It might be called the cruelest month, but we’re here to avoid that. There’s no shortage of amazing things to do around Vancouver this April, whatever you’re in the mood for! We’ve got concerts, sports, food fests, outdoor activities… the list goes on, and we’ve got a roundup of the absolute best options for you.
Here are the best things to do around Vancouver this April.
Live Events/Concerts
Dua Lipa
Arguably the most impressive concert this April is also the first one up! Global superstar Dua Lipa is heading to Vancouver to kick off the month, with Caroline Polachek and Lolo Zouai opening up for her.
When: Friday, April 1st
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $256+
Beach House
This dreamy and atmospheric band has been a Vancouver favourite for well over a decade. Luckily, they continue to prove themselves as one each and every time they return!
When: Tuesday, April 5th
Where: 630 Hamilton Street
Cost: $82+
Olivia Rodrigo
Alongside Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo is easily one of the most-anticipated concerts coming to Vancouver. She hasn’t yet reached Rogers Arena status, and because of that, ticket prices have gone through the roof.
When: Thursday, April 7th
Where: 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard, UBC
Cost: $250+
Peach Pit
And of course there’s local talent! Peach Pit has got not one, not two, but three back-to-back concerts in the city next month. And, their sound is going to be one of the best ways for you to get in the mood for summer.
When: Sunday, April 24th and Monday, April 25th
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $89+
Dave
Dave has become a frontrunner for grime and hip-hop in general, thanks to collabs with everyone from Drake to Stormzy. Naturally, the rarity of a solo show in Vancouver has pushed prices way up.
When: Wednesday, April 27th
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $200+
Cirque du Soleil- Alegria
After a 2-year hiatus, Cirque du Soleil has returned to the city! What’s more, it’s brought a ‘reinvented’ version of one of its most popular shows- Alegria. If you’re hoping to be wowed this April, then this is a great option.
When: Showtimes throughout April
Where: Concord Pacific Place
Cost: $65 for GA
TED2022
Got a few extra tens of thousands kicking around? Arguably the most exclusive conference in Canada, if not the world, returns to Vancouver this month, with a speaker list ranging from tech giants (Bill Gates) to Hollywood powerhouses (Bryce Dallas Howard) to musicians (Cordae).
When: Sunday, April 10th to Thursday, April 14th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Hidden Wonders: Speakeasy Magic Experience
This is your chance to see one of the best magicians in the entire world. Seriously, Shawn Farquhar has a ton of accolades under his belt, including becoming the first magician ever to fool Penn & Teller not once, but twice.
When: Showtimes throughout April
Where: Location revealed upon purchase, somewhere in New Westminster
Cost: $50+
Food and Drink
Greater Vancouver Food Truck Fest
We’re kicking things off with some food trucks! Throughout the next few months, this festival will be bringing some of the best food trucks in the region to a variety of cities, ranging from Burnaby to Surrey to Richmond. First up- Food Truck Wars in Surrey!
When: Starts Friday, April 8th
Where: Locations around Greater Vancouver
Whisky & Words
Specific to be sure, but more than worthy of a mention. Put on by the Vancouver Writers Fest, this event will give you access to some incredible whiskies from right here in BC and around the world. Plus, there will be food to go alongside the tastings.
When: Friday, April 22nd
Where: 1218 Cartwright Street
Richmond Night Market
No food fests list for Vancouver is complete without this inclusion. Home to literally hundreds of vendors, it’s become a must for food and drink lovers to visit at least once during the summer months.
When: Starts Friday, April 29th
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Check out a new restaurant
Easily one of our top picks for ‘regular’ things to do around Vancouver this April. If it feels like a must-try restaurant opens every week in this city, that’s because that’s actually true!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Uncover a hidden bar
Turn a dinner out into a full evening with a nightcap at one of Vancouver’s hidden bars or speakeasies. Ambience, delicious drinks, a relaxed atmosphere (most of the time)… it’s the perfect after dinner option!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Get some work done
Whether you’re studying for a big test or just hoping to get out of the house, we’ve rounded up our favourite cafes in the city to get some work done. Check them out for yourself!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Enjoy some of the city’s heated patios
With the weather heating up, we can’t help but jump the gun a little bit on dining outdoors once more. So, why not make things that much warmer at one of the city’s heated patios?
Where: Click the link above for more info
Swing by your local Farmers Market
You better believe that we think a trip to the farmers market is worthwhile any time of year, but especially so in the spring! Picking up great groceries from local producers? This requires no selling on our part.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Outdoor Activities/Sports
Go for a hike
That’s right nature enthusiasts… while some hikes around Vancouver need a few more months, others are perfectly suited for a springtime trip! What’s more, we’ve rounded up our top picks for you.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Find some Cherry Blossoms
On the flipside, those looking to enjoy our city’s most beautiful natural attraction (yeah, we’re making that claim) can spend the entire month looking for cherry blossoms and still not see them all! So, for the best places to go, we’ve helped you out.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Greenheart TreeWalk Vancouver
Capilano isn’t the only place to boast a tree walk! This option at UBC offers a very fun canopy-level view of the gardens, and is sure to have you feeling like you’re in the middle of the forest without having to leave the city.
When: Opens Friday, April Ast
Where: 6804 SW Marine Drive
Cost: $10 for garden admission, tickets for the TreeWalk TBD
Slush Cup at Grouse Mountain
If you’re trying to squeeze that last bit of winter fun, then this is right up your alley. The Slush Cup returns to Grouse this April, offering a chance at glory for those brave enough to face the icy water. As for us? We’re happy with a few groomer laps and spectating instead.
When: Saturday, April 2nd
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $79 (for a lift ticket)
HSBC Canada Sevens
After getting postponed, the Canada Sevens event is back in the city this month. Half incredible display of athleticism, half costume party, with a few beers and some laughs as the cherry on top. It’s a bucket list event for sports fans, so maybe go find out why.
When: Saturday, April 16th and Sunday, April 17th
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $134.28+ for a tournament pass
Vancouver Canucks
You’re running out of time to catch a Canucks home game this season! The playoff race is heating up, and we’re sure a few extra fans in the seats will help our team clinch a spot.
When: Games throughout April
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: Varies
Vancouver Whitecaps
Like last month, the Vancouver Whitecaps are more away than they are home in April. So, if you’re hoping to watch some MLS soccer, make sure to grab some tickets.
When: Saturday, April 2nd and Saturday, April 9th
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: Varies
Canada Soccer Women’s National Team
Speaking of soccer, the Canada Women’s National Team has got their first Vancouver match in almost four years this April! Celebrate their gold medal and Christine Sinclair’s goalscoring record as they face off against Nigeria.
When: Friday, April 8th and Monday, April 11th
Where: BC Place, Vancouver and Starlight Stadium, Abbotsford
Tickets: $30+ for GA
Vancouver Warriors
The sporty options just keep rolling! If you’ve never seen professional lacrosse, know that it’s pretty much got that same high energy as hockey, and at a seriously discounted price point compared to the NHL. Have some fun with some pals this month.
When: Games throughout April
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: Varies
Rolla Skate Club at the PNE
Now a permanent option at the PNE, you can enjoy days and evenings of both family-friendly and adults-only roller skating! It’s a great mix up for date night, or as a weekend outing.
When: Saturdays throughout April
Where: 21 N Renfrew Street
Cost: $15+
Arts and Culture
Capture Photography Festival
We cannot say no to some pretty pictures! Capture Photography Fest is back in Vancouver, offering a wide range of exhibitions, public installations, and even workshops for the truly devoted.
When: Friday, April 1st to Saturday, April 29th
Where: All around Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Arts Club Theatre
Live theatre is back in the city! First up is Arts Club, which is showing not one but two plays this April, offering a great display of local talent and some truly interesting premises.
When: Showtimes throughout April
Where: Online and in-person options
Cost: Varies
The Cultch
Meanwhile, The Cultch also has a great lineup this month. A big draw? The Femme Festival, which is a series of plays and shows focusing on all the experiences of womanhood and femininity.
When: Showtimes throughout April
Where: Online and in-person options
Cost: Varies
Vancouver Art Gallery
Some exhibitions are leaving the Vancouver Art Gallery this month, but we’ve got more to look forward to! From recent acquisitions to solo shows, there’s no doubt that this is an easy pick for things to do in Vancouver this April. Especially on a rainy Tuesday night.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Varies
Polygon Gallery
How about a couple of admission by donation options? The Polygon Gallery opened a new major exhibit last month, showing photos focused on clouds from the ‘Archive of Modern Conflict’. Fitting.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation!
Contemporary Art Gallery
Meanwhile, CAG has two new exhibits that you can check out. One explores the “aesthetics of utopian thought.” The other is about the experience of “time, space, self, and relationships”. We might not get it off the hop, but there’s no denying it’s fun to check out!
Hours: Open throughout April
Where: 555 Nelson Street
Cost: Admission by donation!
Misc.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Fest
Truly a catch-all festival in Vancouver, combining outdoor fairs, food options, competitions, and live music. Our top pick is Sakura Days held at VanDusen, but really, any part of Cherry Blossom Fest is worth checking out for yourself.
When: April 1st to 30th
Where: All around Vancouver
Cost: Varies per event
Bloedel Conservatory
Want to skip spring altogether? You can do it at this classic attraction that combines a tropical garden with hundreds of colourful birds.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05
Vancouver Aquarium
One of Vancouver’s most famous attractions, and for good reason! Spend a day enjoying a whole bunch of sea critters, and try to figure out their “seacrits”. Sorry.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $42 for GA
Science World
Speaking of famous attractions, Science World is arguably the most iconic building in the city. In addition to their regular exhibitions, you’ll also be able to check out T. rex: The Ultimate Predator, and learn some fun facts about a fearsome dino!
When: Open throughout April
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $20.30+
Those are our picks for some of the best things to do in Vancouver this April! Have fun out there, folks!
