Discover 38 unforgettable May events in Metro Vancouver—from tulip blooms to night markets, concerts, rodeos & more. Your ultimate spring guide.
Metro Vancouver Heats Up: 38 Epic Ways to Experience May 2025
This May, Metro Vancouver isn’t just blooming with flowers—it’s bursting with culture, music, food, and festivals around every corner. Whether you’re a foodie, festival-hopper, or just need a solid reason to get off the couch, this list is your official guide to making the most of every May weekend.
Nights to Remember: Evening Markets & Festivals
Richmond Night Market – A Whimsical Feast for the Senses
Back with its vibrant “Summer Wonderland” theme, the Richmond Night Market returns to dazzle visitors with global eats, carnival games, and immersive decor. A foodie paradise and Instagram dreamland rolled into one.
April 25–Oct 13 | 8351 River Rd, Richmond
White Rock Night Market – Beachside Vibes with Local Flavour
Think: food trucks, artisan vendors, sunset views, and lawn games. Held monthly, this oceanside celebration makes White Rock even more irresistible.
May 2 (Also June 6, July 18…) | 14970 Marine Dr, White Rock
Shipyards Night Market – Fridays Just Got Festive
Every Friday night becomes a mini street party in North Vancouver with DJs, pierogies, local goods, and waterfront views.
May 16–Sept 12 | The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Junction Public Market – Sip, Shop, Repeat
From May through September, discover a rotating roster of vendors, waterfront lounging, and cocktails on tap in the city’s newest market space.
May 1–Sept 28 | Granville Square, Vancouver
Raise a Glass: Booze, Bites & Backyard Beats
Brewhalla Fort Langley – The Valley’s Ultimate Sipfest
25+ vendors slinging craft beer, cocktails, and more. Plus food trucks, live music, and surprise contests.
May 17 | Fort Langley Park, Langley
El Tequileño Cocktail Competition – Bartenders Battle for Glory
Vancouver’s top mixologists go shaker-to-shaker in a tequila-fueled showdown. You taste, you judge, you party.
May 20 | The Loft at Earls Yaletown
Tequila & Agave Festival – Sip, Learn, Dance
A full-blown fiesta of mezcal, tacos, seminars, and DJs—because who said education can’t be fun?
May 24 | Vancouver Convention Centre
Art Party – Where Fine Art Meets Funky Beats
The Vancouver Art Gallery turns into a dancefloor with immersive art, DJs, cocktails, and unexpected performances.
May 24 | Vancouver Art Gallery
Music, Magic & Must-See Shows
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert
Live orchestra + animated adventure = pure nostalgic joy at the Orpheum.
May 4 | Orpheum Theatre
Soundscapes by Alessandro Martire – Piano Meets Panorama
Let this Italian composer take you on a sonic journey with sweeping visuals and cinematic sound.
May 10 | Vancouver Playhouse
Champions of Magic – Mind-Bending Mayhem
Teleportation, illusions, and Vegas-level magic hits the Queen E.
May 20–22 | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
James Arthur, James Bay, Lights & More
From tear-jerking ballads to synth-pop euphoria, May’s concert calendar is stacked:
- Lights – May 9, Commodore Ballroom
- James Bay – May 10, Commodore Ballroom
- Jack White – May 22, Commodore Ballroom
- James Arthur – May 26, Orpheum Theatre
- Dope Lemon – May 19, Malkin Bowl
- Jake Shane – May 28, Orpheum Theatre
Spring Into Nature & Culture
Harrison Tulip Festival – Blooming Until It’s Gone
Four acres of vibrant tulips, Instagrammable spots, and a dreamy Secret Garden.
Until May 4 | Agassiz, BC
Climb for Nature – Stairmaster With a View
Scale BC Place’s inner stairwells for a good cause and even better views.
May 10 | BC Place, Vancouver
Ripples of Sound & Jasmine Jazz – Musical Serenity in the Garden
Soothing Chinese music and fusion jazz fill the air at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden.
May 4 & 25 | Chinatown, Vancouver
Family Fun, Parades & Playdates
BMO Vancouver Marathon – Run, Cheer, Repeat
One of the city’s biggest fitness events—and a scenic one at that.
May 3–4 | Vancouver-wide routes
Cloverdale Rodeo – Yeehaw in the City
Bull riding, barrel racing, fair food, and small-town spirit.
May 16–19 | Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey
Port Coquitlam May Day – 101 Years Strong
A week of community pride with parades, performances, and family-friendly festivities.
May 10 | Downtown Port Coquitlam
Create & Connect – Star Wars Craft Day
Kids can unleash their inner Jedi at MONOVA with lightsaber crafting and costumes.
May 4 | Museum of North Vancouver
Kids Up Front Movie Day – Watch for a Cause
Support a great charity while catching The Wild Robot with pre-show games and prizes.
May 4 | Cineplex Cinemas, Vancouver
Score Big with Sports & Street Vibes
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Home Games
Cheer on the home team at BC Place during four thrilling match nights this May.
May 3, 11, 28, 31 | BC Place, Vancouver
Spot Prawn Festival – The Catch of the Season
Celebrate local seafood with boat-side prawns, chef demos, and a very limited catch.
May 25 | Fisherman’s Wharf, Vancouver
Markets, Makers & Community Coolness
Heritage Hall May Day Market – Shop Local, Shop Chic
Jewelry, skincare, crafts—and the perfect gift for Mom.
May 4 | Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
Vancouver Postcard Show – Nostalgia by the Dozen
Vintage finds and collector gems from Vancouver and beyond.
May 10 | Hastings Community Centre
Vancouver Hong Kong Fair – Culture in Full Colour
A lively celebration of Hong Kong traditions, crafts, and cuisine.
May 11 | The Shipyards, North Van
Final Word: Don’t Just Make Plans—Make Memories
May in Metro Vancouver is packed tighter than a taco at the Tequila Festival. With 38 unforgettable events covering food, music, nature, sports, and everything in between, you’ve got zero excuse to stay in. Rally your crew, charge your phone, and let the adventures begin.
