Spring has arrived, the cherry blossoms have bloomed, and there are tons of returning festivals, pop-up events, night markets, and live shows coming to Vancouver this month. From exploring hundreds of acres of flowers at the Abbotsford Tulip Fest to a new block party, here are 42 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this April.
Concerts & Live Events
Said The Whale
Vancouver-born indie rock band Said The Whale is bringing its 10th anniversary show to the Hollywood Theatre on Friday, April 5th.
When: Friday, April 5th
Where: Hollywood Theatre
Cost: Check back for GA
An Evening in Spain: A Culinary Journey with Antonio Romero
Hosted by ARC IBERICO IMPORTS, this delicious culinary event celebrates Spanish culture and food through tapas tastings, premium Ibérico charcuterie, a master ham-carving experience, and live entertainment for families and friends to enjoy.
Note that there will be two sessions to choose from: One from 6 pm to 8 pm aimed more at families, and one from 8 pm to 10:30 pm for the night owl crowd.
When: Friday, April 5th
Where: 1263 Homer Street
Cost: $59.91
Bianca Del Rio – Dead Inside Comedy Tour
Drag and comedic icon Bianca Del Rio is returning to the stage with a new show covering topics in politics, pop culture, cancel culture, and everyday life – all through the eyes of someone who’s “dead inside” – hence the tour’s name!
This marks the comedian’s sixth worldwide stand-up tour, so don’t miss out!
When: Tuesday, April 9th
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Cost: $59.91
Hairspray by Broadway Across Canada
Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy Hairspray is coming to Vancouver from April 2nd to 7th, as a part of its North American tour.
When: Tuesday, April 2nd to Sunday, April 7th
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: $129.71+
An Evening with Jane Goodall: Celebrating 90
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada is presenting ‘An Evening with Jane Goodall’ this month, where Dr. Goodall herself will recount her unique experiences as a young woman working alone in the rainforest. She’ll be joined by Jann Arden following her lecture to discuss her hopes for the future where people live in harmony with nature.
When: Friday, April 12th
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: Sold out currently, check back soon
Science World After Dark
The popular adults-only “After Dark” series officially returns to Science World on Thursday, April 18th, so get ready to explore the exhibits and feel like a kid again.
When: Thursday, April 18th, and the third Thursday of select months
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $31+ GST for early bird tickets
TED 2024: The Brave and the Brilliant
Want to learn more about the world of AI? TED’s 40th anniversary is all about paving a way for the future that fosters creativity and collaboration between humans and AI.
When: Monday, April 15th to Friday, April 19th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $31+ GST for early bird tickets
Coast City Country
With headliners like Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, and Nickelback – you’ll definitely want to check out Coast City Country 2024. The main event will take place at BC Place on April 19th and 20th, where over 75,000 fans will get to enjoy the music they love, in addition to an in-stadium craft beer and whiskey festival and outdoor BBQ smokehouse.
Between April 18th and 20th, visitors can check out over 30 acts between BC Place and other locations across the city, including the historic Commodore Ballroom.
When: April 18th to 20th
Where: BC Place, Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $69+
The Black Crowes
Not to be confused with Counting Crows – this Atlanta-born rock band has eight studio albums, four live albums and several top singles under its belt. This includes “She Talks to Angels,” “Hard to Handle” and “Jealous Again.”
When: Tuesday, April 16th
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: $99.75
GZA
Known as GZA, Gary Grice is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and was actually the first member of the iconic group to receive a record deal. The American rapper is known for solo songs like Shadowboxin’, I Told Them, and 4th Chamber.
When: Saturday, April 20th
Where: Enso Event Centre
Cost: $49.51
Diljit Dosanjh
Renowned Punjabi artist Diljit Dosanjh is returning to Vancouver this upcoming month and his new Di-Luminati World Tour will be at BC Place’s first-ever Punjabi stadium show – making it the largest of its kind outside of India.
When: Saturday, April 27th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $193.05
Justin Timberlake
Known for his ‘Frosted Tips’ days with NSYNC, Justin Timberlake is often considered the “Prince of Pop” for all the hit songs he’s contributed to the genre in the 90s and 00s. His discography includes hit singles like SexyBack, Suit & Tie, Mirrors, Bye Bye Bye, and Cry Me A River.
When: Monday, April 29th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $117.81
Vancouver Career Fair – Career Fair Connection
This one’s a bit further down the line, but Career Fair Connection is hosting a massive hiring fair in April at the Hilton that job seekers won’t want to miss. The fair will feature top employers in government, sales, retail, education, IT, engineering, healthcare, financial services, and customer service – to name a few areas.
When: Tuesday, April 30th
Where: 433 Robson Street
Arts & Culture
Capture Photography Festival
Western Canada’s largest lens-based art festival is returning to the city for the month of April via exhibits at dozens of galleries throughout Metro Vancouver, as well as an extensive Public Art Program. So whether you want to check out a couple of artist talks or catch a film, there’s likely an event with your name on it.
When: April 1st to 30th
Where: Locations across Metro Vancouver
Vancouver Art Gallery
You don’t need to know Monet from Cézanne to enjoy a day at the Vancouver Art Gallery. With new exhibits popping up all the time, it’s a fun, educational and culturally enriching place to check out. And of course, who doesn’t love ‘hmm-ing’ and ‘hah-ing’ at some crazy paintings, especially on Free Nights at the Gallery?
The next one will be on Friday, April 5th.
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $6.50 – $24, free on the first Friday of every month
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
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
Made in the 604 Spring Market
If you missed last month’s ‘Made in the 604’ pop-up market at Heritage Hall, now’s your chance to take advantage of the next one, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 21st. Admission is completely free and you’re sure to find something unique and handmade that you’ll love!
When: Sunday, April 21st
Where: 3102 Main Street
Cost: Free admission
Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party
Believe it or not, the season of block parties and outdoor events is just around the corner, and the first-ever Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party is set to kick them off. As one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Vancouver, Sunset is the perfect place to embrace the spirit of unity – and Filipino BC is putting on the neighbourhood’s first multi-block party this upcoming month.
When: Saturday, April 27th
Where: John Oliver Secondary (East 41st Avenue) to East 47th Avenue
Check out a free museum
By the same token, there are plenty of museums and art galleries in Vancouver offering free admission to their exhibits year-round. And while the list is by no means complete, we think this is a solid place to start this month.
Where: See our picks above
See an improv show
From Date Night improv to monthly standup sessions, House Team showcases, and more – there’s always something exciting going on at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. And why not start off the month with a couple of laughs and libations with your loved ones?
When: Shows throughout April
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Cost: $26.50
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Food & Drink
Portobello West Roundhouse Spring Market
On Saturday, April 6th, visitors of Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre can enjoy the next instalment of the Portobello West Roundhouse Spring Market. Here, you can treat yourself to some amazing finds from over 65 local BC makers.
When: Saturday, April 6th
Where: 181 Roundhouse Mews
Cost: $6.66 per adult (children 12 and under are free)
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
Brewhalla North Vancouver
With multiple dates and locations slated for this spring and summer, Brewhalla is officially back in Metro Vancouver, and the music & beer fest kicks off on Friday, April 19th at the Shipyards!
When: Friday, April 19th
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $49 to $242
Noodletown Global Street Food
This tasty event lets you make your own favourite Asian street food noodles – whether you’re new to the kitchen or a pro. At Noodletown Global Street Food, participants will get to talk to chefs about sourcing ingredients, and cooking methods, and get to indulge in a four-course tasting menu featuring the following:
- Chiang Mai Curry Noodles with coconut and chicken
- Ground Pork Dan Dan Noodles with ginger and chilli
- Japchae Korean Glass noodles with tiger prawns
- Boba Tea Ice Cream and Crispy Pancake roll
When: Friday, April 19th
Where: 2665 Renfrew Street
Cost: $128.07
Science of Cocktails
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.
When: Thursday, April 11th
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $185 for GA, $289 for VIP
Food Truck Wars
The biggest food truck festival in Canada is going on its third year in Langley this April, so get ready to enjoy bites from over 40 participating food trucks at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Hosted by the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Fest, the event will include live roaming and stage entertainment, site-wide beer, wine, and coolers, a local market, and a kid’s zone.
Note that there will be a complimentary shuttle service to the festival from three locations in Langley.
The event will take place at the following times from Friday, April 19th to Sunday, April 21st:
- Friday, April 19th: 3 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday, April 20th: 11 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday, April 21st: 11 AM to 8 PM
When: April 19th, 20th, and 21st
Where: 20901 Langley Bypass, Langley
Cost: By donation
Trail of Coffee
Presented by Latincouver, the ‘Trail of Coffee’ showcases the journey of our coffee from “bean to cup,” connecting guests with coffee-growing regions in South and Central America through engaging exhibits. Here, guests will be able to enjoy latte art demonstrations, coffee tastings, and live music.
When: Saturday, April 20th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $20-$30 for Early Bird passes
Richmond Night Market
From candy sticks to boba, to customizable noodles and hot pot — it’s easy to see why the market attracts over one million visitors each year. The 2024 Richmond Night Market will officially open for the season on Friday, April 26th, so mark your calendars!
When: Opens Friday, April 26th
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival
The first-ever Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival will bring spring lovers together on a self-guided journey to 10 participating vendors in Metro Vancouver with cherry blossom-themed treats. So whether you’re planning a cute spring date, going on a food crawl, or just want to support a local business near the end of the month, this is a great reason to do it all.
When: March 29th to April 28th
Where: 10 participating locations in Metro Vancouver
Filipino Restaurant Month
The month of April marks Filipino Restaurant Month across Canada, highlighting the diversity of Filipino food, ingredients, and the talented chefs who bring it all to your plate.
For the entire month, participating restaurants across the country will feature prix fixe menus that showcase popular dishes from the Philippines. In Metro Vancouver, there are 9 participating restaurants to note if you’re interested in checking one or a couple out!
When: April 2024
Where: Participating locations above
Cost: $19.99 to $35
Hit up a farmers’ market
You may have noticed that a few farmers’ markets have started popping up, so why not stop by a couple? The weekend markets at Hastings Park and Riley Park are officially open, so now is a great time to load up on some fresh produce and get to know the vendors.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Outdoors & Sports
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Every spring, the beloved Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF) returns to celebrate one of the most beautiful times of the year. Tens of thousands of cherry blossom trees bloom around the end of March, bringing Raincouver some much-needed colour and vitality.
Go on a guided tree walk, take part in an international-wide Haiku contest, check out a Japanese fair and traditional tea ceremony, and sample Japanese food and premium sake at the Sakura Days Japan Fair. The sky is the limit.
When: Friday, March 29th to Thursday, April 25th
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
What better place to go to next than the largest tulip festival in Canada? 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, this fest is poised to be quite the kick-off.
Visitors can expect to roam kilometres of scenic walking trails, complete with rotating food trucks and live music nights.
When: Opens April 15th
Where: 3663 Marion Road, Abbotsford
Cost: $50 to $60 per person for season passes, GA tickets TBA
Harrison Tulip Festival
Likewise, the inaugural Harrison Tulip Fest will feature a vibrant sea of 10 million tulip bulbs in Aggasiz, opening for the season on Monday, April 8th. As BC’s largest farm-festival experience, this one is definitely a must-visit!
When: Opens on Monday, April 8th
Where: 5039 Lougheed Highway (parking off Cameron Road), Agassiz
Sponsored pick: Salish Lodge & Spa
Make free time your new flex. Salish Lodge & Spa is a stunning boutique lodge and spa located just outside of Seattle and surrounded by stunning wilderness. Listen to the sound of rushing water while you get a massage, or eat freshly made dishes complemented by natural honey produced by onsite honeybees – we’re not kidding! The Salish Lodge & Spa is proudly owned by the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and perched atop the sacred Snoqualmie Falls. It’s a natural paradise with everything you need to forget your worries and be fully present.
When: Open daily
Where: 6501 Railroad Avenue SE, Snoqualmie, Washington
Cost: Price varies by room and time of booking
Vancouver Canadians
It’s officially baseball season! This month, the Vancouver Canadians are up against the UBC Thunderbirds, Hillsboro Hops, and the Spokane Indians.
When: Multiple dates in April
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: $20+
Vancouver Canucks
Now well into the season, the Canucks are vying for a playoff spot in a very competitive division. Know what would help? Some extra fans cheering them on at home games. This month, they’ll be facing off against the Vegas Golden Knights, Arizona Coyotes, and the Calgary Flames.
When: Games throughout April
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: Varies per game
Sponsored pick: Hotel Leo’s Bar, Amendment 21
Step into the clandestine elegance of the 1920s with Bellingham’s historic Hotel Leo! The original Leopold Hotel served the first legal post-Prohibition cocktail in town, and they’re still upholding the tradition with the swanky, on-site bar Amendment 21. Sip on craft cocktails during daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 PM while you enjoy the vintage ambiance and special events like live music, Wine Wednesday, and Blues dancing! How about a roaring 20s, 2.0?
When: Tuesday to Thursday 4 to 10 pm | Friday & Saturday 4 pm to 12 am
Where: 1224 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA
Vancouver Giants
This month, the Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Everett Silvertips in a series of three home games at the Langley Events Centre.
When: Games throughout April
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $26.95 to $49.95
Rolla Skate Club
Starting on Saturday, April 6th, the Rolla Skate Club is bringing back its fun Saturday Skate Nights and themed skate nights with hosted DJs. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, why not lace up those skates this month and hit the rink with your pals?
Where: 2901 East Hastings
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 glorious month of April, Vancouver. Happy spring!
