36 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this May

May spring bring some sunshine to your life! And for the gloomier days, just look to this list of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this May. After all, this is the month when the city (at least for us) comes alive.

Get outside, enjoy some festivals, treat yourself to a great meal or a night out… you’ve got tons of options, and we’re here to show them to you!

Here are the best things to do around Vancouver this May.

Table of Contents

Live Events/Concerts

Cirque du Soleil – Alegria

After a 2-year hiatus, Cirque du Soleil has returned to the city! What’s more, it’s brought a ‘reinvented’ version of one of its most popular shows- Alegria. If you’re hoping to be wowed this month, then this is a great option.

When: Showtimes throughout May
Where: Concord Pacific Place
Cost: $65 for GA

Vancouver Opera Orchestra – HMS Pinafore

Come set sail with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Chorus on the HMS Pinafore, a comedic operetta about forbidden love, class divides, and a wacky odyssey that delivers lots of laughs and memorable music.

When: Thursday, May 5th, Saturday, May 7th, and Sunday, May 8th.
Where: 630 Hamilton Street, Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: $62.30+

Hamilton at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Yes, folks, you read that right! Hamilton is coming to Hamilton Street in Vancouver for multiple shows in May. While some of the initial craze from when the play first began might have worn off, the talent & entertainment value sure haven’t.

When: May 24th to Jun 19, 2022
Where: 630 Hamilton Street, Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: $84+

Steve Aoki

The long-awaited return of Steve Aoki is finally here! The American DJ, music producer, and heir to the Benihana throne is coming to Vancouver on Saturday, May 21st. Gather your squad and party like it’s 2012!

When: Saturday, May 21st
Where: 760 Pacific Blvd, Harbour Convention Centre
Cost: $75+

Avril Lavigne

The princess of pop-punk is coming to Vancouver during her first Canadian tour in 10+ years! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 24th at Doug Mitchell Stadium.

When: Tuesday, May 24th
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, UBC
Cost: $119.51+

Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton is bringing his “All-American Road Show” to Vancouver this May. Don’t miss out!

When: Saturday, May 14th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way, Rogers Arena
Cost: $90+

Matchbox Twenty

Also set to perform at Rogers Arena is a Matchbox Twenty, who yes, are still making music! The iconic American rock band will be in Vancouver on Tuesday, May 17th.

When: Tuesday, May 17th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way, Rogers Arena
Cost: $80+

Passenger

The legendary “Let Her Go” singer-songwriter Mike Rosenberg (AKA- Passenger) is coming to Vogue Theatre this coming Monday. Maybe bring a box of mini tissues!

When: Monday, May 2nd
Where: 918 Granville Street, Vogue Theatre
Cost: $55+

Food and Drink

Richmond Night Market

No food fest list (or any list, for that matter) in Vancouver is complete without this inclusion. Home to literally hundreds of vendors, it’s become a must for food and drink lovers to visit at least once during the summer months.

When: Open throughout May
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond

Richmond Community Block Party

Also taking place in Richmond is this year’s installment of the Community Block Party Series, hosted by the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival. The block party will feature various local vendors, artists, and yes, 14+ food trucks to load up on delicious eats.

Keep your eye out for the Coquitlam Community Block Party on Saturday, May 7th and 8th!

When: Sunday, May 1st
Where: 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond

Spot Prawn Festival

Celebrate prawn season in Vancouver by indulging in some delicious chowder and supporting education, mentorship, and sustainability initiatives across B.C.

When: Sunday, May 15th
Where: 1505 West 1st Avenue

Vancouver ‘PattyPass’

Vancouver’s beloved ‘PattyPass’ is back and The Real Beef Buddies added even more burger options to the pass this year. Get your 50% off burger deals at casual burger joints and upscale restaurants across the city!

BrewHalla Beer & Music Fest

A new series of beer and music festivals is coming to Vancouver this summer! Brewhalla will be making stops in Fort Langley, Port Moody, and North Vancouver, with their first stop slated for May 21st at Fort Langley Park. A ticket for $40 will get you a 4 oz tasting glass, 3 tasting tokens, and access to live concerts all day long! Not a bad way to spend a Saturday, if you ask us.

When: Saturday, May 21st
Where: Fort Langley Park

Vancouver International Wine Festival

If brews aren’t your thing, then you’re in luck. Vancouver’s International Wine Fest is just around the corner, and there are 100 participating wineries from 14 different countries. Check out all the deets on their extensive list of events, galas, tastings, and more on their website.

When: Monday, May 16th to Sunday, May 22nd
Where: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver Convention Centre

Check out a new restaurant

There are some seriously great eats coming to Vancouver this month, from soft launches to grand openings. Check out our list of restaurants, bars, cafes, and everything in between that just opened or are slated to open this May.

Where: Click the link above for more info

Swing by your local Farmers Market

You better believe that we think a trip to the farmers market is worthwhile any time of year, but especially so in the spring! Picking up great groceries from local producers? This requires no selling on our part.

Where: Locations around Vancouver

Outdoor Activities/Sports

Go for a hike

That’s right nature enthusiasts… while some hikes around Vancouver need a few more months, others are perfectly suited for a springtime trip! What’s more, we’ve rounded up our top picks for you.

Where: Click the link above for our picks

Find some Cherry Blossoms

On the flip side, those looking to enjoy our city’s most beautiful natural attraction (yeah, we’re making that claim) only have a little while left to check them out! Need some top places to go? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there.

Where: Click the link above for our picks

Go for a swim

Some great news for the month of May — some of Vancouver’s public pools are reopening, so it’s time to book your slots and dive into summer a little early! Check out the pools in Kitsilano, New Brighton, and Second Beach for a taste of the season.

Where: Various

Whistler’s Skybridge

Whistler is kicking off its summer season on May 13th with the opening of Mountain Bike Park and Skybridge! Get ready for some peak (to peak) views.

UBC Botanical Garden

With spring now totally in the air, it’s time to return to some of our city’s gardens! First up is the UBC Botanical Garden, which offers acres upon acres of stunning flowers, trees, and other plants. Plus, they’ve got their own TreeWalk to check out!

When: Open throughout May
Where: 6804 SW Marine Drive
Cost: $10 for GA

Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum is a super popular historical attraction that warrants multiple visits — especially in good weather! Join us for their kick-off of the summer season on Saturday, May 7th in celebration of 50 years since the museum’s opening.

When: Saturday, May 7th
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Cost: Free!

Bike around Stanley Park

That’s right, folks. The seawall just reopened this week after months of storm repairs, making it the perfect time for a leisure bike ride through Stanley. Just make sure you’re eyes are peeled for pedestrians — it’s bound to be the busiest time of year for foot traffic!

Chilliwack Tulip Festival

It’s not too late to see some beautiful blooming tulips in Chilliwack! This Sunday, May 1st is the last day you can drag your loved ones to the Chilliwack Tulip Fest for some iconic spring photos. Take in all the beauty while you can.

When: Sunday, May 1st
Where: 41310 Yale Road, Chilliwack
Cost: $13+ for GA

Vancouver Whitecaps

The start of the season has been rocky for the Whitecaps, to say the least. Know what might help? A few extra fans in the seats for their home games this month!

When: Games throughout May
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: Varies

Vancouver Canadians

A hot dog, a brewski, and some baseball? If that doesn’t sound like a great way to spend an afternoon, then we don’t know what does. Plus, the prices really can’t be beat for pro sports around the city.

When: Games throughout May
Where: 4601 Ontario Street
Cost: $20+ for Ga

Arts and Culture

Arts Club Theatre

Catch a show at the Arts Club Theatre, an organization committed to creating a truly inclusive space for diverse cultural storytelling. Check out a showing of ‘Da Kink In My Hair until May 15th, and get emotionally prepared for Kinky Boots in early June.

When: Showtimes throughout May
Where: Online and in-person options
Cost: Varies

2022 DOXA Documentary Film Festival

The DOXA Documentary Film Fest is the largest documentary film festival in Western Canada, offering a prime selection of films (screening in-person and streaming online), filmmaker Q+As, and industry events. Check out Fire of Love (dir. Sara Cosa) on Saturday, May 7th during their opening event!

When: Thursday, May 5th to Sunday, May 15th
Where: Various locations
Cost: $15+ for GA in-person ticket

The Cultch

An East Van hub for artistic freedom and expression, The Cultch always has something fun going on in the contemporary theatre, dance, & music variety. This May, check out a historical comedy called Himmat, a showing of the spoken word/hip-hop theatre “Can I live?” or any number of shows.

When: Showtimes throughout May
Where: Online and in-person options
Cost: Varies

Xicanx exhibition at MOA

A Mexican-American (Xicanx) exhibition is coming to MOA at UBC this month, and it will dive into the history of the Chicano civil rights movement of the ’60s and ’70s, oral histories of the ancestral homeland of Aztlán, and more.

When: Thursday, May 12th
Where: 6393 NW Marine Drive

Vancouver Art Gallery

It never hurts to see what exhibitions are going on at Vancouver Art Gallery at any given time. Right now, you can check out “Kids Take Over,” “I Bite My Tongue” by Shahla Bahrami, and much more.

When: Open throughout May
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Varies

Polygon Gallery

The Polygon is a vibrant art institution where you can take part in adventurous programming that inspires even the toughest critic. If traditional art galleries aren’t you’re thing — give the Polygon a try!

When: Open throughout May
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation!

Contemporary Art Gallery

Bring a friend or a date to Contemporary Art Gallery and check out an exhibition or two! There are a ton of exhibits, workshops, and artist talks to learn more about what inspires local contemporary artists in Vancouver.

Hours: Open throughout May
Where: 555 Nelson Street
Cost: Admission by donation!

Misc.

Bloedel Conservatory

Want to skip spring altogether? You can do it at this classic attraction that combines a tropical garden with hundreds of colourful birds.

When: Open throughout May
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05

Vancouver Aquarium

It’s always worth a visit to the Aquarium if you find yourself in the downtown/Stanley Park area. Check out the awesome marine life and even plan a date night under the sea while you’re at it! If there’s a chance to eat a decadent three-course meal surrounded by 65,000 marine animals, you know we’re taking it.

When: Open throughout May
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $42 for GA, $150 GA for a Night at the Aquarium

Science World After Dark

Great news, science lovers. You can take your next night out to the next level at Science World After Dark starting Thursday, May 19th! Fun drinks, free reign, and whacky adult-only activities. What could go wrong?

When: Thursday, May 19th
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $20.30+