Heads up, Vancouver! It looks like we’re getting a sunny weekend, which means it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy all it has to offer. From the Sakura Days Japan Fair to the Vaisakhi Festival and Parade, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (April 12-14).
Vaisakhi Festival and Parade
This weekend, thousands of residents will flock to South Vancouver to celebrate the First Harvest at the annual Vaisakhi Festival and Parade, as part of a Sikh tradition dating back over 300 years. Visitors can enjoy ‘one of the largest Sikh parades in the world,’ which will stretch from Main Street to 57th Avenue.
When: Saturday, April 13th
Where: South Vancouver, Parade route here
Sakura Days Japan Fair
A huge part of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Fest is the Sakura Days Japan Fair, which brings together a mix of Japanese eats, cultural performances, and traditional art.
Guests can sample Japanese food and premium sake at the fair, as well as experience a traditional tea ceremony, Japanese theatre and crafts, and taiko drumming performances.
When: April 13th and 14th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $19.90 per adult
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When: Open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM
Where: 8010 Mons Road, Whistler
Cost: Costs with accommodation vary based on nightly rates
The Marketplace: Spring ’24
Coming this April is a new marketplace in Vancouver that will offer shoppers the chance to check out over 40 local vendors, ranging from jewelry to art, cards, and accessories, to name a few. Hosted by ExpoHub, the two-day market will feature handmade products, delicious food from food trucks, and live music – all to welcome the spring season.
When: Saturday, April 13th and Sunday, April 14th
Where: 3102 Main Street
Cost: Free admission
Art Vancouver Fair
The largest contemporary art fair in Western Canada is back in Vancouver this weekend, bringing the work of nearly 60 artists from across the country together for an unforgettable celebration of contemporary art.
From art classes and live painting sessions to art talks, there’s something for everyone on the roster.
When: Thursday, April 11th to Sunday, April 14th
Where: 1055 Canada Place, East
Cost: $25 for single admission, $50 for weekend pass
Vancouver Canadians Hillsboro Hops
It’s officially baseball season! This weekend, the Vancouver Canadians are up against the Hillsboro Hops across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
When: Games on Friday, April 12th, Saturday, April 13th and Sunday, April 14th
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: $20+
BC Distilled Festival
From 6 to 9 pm on Saturday, April 13th the BC Distilled Festival is bringing over 30 local distilleries to the Italian Cultural Centre. Beyond this main tasting event, there will be two whisky tastings with acclaimed whisky expert Davin de Kergommeaux and a Distillers Dinner at Forage.
When: Saturday, April 13th
Where: 3075 Slocan Street
Cost: $75
Whitecaps FC vs LA Galaxy
This weekend, the Whitecaps are up against the LA Galaxy at BC Place, so get ready to cheer on your home team.
When: Saturday, April 13th
Where: BC Place
Cost: $34
Saturday Skate Night at the Rolla Skate Club
This Saturday, April 13th, the Rolla Skate Club is hosting another Saturday Skate Night from 5 to 7 pm, with a hosted DJ to set the mood. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s the perfect opportunity to lace up your skates and hit the roller rink.
When: Saturday, April 13th
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $20
Check out some cherry blossoms
There’s nothing better than going on a cherry blossom walk in April, surrounded by beautiful pink and white blossoms. Fortunately, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival has mapped out over 3,000 locations of cherry blossom trees and around 50 different varieties, so you can check them out depending on their bloom dates!
Where: See map above
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver!
