Listen to the Ray Grover Show Fridays at 3:40pm and 5:40pm to find out What’s Up This Weekend in the Lower Mainland!
Vancouver Opera presents: Habanera!
What: Think South of Spain, whimsical, romantic, and a sea of roses! Vancouver Opera was long known for hosting one of our city's pre-eminent black tie galas. Set amidst the set of our production of Carmen, our signature event is back! We are so excited to welcome you to this vibrant experience - an evening full of performance, exquisite Spanish cuisine, and lasting memories!
When: Friday May 3, 6pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre 630 Hamilton st, Vancouver
More details: https://www.vancouveropera.ca/whats-on/vancouver-opera-gala/
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Austin FC – 50th anniversary celebration match
What: A crowd of over 30,000 is expected for the 50th Anniversary Celebration Match presented by BMO, nearly 50 years to the day of the club’s first ever match on May 5, 1974. Prior to the match, fans are invited to enjoy an all-ages 50th Anniversary Street Party starting at 3 pm at the corner of Robson & Beatty, featuring $5 drinks, food trucks, and live music from DJ Juice.
When: Saturday May 4, 7:30pm
Where: BC Place 777 Pacific blvd, Vancouver
More details: https://www.whitecapsfc.com
Vancouver Hong Kong Fair
What: Cultural market featuring more than 68 booths by local and newcomer Hong Konger artisans, creators and small businesses, with many stalls featuring newly launched brands or creations, The “From Hong Kong to Canada Since 1885” exhibition curated by Chinatown Storytelling Centre, cultural booths, games, programs, performances. General event entry is free, HKer market entry is $3.
When: Sunday May 5, 11am – 7pm
Where: The Shipyards 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
More details: https://www.vancouverhkfair.com/
BMO Vancouver Marathon
What: One of the world’s top destination marathons, the BMO Vancouver Marathon features 70% shoreline views and a stunning tour through twelve of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods, while the fast Half Marathon kicks off with an epic downhill start overlooking Vancouver’s iconic city skyline. Featuring a Marathon, Half Marathon, 8KM, and Kids Run, all courses offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, towering forests, iconic landmarks, and traditionally run through world-renowned Stanley Park towards an energized downtown Finish Line.
When: Sunday May 5, 7am for the half marathon and 8:30am for the full.
Where: Race starts at Queen Elizabeth Park
More details: https://bmovanmarathon.ca/
Friends of the Library Big Book Sale
What: Find something special at the Friends of the Library book sale while supporting special projects at NVDPL! Explore a great selection of books, DVDs, CDs & more for all ages! Most items are under $2. Please bring your own bag.
When: May 3 - 5
Where: North Vancouver District Public Library – Lynn Valley Branch 1277 Lynn Valley rd, North Van
More details: http://www.nvdpl.ca/friends-library
Twilight Drive-In
What: Retro Nights! Screening Friday: The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonky, Saturday: Back to the Future Trilogy, and Sunday: Ferris Bueller’s Day off and National Lampoon’s Vacation.
When: May 3 - 5
Where: Twilight Drive In 3350 260th st, Langley
More details: http://www.twilightdrivein.net/
The Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market
What: A wonderful collection of vendors will be gathered for two days of "Junking"!! Antiques, vintage, collectibles, handmade, jewellery, farmhouse, re-purposed, re-finished, shabby chic...come and do some Spring treasure hunting for your garden and home!! Admission will be $8 for one day or $10 for both days, children 12 and under are free.
When: May 4 & 5
Where: The Cloverdale Agriplex 11763 62nd ave, Surrey
More details: https://www.theoldefarmhouse.ca/vintage-market/
Got Craft Spring Market
What: The Got Craft Spring Market is back to celebrate another season of community connection and shopping mindfully, offering attendees the chance to discover locally-made goods while supporting small businesses. This May, we are returning to the Maritime Labour Centre in East Vancouver. The event features 85 creative businesses, a Mini Makers Area with ‘kidpreneuers’ aged 16 years old and under, food trucks (Planted Love, Mom's Grilled Cheese - Sat, NaMi Vietnamese - Sun). Tickets $5.
When: May 4 & 5
Where: Maritime Labour Centre 1880 Triumph st, Vancouver
More details: https://gotcraft.com/markets/spring-event
Vancouver Opera presents Carmen
What: The blood of passion surges and spills in one of the most beloved and widely performed works in operatic history. Animated by an all-star cast and audacious stagecraft, the conflicting worlds and failed romance of the sensual, rebellious Carmen and the possessive military man Don José absolutely burst off the stage.
When: May 4 & 5
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre 630 Hamilton st, Vancouver
More details: https://www.vancouveropera.ca/
Eastside Flea
What: The Eastside Flea hosts over 50 local vendors selling a diverse selection of goods from independently handmade pieces to vintage clothing, collectibles, plants, artisan eats & more! You’ll also find 3 rotating food trucks parked outside, an amazing playlist, lots of seating and yummy beverages to enjoy!
When: Every weekend until May 26, 11am – 5pm
Where: 1101 Union st, Vancouver
More details: https://www.eastsideflea.com/
Burnaby Central Railway Miniature Train
What: Family Fun for All Ages! Welcome to the Burnaby Central Railway, a unique 1/8 scale, ride-on miniature railway built and operated by the volunteers of the BC Society of Model Engineers. Our trains pull multiple cars carrying 20 or more passengers on a 2-mile, outdoor ride through the woods, with bridges, tunnels, crossovers, and spirals. A single ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11am – 5pm
Where: 120 North Willingdon ave, Burnaby
More details: https://bcsme.org/
Glam o Rama 80’s and 90’s Skate Night
What: Let’s Celebrate! Our DJs spin a skate-friendly mix of your favourites and more, and our skate crew keeps the party vibes high! The bar will be open for this event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. Party group bookings are highly encouraged! Rental roller skates and protective pads are FREE with each ticket, or bring your own. If you love your noggin’ (and you should!) we recommend you bring your own helmet (a bike helmet works great!)
When: Saturday evenings, 5-7pm all ages, 8-11pm 19+
Where: Rollerland PNE Fairgrounds 2901 East Hastings st, Vancouver
More details: https://rollaskateclub.com/events/
Richmond Night Market
What: As the sun sets, the Sweet Dragon and night market come alive with over 600 international food options that waiting for you to explore, tempting your taste buds with an exotic journey of flavours. Explore more than 110 retail booths, each a treasure trove of unique finds, trendy fashion, and artisanal crafts.
When: On now, weekends until October 14
Where: 8351 River rd, Richmond
More details: www.richmondnightmarket.com
Riley Park Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, on now until Oct 26, 10am – 2pm
Where: 50 East 30th ave at Ontario st, Vancouver
More details: www.eatlocal.org
Trout Lake Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, on now until Oct 26, 9am-2pm
Where: North parking lot of John Hendry Park, Lakewood dr at 13th ave, Vancouver
More details: www.eatlocal.org
Kitsilano Farmers Market
When: Sundays, on now until October 27, 10am – 2pm
Where: 10th ave at Larch st, Vancouver
More details: www.eatlocal.org
Coquitlam Farmers Market
What: Launched in 1996, the Poirier Street Farmers Market is the longest running suburban farmers market in the Lower Mainland. The Poirier Street Market hosts a diversity of vendors and products from May through October. Each week a wide variety of vendors gather to showcase their products – made, baked, grown, or raised in BC.
When: Sundays, on now until October 27, 9am-1pm
Where: Dogwood Pavilion Parking Lot 1655 Winslow ave, Coquitlam
More details: https://makebakegrow.com/
Doxa Documentary Film Festival
What: DOXA is presented by The Documentary Media Society, a Vancouver based non-profit, charitable society (incorporated in 1998) devoted to presenting independent and innovative documentaries to Vancouver audiences. The society exists to educate the public about documentary film as an art form through DOXA Documentary Film Festival, a curated and juried festival comprised of public screenings, panel discussions, public forums and educational programs.
When: On now until May 12
Where: Various theatres in Vancouver
More details: https://www.doxafestival.ca/
Sexy Laundry
What: In Sexy Laundry, Alice and Henry are coming to grips with their lacklustre sex life. Time, kids, and stress—not to mention gravity—have taken their toll. In an effort to rekindle the magic in their 25-year marriage, they go on a naughty hotel retreat, equipped with a copy of Sex for Dummies. But they soon find that when the clothes come off, so do the gloves.
When: On now until May 12
Where: Arts Club Theatre Granville Island Stage
More details: https://artsclub.com/
Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical
What: For its 32nd season Royal City Musical Theatre is excited to present the enchanting Broadway musical Mary Poppins. For three weeks, this delightful musical promises to transport theater goers into a world of whimsy and wonder all while telling a heart-warming and enchanting story about the power of love, imagination, and the importance of cherishing the precious moments of childhood.
When: On now until May 12
Where: Massey Theatre 735 8th ave, New Westminster
More details: www.masseytheatre.com
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
What: Walk amongst 35 acres of tulips and field flowers at the Abbotsford Tulip Festival! Experience different varieties, walking trails and unique photo opps such as baby grand pianos, giant shoes, and swings. The Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival lasts six months starting with the Abbotsford Tulip Festival and ending with sunflowers. We will have food trucks on site and live music days.
When: On now until May 31
Where: Lakeland Flowers 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford
More details: https://www.lakelandflowers.ca/
GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap
What: This exhibition is an evocative retrospective of the life and legacy of George Clutesi (1905-1988), a prominent Nuu-chah-nulth artist, writer, educator and activist who was instrumental in the education and preservation of his community's cultural traditions both within and outside of his community. The exhibition will cover all aspects of Clutesi's life and will include 45 of his artworks; archival clippings, audio recordings, and photographs; a documentary about his impact at AIRS; and a striking display of artworks from contemporary artists and scholars influenced by his life's work.
When: On now until 2025
Where: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art 639 Hornby st, Vancouver
More details: https://www.billreidgallery.ca/blogs/exhibitions-page/george-clutesi