to explore and unique eats to indulge in.

Party for the Planet – Surrey Earth Day Celebrations

Party for the Planet is the largest Earth Day celebration in BC. It is a hallmark of Surrey’s commitment to sustainability, and this year, the celebration promises to be even more exciting than before.

This free, all-day event will be returning to Surrey’s Civic Plaza this April. Featuring a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy, including live entertainment, dancers, and environmental educators.

Dragon Boat – Inlet Spring Regatta

The Inlet Spring Regatta, now in its fourth year, will be held on Saturday, April 29, at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. The event, which is suitable for families, will feature over 30 teams from different areas competing in various categories. Additionally, the regatta will serve as a commemoration of a significant achievement for the Nothin’ Dragon organizing team, which has grown to more than 50 teams.

Events in May

Smash Bros. Tournament

Photo: @alonelychime / Twitter

Super Smash Bros. is one of the most popular video games in the world, and fans of the game are in for some fun with the upcoming tournament taking place in Vancouver.

The tournament will feature players from all over Vancouver and from around the world. As well as attracting hundreds of fans, all eager to watch their favorite players battle it out for the championship title. Check it out at the Vancouver Convention centre May 19 to 21.

National Geographic show – Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice

This year, Vancouver Civic Theatres presents National Geographic Live featuring 3 shows at the Orpheum Theatre, staring with Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice. 2 more shows will follow in the Fall.

Royal Canadian International Circus

The all-new Royal Canadian International Circus is coming to Vancouver May 4 to 22.

Organizers say it will mesmerize, astound, thrill, and captivate audiences “beyond the extraordinary.” It’s a fun time for adults and children alike.

Coquitlam Block Party and Food Truck Festival

Coquitlam will be hosting a massive food truck festival from May 13th to 14th at Town Centre Park. The event will feature a large number of food trucks, a market showcasing local artists, live music, and a play area for kids.

The event is located right by Lafarge Lake, so attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day at the park.

Port Coquitlam May Day Parade

Port Coquitlam is celebrating their 100th May Day this year. This is the longest running event in the Tri-Cities, celebrating the community by coming together through music, dance, food and more.

You can expect week long events, ending with a huge Parade on May 13th from Downtown Coquitlam.

La Pizza Week

If you needed an excuse to eat some pizza, this is it. Support local restaurants during La Pizza Week from May 1 to 14.

Participating eateries will offer special menus, with some pretty unique pizza offerings. It’s all for a good cause too, with a portion of proceeds going to charity.

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

shipyards night market
Photo: TheShipyardsDistrict / Facebook

After a two year absence, North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market is finally set to return this Spring. This free market is a perfect place to spend a relaxing evening with family and friends, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and exploring the best of the local community.

The market will be taking place every Friday from May 12 to September 15.

Jurassic Quest

This is the closest it gets to being in Jurassic Park. This festival will bring life-size dinosaurs animated to be realer-than-ever.

Don’t miss the Spinosaurus, T-Rex, and more when Jurassic Quest comes to the Vancouver Convention Centre from May 12 to 14.

Infamous Rude Karen’s Diner Pop-up Experience

The diner with deliberately rude staff is coming to Vancouver this Spring. Karen’s Diner is known for their absurd and unique environment full of laughter, banter, and top-notch American diner-style grub.

The pop-up diner will be around from May 13-21 at the Zawa Restaurant on Commercial. Bookings are required.

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair

Cloverdale Rodeo
Photo: Cloverdale Rodeo / Facebook

This rodeo and country fair is one of Western Canada’s most popular family events and it’s taking place May 19 to 22.

The Cloverdale Rodeo is proud to host 96 of the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls in an unique invitational rodeo format that ensures the sports premier athletes are showcased throughout five rodeo performances.

Vancouver International Wine Festival

This wine festival will feature thousands of wines from more than 150 different wineries from 17 different countries.

It’s taking place May 16 to 22 at Canada Place.

All British Field Meet

Car enthusiasts can check out the greatest show on British wheels at this car show being held on the lawn at the VanDusen Botanical Garden on May 20.

The meet will feature a plethora of British-built classics, exhibitors and vendors all on display.

Colour Fest in Coquitlam

Diwali Fest is hosting their annual Holi festival on May 20th at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam.

Colour Fest 2023 celebrates the ancient Indian spring festival, Holi, which marks the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and the blossoming of love, as well as a time of renewal and reconciliation.

The event will feature a variety of music and dance performances, a Colour Zone, and a South Asian Night Market.

Spot Prawn Festival

Spot Prawn season takes place in Vancouver from Mid May – Early June. During this time, seafood lovers can get their hands on some amazingly fresh spot prawns. There are a number of events that allows the public to these fresh from the sea and sold right from the vessel. This includes the Spot Prawn Festivals at Granville Island in Vancouver and Staverton in Richmond.

Events in June

Halal Ribfest

A food tour all about halal is set to take place across North America, with a stop in Vancouver June 2 to 4. The Halal Ribfest will then go on to Calgary, Edmonton and several other Canadian cities.

Playland

wooden coaster playland 2022
Photo: PNE/Playland

Vancouver’s best amusement park is back starting on June 3.

Spectators can enjoy a series of live performances, one-of-a-kind eats and of course, lots of thrilling rides and classic fair games.

Surrey Block Party Food Festival

Surrey’s annual Block Party returns on June 3rd and June 4th. Attendees can expect a fun-filled event featuring more than 25 amazing food trucks, a local artisan market with vendors, locally-brewed beer, and performances from talented musicians from the area.

5X Festival Blockparty

Due to popular demand, the 5X Festival Blockparty will be returning to Surrey this Spring, and the best part yet it is free for all attendees.

The concert will feature the finest music talents from Metro Vancouver and will take place at Surrey Civic Plaza on June 11. This outdoor event is suitable for all ages and will feature art installations, a vendor village, and delectable food and drinks.

Fraser Valley Classic Car Show

Check out some cool cars while helping to raise money for a worthy cause. The Fraser Valley Classic Car show takes place June 11, and raises funds for charity.

Vancouver’s Italian Day on the Drive

Italian Day On The Drive
Photo: Italian Day / Facebook

After three years without the Italian Day festival due to the pandemic, the signature 14 block cultural street festival is set to return on June 11.

Head to the Drive to spend time with ‘famiglia’, as you enjoy food, wine, music and several other must-try activities.

5K FoamFest

Ever wanted to know how it feels to run through a cloud? Well this may be your chance. The 5K Foam Fest will be taking place in Surrey this year with lots of bubbles and 22 exciting obstacles. The event will be taking place on Saturday, June 17th. Registration for the event is currently open for $99.

Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s Foodstock

Foodstock will return on June 18 and is hosted by the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

The festival aims to raise some much-needed funds to help feed the local community. It will be taking over Swangard Stadium with a celebration of live music, local vendors, and more.

South Asian Family Festival (SAF Festival)

Western Canada’s largest South Asian family event is happening at the PNE Fairgrounds on Sunday, June 18.

It will feature live entertainment, exciting rides, and more. It will be the first time such an event is taking place in Vancouver and is expected to be a exciting event.

Vandusen – FREE Rose Show

Explore an array of exquisite roses at no cost during this spring festival. The Vancouver Rose Society will host the 66th Biennial Rose Show at the VanDusen Botanical Garden on Sunday, June 18th. Visitors can marvel at hundreds of named varieties of the “Queen of Flowers” between 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm in the Floral Hall, and the event is free to attend.

Bill Nye

bill nye
Photo: @billnye / Instagram

Bill Nye the Science Guy, is coming to Vancouver for an exciting show that promises to be educational, entertaining, and inspiring.

The beloved science educator has captured the hearts and minds of generations, and his upcoming show in Vancouver promises to be a continuation of his mission to make science accessible and engaging for everyone. Bill Nye will be bringing his show to Science World on June 20.

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