Welcome to the first weekend of June, Vancouver! It might not be summer yet, but we’re so close we can practically taste it. That smoky bbq flavour is in the air, Vancouver’s most popular outdoor pools are reopening, and festival season is kicking off with not one, but two film fests. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (June 2-4).
Doors Open Richmond
Get ready to experience almost 40 art galleries, museums, and heritage sites all in one go, thanks to Doors Open Richmond. Returning from June 3rd to 4th, this beloved event makes some of the most popular institutions, cultural organizations, and food and drink spots accessible to all.
Highlights of this year’s fest include a chance to explore Richmond’s ‘Highway to Heaven’ – where guests can visit the Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre, Lingyen Mountain Temple, Richmond Jamia Mosque, and Thrangu Monastery Canada, and either the Steveston Buddhist Temple or Eastern Catholic Church Richmond.
When: June 3rd and 4th
Where: Locations around Richmond
Check out Playland
With new ice cream flavours and noodle bar options, you’ll definitely eat well at Playland this year – and have plenty of energy to tackle returning fave attractions like the Climbing Wall and Sweet Escape Mini Golf course. So whether you’re a ride person or not, you’ll have plenty of fun at Playland!
When: Open weekends in June starting June 3rd
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $31.50-41.50 online, $33.50-$45.50 in-person GA
BC Cider Festival
The fourth annual BC Cider Festival is setting up shop in North Vancouver this spring, bringing over 30 local and international cideries together for the ultimate tasting event. Best of all? No drink tokens are necessary!
When: Saturday, June 3rd
Where: The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver
Cost: $75.88
Second Annual Vancouver Greek Film Festival
The Hellenic Canadian Congress of BC and The Cinematheque are hosting the second annual Vancouver Greek Film Festival – so get ready to experience in-person screenings of a mix of contemporary and classic Greek films!
When: June 1st to 4th
Where: 1131 Howe Street
Vancouver Short Film Festival
Here’s another one for the film buffs out there: Vancouver’s Short Film Festival, which features dozens of short films of various genres that are as visually compelling as their narratives are captivating. Examples of Canadian films include Wok Hei (Directed by Joel Salaysay)
Films can be seen in-person at the VIFF Centre from June 2nd to 4th, or streamed online until June 11th.
When: June 2nd to 4th
Where: 1181 Seymour Street
Free nights at Vancouver Art Gallery
Thanks to a new partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery is set to launch free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The next free Friday night will be on June 2nd – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!
When: Friday, June 2nd
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Hop on a ferry
Did you know that there are more than 40,000 islands in BC? And while you can’t visit all of them, there are around 40 Gulf Islands that are accessible by ferry from Vancouver, and they’re home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country. So why not hop on a ferry and get exploring?
Where: See our picks above
Richmond Night Market
Home to literally hundreds of vendors, the Richmond Night Market has become a must for food and drink lovers to visit at least once during the summer months, so why not kick off June with a visit?
When: Open throughout June
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Grab some bikes & ride
Since we’ve been on the receiving end of some beautiful weather so far this season, we thought we’d remind folks that Mobi now has e-bikes available for usage. The 24-Hour Pass gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.
So there you have it, Vancouver. Enjoy a beautiful first weekend of June!
