Photo via @theveganmarket.ca/Instagram
The season of outdoor concerts, food festivals, and beachside markets is finally almost here, and tons await in and around Vancouver this month. So grab your forks and dancing shoes — here are 17 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this May.
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
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
For a limited time this spring and summer, lobster lovers can enjoy a special Lobster Pad Thai at Thai Express locations across Canada.
When: Ongoing
Where: All Pad Thai locations across Canada
Known for hits like “Let It Go,” “Hold Back the River,” and “Us,” English singer-songwriter and guitarist James Bay is bringing his Up All Night Tour to the Commodore this May.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Where: 868 Granville St.
Cost: $160.29+
As the first “Hong Konger cultural celebration in Canada,” the annual fair commemorates the heritage and creativity of the Hong Konger community and their journey to Canada. Run by a volunteer collective called HK House, the event has become the largest of its kind in North America, bringing together artisans, cultural performers, street food stalls, and games for a full day of fun and learning.
When: Sunday, May 11, 2025
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $3.50 for cultural market entry
This month, the Whitecaps are up against Real Salt Lake, Los Angeles Football Club, Minnesota United FC, and Portland Timbers at B.C. Place.
When: Games throughout May
Where: 777 Pacific Blvd.
Cost: $23.23+
Directed by Andrew Kushnir, the story of Casey and Diana by Nick Green is coming to the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage from the end of April through Sunday, May 25, 2025. Based on true events, the powerful drama is set in 1991 during the peak of the AIDS crisis, when Diana, Princess of Wales, makes a historic visit to Casey House, Canada’s first freestanding AIDS hospice.
When: Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, May 25, 2025
Where: 2750 Granville St.
Cost: $29+
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
Canada’s first and only all-vegan market kicks off with its first beachside night market of the year this month at Locarno Beach. Visitors can peruse dozens of tasty 100% plant-based food vendors, local artisans, and enjoy live music by the water.
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Where: Locarno Beach
Cost: $4 minimum donation
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Chefs’ Table Society of B.C. is celebrating this year’s Spot Prawn season with its annual Spot Prawn Fest at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf, which is completely free to attend. Those who want to enjoy a cup of creamy prawn bisque prepared by Organic Ocean can grab one for $10, or you can opt to indulge in a $79 spot prawn brunch.
When: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Where: 1505 West 1st Ave.
Cost: Free admission, $10 for prawn bisque, and $79 for spot prawn brunch
The beloved Richmond Night Market is in its 25th year, and 2025 will be major. With hundreds of international culinary creations waiting for you and over 100 retail booths, the Richmond Night Market is the ultimate place for foodies to support local during the warmer months, and try new cuisines while they’re at it.
This year will also feature a zipline — the first of its kind at any night market.
When: Opens Friday, April 25, 2025
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 for GA
Cheer on the Vancouver Canadians at the Nat all month long as they face off against the Hillsboro Hops and Everett AquaSox.
When: Friday, April 18 to Sunday, April 20, 2025
Where: 4601 Ontario St.
Cost: $22+
The Langley Events Centre is transforming from May 23 to 25, 2025, for the Sinagtala Basketball Festival, organized by Sunset on Fraser, the same organizers behind the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party.
When: May 23 to May 25, 2025
Where: 7888 200th St., Langley Township
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
The beloved Shipyards Night Market will be back every Friday starting May 16, 2025, with a delicious array of food truck eats, live DJ sets, and a beer garden. Each night market will take place from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Shipbuilders Square.
When: Every Friday from May 16 to September 12, 2025
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
The Vancouver Art Gallery offers 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 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
From Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can check out MONOVA’s rich museum collection, Echoes of Memory, which weaves together over 100 pieces telling untold stories of aging and memory loss and the power of community in the human experience.
When: Wednesday to Sunday until June 2025
Where: 115 Esplanade West, North Vancouver
Cost: Free with museum admission
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