Vancouver isn’t the most affordable city in the world – but fortunately, there are a handful of free events you can check out around town this season. From a pop-up opera show to the return of a popular night market, here are some great options to add to your spring itinerary if you’re on a budget.

Visual Arts Open House and Pop-Up Opera 

This coming month, Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting a free pop-up opera show and open house in the lobbies of Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The free event will include a 2 pm artist talk and a performance at 3 pm by company members of the Vancouver Opera – so if you enjoy classical music, be sure to reserve your ticket online!

When: Saturday, May 6th
Where: 630 Hamilton Street

Shipyards Night Market

The beloved Shipyards Night Market is officially making a comeback this spring after a three-year hiatus, just in time for its 10th anniversary. And you won’t have to spend a dime on admission!

Visitors can once again enjoy their iconic beer garden and outdoor market, and peruse the many mouthwatering food trucks in attendance. As well, the market is bringing back live music and DJs – so consider your Friday night plans made.

When: Every Friday from May 12th to September 15th
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver

Vancouver Career Fair and Training Expo Canada

Switching gears, if you’re looking for a new job, consider checking out this massive job fair at the Vancouver Convention Centre this June Among hiring exhibitors are ICBC, BC Public Service, ABC Recycling LTD., Immigrant Services Society of BC, Visual College of Art and Design, and much more.

The fair will take place from 10 am to 2 pm.

When: June 1st
Where: 999 Canada Place East Ballroom

Festival of Israeli Culture

This May, Vancouver is getting a huge one-day festival & market celebrating Israeli culture, food, music, and art – and there will be plenty of free events to check out. Music and dance performances, a “sassy sesame” cooking workshop, an intuitive painting workshop, a wine tasting, and more await.

When: Sunday, May 14th
Where: 950 West 41st Avenue

Free nights at Vancouver Art Gallery 

Thanks to a new partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery is set to launch free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The first free Friday night will be on May 5th – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!

When: Friday, May 5th
Where: 750 Hornby Street

Vancouver’s ‘PattyPass’ 

Created by The Real Beef Buddies, the $15 PattyPass gets you 50% off a burger at both casual at upscale spots in Vancouver between May 1st and August 31st. New this year? An optional 2023 Supper Club membership, which allows members to meet new people and enjoy burger-focused events via the RSVPlist.

Where: See participating locations above

And that’s a wrap on free events for now, Vancouver. Time to make the most of them!

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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