Happy almost June, Vancouver! We’ve got a lot coming up this weekend to kick off the last month of spring, so we’ll get right to it. From this year’s Black Music Month Festival to Brewery & The Beast’s AYCE fest, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (May 31-June 2).
Black Music Month Festival
From 3 to 10 pm on Friday, May 31st, the city’s Black Music Month Festival is back to kick things off with a full day of live music celebrating the very best of the black community in Vancouver. Over the course of the weekend, there will be over 70 local and international BIPOC artists and vendors, including Ursula Rucker, Desirée Dawson, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Makadi, Henri Brown, and Tonye Aganaba, to name just a few.
When: Friday, May 31st and June 1st and 2nd
Where: 2111 Main Street
Cost: Free admission
The Coronas
Based between London and Dublin, The Coronas are an Irish rock band working under their own independent record label, and they’re coming to Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl this weekend.
When: Saturday, June 1st
Where: Malkin Bowl
Cost: $46
Planted Expo Vancouver
North America’s largest plant-based event is coming to Vancouver and bringing over 200 plant-based, vegan, and sustainable exhibitors with it. Here, guests can learn more about the plant-based movement, enjoy delicious food, and discover new sustainable products that benefit you and the planet.
According to the organizers, the Vancouver event will take place from 10 am to 5 pm on June 1st and 2nd.
When: June 1st and 2nd
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West Building
Cost: $20
Brewery & The Beast
Western Canada’s popular all-you-can-eat-and-drink festival is slated to be bigger and better than ever, and it’s the BBQ event of the year. So get ready to have your fill of delicious meat, craft beer, and live music.
When: Sunday, June 2nd, 2 to 5 pm (one hour earlier for VIP)
Where: 88 Pacific Boulevard, Concord Pacific Place
Cost: $149.96 to $173.95+
Vancouver International Children’s Festival
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival returns to Granville Island to treat children and families to a range of interactive programs, including a ‘super-charged urban circus’ show, a Métis dance performance, a puppet show, and much more.
When: Now until Sunday, June 2nd
Where: 2111 Main Street
Cost: Free admission
Steveston Spot Prawn & Seafood Celebration
From now until June 16th, The Steveston Spot Prawn & Seafood Celebration is serving up fresh spot prawns and a variety of seafood, and providing visitors with live cooking demos and family-friendly activities.
From June 1st to 16th, multiple Steveston restaurants will feature special spot prawn dishes on their menu, from Baan Lao to The Story Cafe.
When: Now until June 16th
Where: Fisherman’s Wharf, Steveston
Cost: Varies
Vancouver Canadians
It’s officially baseball season! This weekend, the Vancouver Canadians are up against the Tri-City Dust Devils.
When: Games on May 31st, June 1st, and June 2nd
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: $20+
Vancouver Short Film Festival
Here’s one for the film buffs out there: Vancouver’s Short Film Festival, which will feature over 40 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: Friday, May 31st to June 9th
Where: 1181 Seymour Street
Saturday Skate Nights at the Rolla Skate Club
On Saturdays this June, the Rolla Skate Club is hosting Saturday Skate Nights from 5 to 7 pm, with hosted DJs to set the mood. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s the perfect opportunity to lace up your skates and hit the roller rink.
When: Saturdays in June
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $20
Playland at the PNE
Speaking of the PNE, between the food and the thrilling rides, Playland visitors are always in for a fun time!
Don’t forget to check out the historic Wooden Roller Coaster (rated #1 in Canada), and The Beast, which earned the title of Canada’s most extreme pendulum ride.
When: Open all June
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver!
Happy June!
