Photo via Emily Cooper Photography
Welcome to the first weekend of May, which features everything from a spring craft market to a free night at the Vancouver Art Gallery, to the Richmond Night Market, to Madama Butterfly at the Vancouver Opera. Layer up and get ready for a full weekend of activities of all kinds. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (May 2-4).
The Vancouver Art Gallery offers free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The next free Friday night will be on May 2, 2025 – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some new exhibits.
When: Friday, May 2, 2025
Where: 750 Hornby St.
Cost: Free admission
Fish + Sips is a Cinco de Mayo-inspired celebration at the Vancouver Aquarium happening this Saturday, May 3, 2025, and it promises an unforgettable night out for adults. Sip on margs, enjoy sustainably sourced fish tacos, and listen to live music as you explore the wonders of the ocean after dark.
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $35
For two days this May, the Croatian Cultural Centre will bring 100 local brands together, feature a mini makers area for children, and include tons of tasty food trucks. Pick up some gifts, get some inspo for your home, and support local B.C. businesses at one of the province’s largest curated markets.
When: Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2025
Where: 3250 Commercial Dr.
Cost: $5.72 per person
The Vancouver Canadians are up against the Hillsboro Hops this weekend, with games scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Nat Bailey Stadium.
When: Friday, May 2, 2025 to Sunday, May 4, 2025
Where: 4601 Ontario St.
Cost: $20+
Vancouver Opera is closing its 2024-2025 season with Giacomo Puccini’s most deeply felt opera, Madama Butterfly. With stunning visuals and melodies, the timeless tale tells the story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who marries American naval officer B.F. Pinkerton, only to face heartbreak and tragedy.
The star-studded international cast includes lead sopranos Yasko Sato and Karen Chia-Ling Ho, and a creative team that brings this emotionally charged opera to life right here in Vancouver.
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025 to Sunday, May 4, 2025 on weekends and Thursday, May 1, 2025
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $50 to $350
Cheer on the Whitecaps as they face off against the Real Salt Lake this Saturday, May 3, 2025, at B.C. Place.
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Where: 777 Pacific Blvd.
Cost: $31.34+
A family-friendly day of astronomy demos, sci-fi fun, galactic art, and space science is coming to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Visitors can come dressed as their favourite character from the galaxy’s Rebels or Empire and snap a photo with members of the 501st Legion Outer Rim Garrison — featuring Stormtroopers, Darth Vader, and more.
New this year is Star Wars-inspired guerrilla art by Vancouver’s own Styrogirls, who will be in attendance alongside their iconic styrofoam creations.
When: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Where: 1100 Chestnut St.
Cost: $28.85
Now in its 25th year, the Richmond Night Market has officially kicked off with hundreds of international culinary creations waiting for you, and over 100 retail booths. This year also features a zipline — the first of its kind at any night market.
When: Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until October 2025
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 for GA
This free public market has a licensed patio and has transformed customized shipping containers into an array of rotating pop-ups, vendors, and live entertainment space. Junction Public Market will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday starting May 1, 2025.
When: Opens Thursday, May 1, 2025
Where: 200 Granville St.
Cost: Free admission
The Improv Centre has a new comedy show featuring one lucky improviser looking for love. Inspired by the hit reality series The Bachelor, the show is created entirely by suggestions from the audience, meaning no two nights will be the same.
When: Fridays and Saturdays from Thursday, April 17, to May 31, 2025
Where: 1502 Duranleau St.
Cost: $35 per person
Have a great weekend!
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