Happy long weekend, Vancouver! From a Rodeo and Country Fair to the longest-running Highland Games event in North America, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this long weekend (May 17-20).
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair
Cloverdale’s Rodeo and Country Fair is back this year with a full lineup of live entertainment, over 40 food trucks, Midway rides & games and featured attractions for the whole family.
When: Thursday, May 17th to Monday, May 20th
Where: 6050 176 Street, Surrey
Cost: $12 for admission
Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
This one’s a bit of a trek if you’re in Vancouver, but we’re betting the longest-running Highland Games event in North America is well worth it, especially since it’s a long weekend! So get ready for all the traditional Scottish and Celtic events you know and love. Typically, the games involve a range of sporting events and athletic competitions – including caber tosses, hammer throws, weightlifting, and a range of running and jumping events.
When: Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th
Where: Topaz Park, Victoria
Cost: $15 for one day, $25 for a two-day pass
Sponsored pick: Foundation Series
There’s a massive outdoor music festival coming to Vancouver at the PNE Centre Grounds. The Foundation Series brought by Blueprint Events is a 2-day event at PNE Centre Grounds over the May long weekend. There will be 2 stages with the biggest names in disco, house, and techno featuring headliners like Fisher, Purple Disco Machine, Ben Böhmer, Tinlicker and more! Get your single-day or weekend passes online and prepare to dance your heart out.
When: Doors open at 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19
Where: PNE Centre Grounds
Cost: Tickets start at $99.99
Bicycle Film Festival Vancouver
The Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) is a global festival celebrating bikes through art, film, and music, reaching cyclists and enthusiasts from around the world. In Vancouver, there will be two short films to check out this month: Adventure Shorts and Urban Bike Shorts, which will be screened at The Rio on Saturday, May 18th.
When: Saturday, May 18th
Where: The Rio
Cost: $20 to $23 at the door
Brewhalla Fort Langley
If you’re craving a taste of summer festival season early, get ready to mark your calendars, BC! Brewhalla is coming to Fort Langley this month and you won’t want to miss it.
When: Saturday, May 18th
Where: Fort Langley Park
Cost: $49 to $81
Sponsored pick: Kind Mind Festival
Show your support and raise awareness for mental health at this family-friendly festival in Tsawwassen hosted by the Kelty Foundation. The Kind Mind Festival will be happening on the first three Saturdays of May, with the main event taking over on Saturday, May 18th. There will be performances by JUNO nominees, a fashion show, dance shows, a kid’s party, photo booths, and tons of activities for all. It’s for a great cause and totally free to attend!
When: Main Event on Saturday, May 18th from 1 – 5 PM
Where: Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Centre, Entrance 3
Cost: Free to attend
Xavier Rudd on May 18th
In addition to bb’s bonanza later this month, there are a slew of outdoor concerts coming to Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl this May. This includes Xavier Rudd on May 18th, so grab your tickets while you can!
The concert starts at 6 pm.
When: Saturday, May 18th
Where: Malkin Bowl
Cost: $71.40
Fort Langley May Day Parade
Head to Fort Langley for the 102nd annual May Day parade and festival on Victoria Day. A huge parade spanning Mavis Avenue down to 88th Avenue will kick off the festivities, followed by a ton of free events at the park, food, and live entertainment.
When: Monday, May 20th
Where: 88th Avenue and Clover, Lions Hall, Langley
Cost: Free admission
Go for a swim
That’s right, it doesn’t need to be summer to dive into a pool or get some laps in. Vancouver’s outdoor swimming pools open this weekend, and it won’t hurt your wallet to go for a swim!
When: Open on May 18th
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: $6.66 for GA
And that’s a wrap on the long weekend, Vancouver! Time to get out there and enjoy it.
