With Victoria Day coming up this Monday, there is plenty of long weekend fun to be had around Vancouver, whether it’s on a day trip, a scenic picnic at the beach, or at a night market. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (May 19-21).
Jurassic World Live Tour
The highly-anticipated Jurassic World Live Tour is finally in Vancouver this weekend, so get ready to see over 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, including fan-fave Velociraptor Blue and a 40-foot-long T.rex.
The dinos will be operated by animatronics and performers, so visitors are definitely in for an exciting show. Fans of the popular Netflix series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous will also recognize Bumpy, the friendly, food-motivated dino, according to the release.
When: Friday, May 19th to Sunday, May 21st, and Friday, May 26th to Sunday, May 28th
Where: 100 North Renfrew Street
Cost: Sign up for pre-sale tickets here
Shipyards Night Market
The Shipyards Night Market is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and what better place to kick off the long weekend than their iconic beer garden and outdoor market? Enjoy delicious food truck eats, live music, and spectacular views while you’re at it.
When: Every Friday from May 12th to September 15th
Where: 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Catch a baseball game
This Friday, the Vancouver Canadians are going up against the Tri-City Dust Devils, so if you’re craving stadium food and cold beers, this may be the ideal way to kick off the long weekend.
When: Friday, May 19th
Where: 4601 Ontario Street
Cost: $10+
Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
The longest-running Highland Games event in North America is back in Victoria this year, so get ready for all the traditional Scottish and Celtic events you know and love. Typically, the games involve a range of sporting events and athletic competitions – including caber tosses, hammer throws, weightlifting, and a range of running and jumping events.
The 2023 Games will mark the 160th annual festival and will be held at Topaz Park.
When: Saturday, May 20th and Sunday, May 21st
Where: Topaz Park, Victoria
Cost: $15 for one day, $25 for a two-day pass
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Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair
Returning after a three-year hiatus is Cloverdale’s Rodeo and Country Fair, which will be in full swing with live entertainment, over 40 food trucks, Midway rides & games and featured attractions for the whole family.
When: May 19th to May 22nd
Where: 6050 176 Street, Surrey
Cost: $11.57 for early bird tickets
See what’s happening at VanDusen
While there might not be an official festival to mark the occasion, VanDusen Botanical Garden has plenty of horticulture shows & events going on this season. In April, the garden fully comes to life, with blooming magnolias, Japanese Cherry Blossoms, Pacific Dogwood, and much more.
Where: 5251 Oak Street
See what’s on at The Cultch
Meanwhile, The Cultch also has a great lineup for the season. Their options are more for the classic play experience, but of course, expect some contemporary premises and tour-de-force performances from them.
When: Showtimes throughout May
Where: Online and in-person options
Cost: Varies per show
Check out a jazz night
No matter your beverage of choice, Vancouver has some stellar jazz nights to take advantage of on a weekly basis. From Aperture Coffee Bar to Osita on Commercial, here are 10 great picks for live jazz by local and touring artists.
Where: See our picks above
Richmond Night Market
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And last but certainly not least, we come to the beloved Richmond Night Market. From candy sticks to boba, to customizable noodles — it’s easy to see why the market attracts over one million visitors each year. So don’t miss out, the market will be open over the long weekend from 7 pm until midnight on May 19th, from 6 pm on May 20th and 21st, and from 7 pm to 11 pm on Monday, May 22nd.
When: Every weekend
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
And that’s a wrap for this weekend, Vancouver! Enjoy!
