We know life in Vancouver doesn’t come cheap. And since bills make up most of our own monthly spending, we thought we’d share some fun things to do around the city that won’t break the bank. From events at this year’s Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival to a pop-up Latin dance class, here are 10 of the best free and cheap things to do around the city this month.

The Big Picnic 

spring events vancouver
Photo via Al Lau / Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Every year, dozens of Akebono cherry trees bloom around the city, bringing people far and wide together to celebrate the season. Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival is bringing back The Big Picnic to mark the occasion on Saturday, April 1st from 10 am to 4 pm.

When: Saturday, April 1st
Where: 1300 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: Free

Sakura Days Japan Fair 

Another standout event at this year’s cherry blossom fest is the annual Sakura Days Japan Fair, a celebration of all things Japan. Visitors can look forward to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, taiko drumming, Japanese food and sake samples, games and crafts, and more.

When: Saturday, April 15th and Sunday, 16th
Where: 1300 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $18.60

Pop-up Latin dance classes 

This month, Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting a $10 pop-up Latin dance class at their Annex downtown. If you’ve been looking to connect with other dance enthusiasts or learn some new steps, this is a great opportunity to do both.

When: Friday, April 21st
Where: Annex 823 Seymour Street
Cost: $10

Take part in an Easter Egg hunt 

Easter is coming up on April 9th, which means a ton of easter egg hunts and family-friendly extravaganzas will be popping up around the city. Thankfully, the Vancouver Park Board has made it easy to locate your nearest Easter event through their long weekend activity sheet.

Where: Community centres & locations across Vancouver

Recent Posts:
Spring on our mind: Here’s when this year’s Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival returns
Sipping on spring: Vancouver is getting cherry blossom-themed afternoon tea & here’s when

Disco Inferno

Get ready to boogie on down to the sounds of the 1970s with “Disco Inferno,” the latest production by the non-profit society, Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret. This half discotheque half musical comedy is set in 1979, and involves dancers coming down from the stage to mingle with guests, who are encouraged to dance themselves.

Whether you want to dance the night away or sit back and enjoy the show, “Disco Inferno” has something for everyone!

When: April 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th, and 15th
Where: 144 East 6th Avenue
Cost: $11.62

Hot Fruit Figure Drawing Series

The James Black Gallery in Mount Pleasant is an artist-run gallery where members of their collective can exhibit their work and host interdisciplinary events open to the public. On April 15th, they’re hosting a figure-drawing event centred around QTBIPOC models and artists.

Sessions range from classical nude figure drawings to fashion-forward, and participants can sign up ahead of time online.

When: Saturday, April 15th
Where: 144 East 6th Avenue
Cost: $15

Shop Shop Shop Easter Event at Pacific Arts Market

Looking to do a bit of shopping or check out some local art? You can do both at the Pacific Arts Market during Easter weekend. From 1 to 5:30 pm on Friday, April 7th, guests can drop in for family-friendly arts and crafts, load up on treats, go on a themed hunt, and support local.

When: Friday, April 7th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: Free

Check out some free galleries & museums 

High admission fees can be a barrier for many looking to access the local art and history scenes in Vancouver, so here are some spots around the city that offer a unique look into new artistic perspectives free of charge!

Where: See our picks above

Rent some e-bikes

While it’s definitely not prime biking weather, the sun has definitely made an on-and-off appearance this past month, so why not plan ahead for the sunnier days this week? The 24-Hour Pass by Mobi gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.

Enjoy some spring views 

In addition to the cherry blossom map, you’re pretty much guaranteed a stunning view at these classic city lookout spots. And thankfully, taking in the views doesn’t cost a thing!

Where: See our picks above

And that’s a wrap on some of the best free and cheap things to do around Vancouver this month. Happy April!

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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