Get ready for some serious sunshine, Vancouver! The forecast is looking up, with temperatures reaching as high as 19 degrees by the end of the week! Things are finally warming up, and there are plenty of exciting ways to get outside and celebrate. So break out your sunglasses, bikes, and wine connoisseur hats: Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (April 24-28).

Science of Cocktails

things to do vancouver april 24-28
Photo via Taehoon Kim / Science World

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. So mark your calendars for Thursday, April 27th, and snag some tickets while you still can!

When: Thursday, April 27th.
Where:  1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $185 for GA, $289 for VIP

Richmond Night Market

That’s right, Vancouver. The beloved Richmond Night Market is back this week, and we can’t wait to sample tasty eats from over 250 food vendors. Summer just got that much closer!

When: Friday, April 28th
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond

Vancouver International Wine Festival 

The time has come for the return of the International Wine Fest! 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)

Bright Futures at the Bill Reid Gallery

Bright Futures is the Bill Reid Gallery’s newest exhibit, examining the lasting influence of the artist’s iconic work on the development of contemporary Northwest Coast art today. Alongside a selection of works from Bill Reid Gallery’s permanent collection, the group exhibition showcases works from 14 emerging and established artists from a broad variety of disciplines and cultures from throughout BC and the Yukon.

When: Opens Wednesday, April 26th
Where: 639 Hornby Street

Gipsy Kings

If you haven’t already heard of the international music powerhouse that is Gipsy Kings, you have now! Leader and co-founder of the group Nicholas Reyes followed in his father’s footsteps to create a French-flamenco fusion band that would go on to perform on international stages for 30+ years and counting. And they’re performing at The Orpheum with Tonino Baliardo on Wednesday, April 26th.

When: Wednesday, April 26th
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: $80+

Check out Jungle Room

Opening on Friday, April 28th is Vancouver’s first-ever jungle-inspired cocktail lounge, aptly named Jungle Room. While details about the space and menu offerings are currently under wraps, guests can officially book reservations to check it out themselves. And if the name is any indication, we’re sure guests can expect some pretty fantastic, vibrant drinks surrounded by lush greenery.

When: Friday, April 28th
Where: 961 Denman Street

Chilliwack Tulip Festival

This year’s Chilliwack Tulip Festival is in full swing, with over seven million stunning tulips in bloom. If you’re looking to take in the spring colours and maybe get in a few family photos for the season, this is the perfect opportunity to do both.

When: Opens for the season Wednesday, April 19th
Where: 41310 Royalwood Drive, Chilliwack
Cost: $11.86 GA

Take a weekend trip to Whistler Blackcomb

Of course, another option is to get a little bit of spring skiing done! While the Whistler side is set to close in mid-April, Blackcomb Mountain is slated to stay open until late May. If you didn’t get the chance to hit the slopes this winter, then this is a great time to go.

When: Slated to close May 23rd

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

Rent some e-bikes

With the sun peaking out this week and the temperatures climbing, it’s never been a better time to hop on a bike and ride. The 24-Hour Pass by Mobi gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.

And that’s a wrap on this week, Vancouver! Enjoy the sunshine.