Get ready, Vancouver, because it’s going to be a toasty weekend! With temperatures reaching nearly 30 degrees, staying cool is paramount. So whether you want to go for a dip, grab some ice cream, or find a nice shady patch of grass to lounge in, you’ve got options. And you’ll definitely want to check out a couple of the exciting events going on around the city – from a new cultural festival to the return of the Shipyards Night Market. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (May 12-14).
Shipyards Night Market
This Friday marks the official return of the beloved Shipyards Night Market after a three-year hiatus! Best of all? 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
Cost: Free admission
Hayley Kiyoko
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Singer, dancer, and actress Haley Kiyoko is taking the stage in Vancouver this weekend, and the triple-threat performer always puts on an amazing show.
When: Saturday, May 13th
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $65
VBGA Plant Sale
If you love any opportunity to take home a new plant, then get ready to brighten up your living space with a couple of beautiful new plant babies, courtesy of The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association. Their annual plant sale will feature over 500 varieties, including native plants, tropical fruit trees, temperate trees, vines, shrubs, orchids, herbs, mushrooms, and even carnivorous plants.
Festival of Israeli Culture
Vancouver is getting a huge one-day festival & market celebrating Israeli culture, food, music, and art – and there will be plenty of events to check out.
In addition to delicious food and drink from local vendors and food trucks, guests can expect to see a wide variety of music and dance performances, a “sassy sesame” cooking workshop, intuitive painting, calligraphy, and more.
Best of all? The fun-filled day is completely free to attend!
When: Sunday, May 14th
Where: 950 West 41st Avenue
Cost: Free admission
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
It’s your last chance to check out this year’s Abbotsford Tulip Fest – AKA, the largest tulip festival in the country. Presented by Lakeland Flowers, the Abbotsford Tulip Festival marks the first of six months’ worth of flower festivals to come. And with over 70 stunning tulip varieties lined across 27+ acres, you have plenty of beautiful flowers to roam.
When: April 14th to May 14th
Where: 39171 No 4 Road, Abbotsford
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: Open throughout May
Where: 639 Hornby Street
Richmond Night Market
From candy sticks to boba, to customizable noodles — it’s easy to see why the Richmond Night Market attracts over one million visitors each year. So why not check it out this weekend?
When: Open from Friday to Sunday every weekend
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Gary Numan
English musician Gary Numan entered the scene as a frontman of the new wave band Tubeway Army, releasing his own solo album The Pleasure Principle in 1979, which topped the UK charts. Now, he has 10 million record sales under his belt, and is heading to Vancouver this weekend to take center stage.
When: Sunday, May 14th
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $59.75
Swing by your local Farmer’s 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
Enjoy some spring views
It’s a great weekend to be outside (preferably in some shade) and enjoy some spring views. Cherry blossom season might be wrapping up, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other spring flowers and trees to enjoy!
Where: See our picks above
So there you have it, Vancouver. Enjoy the sunshine and take care!
