Now that spring is officially here, we’re ready to dive head first into cherry blossom season, and all the exciting events that come with it. Whether you want to relax under beautiful blossoms at David Lam Park or indulge in a food fest with world-class chefs, there’s something for everyone this season. So with that in mind, here are 14 of the biggest events to look forward to in & around Vancouver this spring.
The Big Picnic
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
Red Bull Slopesoakers
While technically a winter sendoff event, the Red Bull Slopesoakers competition & BBQ party is coming up next month, so we think it’s only appropriate to end this year’s ski season with a bang.
The event puts a unique twist on the classic pond skim concept, allowing competitors to show off their tricks on rails suspended above pools of water.
When: Saturday, April 8th
Where: Panorama Mountain Resort, BC
Cost: $20 to participate
FEAST! Vancouver Festival
If food is the way to your heart, then get ready to fall in love with another amazing culinary festival. FEAST! Vancouver Festival is returning to the city next month, bringing world-class chefs and talent together to create the ultimate lineup of food and drink-focused events, all in support of the BC Cancer Foundation.
When: April 11th to April 15th
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Tickets go on sale at 7 am on March 11th
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: Free
Cherry Blossom-Inspired Afternoon Tea – Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is now hosting a new cherry blossom-themed afternoon tea service, complete with specialty cocktails, spring-inspired decor, and a plethora of themed treats to enjoy. Guests can choose from three seatings, available at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Reservations can be made online from Thursdays to Sundays until May 21st.
When: Available until May 21st
Where: 900 West Georgia Street
Cost: $74 per person
Science of Cocktails
As far as spring events go, this one definitely tops our own personal list. Science of Cocktails brings the best of the beverage and dining scenes to Science World, and gives them a special twist. Every fundraiser, the iconic dome transforms into a giant laboratory, offering guests the chance to sample delicious, scientifically-designed drinks and eats made by some of the city’s best bartenders and chefs.
Finally, an event for foodies and science lovers!
When: Thursday, April 27th.
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $185 for GA, $289 for VIP
Science World After Dark
Speaking of Science World, the popular adults-only “After Dark” series officially returns on Thursday, April 20th, so get ready to explore the exhibits and feel like a kid again.
When: Thursday, April 20th, and the third Thursday of every month
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $31+ GST for early bird tickets
Vancouver International Wine Festival
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In just a few short months, the Vancouver International Wine Fest is returning to the city for its 44th installment. Running for an entire week this April and often attracting tens of thousands of visitors, the festival is easily one of the largest of its kind in Canada. It’s not without good reason, as it attracts producers from all over the world, both big and small.
When: April 22nd to April 30th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $109+ (varies per event)
The Greatest Show on British Wheels
If you’re a fan of classic cars, you’ll definitely want to check this one out. On Saturday, May 20th, an ElectraClassic vehicle display is coming to VanDusen Botanical Garden, allowing visitors to learn more about the converted British-built classics for themselves.
When: Saturday, May 20th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Jurassic World Live Tour
Love dinosaurs? You’ll definitely want to mark your calendars for the Canadian premiere of the Jurassic World Live Tour this May. Guests can expect 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
Spring Break with Sea to Sky Gondola
From now until Thursday, March 30th, children 12 and under can ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for free (Monday to Thursday) in honour of spring break. Visitors can receive one free child ticket with the purchase of an adult or senior day ticket online.
If you want to break up the events with a little trip for the whole family, this is a great option.
When: March 13th to 30th
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
CATS – Broadway Across Canada
Theatre lovers, this one’s for you! This May, CATS the musical is coming to Vancouver as part of a multi-season North American tour. One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, you definitely won’t want to miss this.
When: May 23 to May 28th
Where: 630 Hamilton Street
Cost: $41.50
Check out a flower festival
From the return of the beloved Chilliwack Tulip Fest to a Magnolia-focused walk through UBC’s botanical garden, here are some stunning flower festivals near Vancouver to look forward to this season.
Where: See our picks above
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
And that’s a wrap on some of the biggest events coming to Vancouver this spring.
