Fun Family Events in Vancouver in May
Out with the showers and in with the flowers – it’s Vancouver in May! The longer days and warmer weather mean that there is no shortage of amazing events to enjoy around the city with family and friends. We’ve got rodeos, dinosaurs, musicals – even a circus! May is all about making memories and discovering fun adventures.
Fun Family Events in Vancouver in May
Burnaby Youth Week
When: May 1-7, 2023
Where: Various locations
Website: https://www.burnaby.ca/recreation-and-arts/events/burnaby-youth-week
Burnaby Youth Week is all about highlighting the awesomeness and diversity of youth. Throughout the week, kids who are in grade five and older are invited to check out a multitude of amazing activities at various youth centres throughout Burnaby. From scavenger hunts and movie nights to queer Kahoot trivia night and musical bingo, the week is jampacked with fun.
Royal Canadian International Circus
When: Thursday May 11 – Sunday May 14, 2023
Where: Concord Pacific Place
Website: https://www.royalcanadiancircus.ca/
Enjoy a truly magical performance with your family under the Big Top! The Royal Canadian International Circus returns to Vancouver with a show that promises to amaze adults and kids, alike. Performers include aerialists and flying trapeze artists, contortionists, juggling, and more. Note that the show does not feature any exotic animals or endangered species. In addition to the Vancouver dates, the Circus will also be in Surrey from Thursday May 4 – Sunday May 7 and Richmond from Thursday May 18 – Monday May 22.
Jurassic Quest
When: Friday May 12 – Sunday May 14, 2023
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre
Website: https://www.jurassicquest.com/
Looking for an event that is truly dino-mite? Check out Jurassic Quest, the world’s largest, most popular dinosaur-themed event. Ride on a dino’s back, dig for fossils, create crafts, and walk amongst life-size animatronic dinosaurs like Spinosaurus, T-Rex, and more. Guaranteed to be a memorable adventure for the whole family. In addition to Vancouver dates, Jurassic Quest will also be in Abbotsford at the TRADEX Trade and Exhibition Centre from Friday May 19 – Monday May 22.
Coquitlam Food Truck Festival
When: Saturday May 13 – Sunday May 14, 2023
Where: Town Centre Park
Website: https://greatervanfoodtruckfest.com/events/coquitlam-block-party/
The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival continues to hold various events throughout the Lower Mainland, including the Coquitlam Block Party in May. Check out more than 25 food vendors, shop local gifts from artisans and celebrate with performances by local entertainment. While you’re at the park, be sure to stop by the kids’ play area and explore the nearby walking trails.
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair
When: Friday May 19 – Monday May 22, 2023
Where: Surrey
Website: https://cloverdalerodeo.com/
Saddle up and check out the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair! This year marks the 132 nd annual Country Fair and festivities will include loads of family-fun activities, including the largest Midway in the area (rides, animals, and more), and performances by the West Coast Lumberjacks. Of course, there’s also plenty of rodeo events with 96 of the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls taking part – you’ll be saying ‘yeehaw’ in no time.
Blippi Live
When: Saturday May 20, 2023
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Website: http://www.queenelizabeththeatre.org/
Rejoice, Blippi fans! The YouTube sensation is coming to Vancouver with a musical and stage adaptation of the popular kids’ show. Featuring hits like “Excavator,” “Garbage Truck Song,” “Wheels on the Bus,” and more, Blippi Live promises to have young children singing and dancing in their seats. The tour stops in Vancouver for one day only so check out tickets in advance.
Dig Day
When: Saturday May 20, 2023
Where: Britannia Mine Museum
Website: https://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/pages/dig-day
If you’ve been considering a family visit to Britannia Mine Museum in Britannia Beach, now may be the time to go! Dig Day is a family-friendly event that includes a range of temporary displays and hands-on activities (fossils, gold panning demos, and more!) – all focused on real-world applications of geosciences. You’ll also get the opportunity to interact with professionals working in the field – it’s going to rock!
May Day in Fort Langley
When: Monday May 22, 2023
Where: Fort Langley
Website: https://maydayfortlangley.com/
Celebrate the 101st annual May Day at Fort Langley. Hosted by the Fort Langley Lions Club, the event features a May Day Parade followed by a Family Fun Festival. Be sure to stop by the pancake breakfast ($6 per person) before lining the streets to watch the parade kick off at 11 a.m. Festival activities include live entertainment and the traditional May Pole dancing. Plan to arrive early to beat the crowds.
CATS
When: Tuesday May 23 – Sunday May 28, 2023
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Website: http://www.queenelizabeththeatre.org/events/
The classic musical CATS returns to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in May. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning show features incredible performances that will inspire and entertain audiences both young and old. With its spectacular visuals and captivating music, CATS makes for an excellent introduction to musicals – note that the show is recommended for ages 5 and older, though some reviewers suggest ages 10+.
Day Out with Thomas
When: Saturdays & Sundays May 27-28 and June 3-4, 2023
Where: Railway Museum of British Columbia
Website: https://www.wcra.org/
Day Out with Thomas returns to the Railway Museum of British Columbia for more fun adventures! Everyone in the family will enjoy this interactive train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and a visit with Sir Topham Hatt. Plus, check out face painting, mini-putt golf, a tattoo station, and more at the Railway Museum. Tickets for this event often sell out so be sure to book in advance (there are seven trains departing each day). Funds raised help support the restoration of trains and railway artifacts.
Vancouver International Children’s Festival
When: Tuesday May 30 – Sunday June 4, 2023
Where: Granville Island and online
Website: https://www.childrensfestival.ca/
The 46th annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival comes to Granville Island for another year of music, theatre, dance, puppetry, acrobatics, and storytelling. This year’s festival features an array of local and international artists and performers – guaranteed to have kids laughing, singing and embracing creativity. Online performances available from May 30 to June 23. Everyone needs a ticket to attend, except for “babes in arms” who are for select performances.
Chilliwack Tulip Festival
When: Ongoing – dates based on weather
Where: Chilliwack
Website: https://chilliwacktulipfest.com/
Another reason to celebrate the start of spring is the annual Chilliwack Tulip Festival. The festival is the largest of its kind in BC, with millions of tulip bulb blooming each year. You’ll find more than 25 varieties of tulips and over 16 types of double daffodils across 20 acres of land. And if all that strolling amid the flower fields leaves you hungry, be sure to check out the specialty Dutch treats onsite. Festival timing is dependent on weather so visit the website regularly for opening dates.
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N
When: Ongoing
Where: The Amazing Brentwood
Website: https://avengersstationcanada.com/
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is an interactive multimedia experience at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby, on now for a limited time. Kids of all ages can explore an extensive range of original Avengers memorabilia – from Captain America’s shield to Black Widow’s uniform, and much more. Note that the exhibit may not be suitable for children who are sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights.
Spring and Summer Farmers’ Markets
When: Various dates and times
Where: Throughout the region
Website: https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/
Use the search feature on the BC Farmers Market website to search for the local winter markets popping up in your neck of the woods, or check out the upcoming spring and summer markets. From fresh veggies to locally crafted artisan goods, BC farm markets are known for their diverse offerings throughout the year.
