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: Daily until Wednesday May 8, 2024
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: Surrey: Thursday May 2 – Sunday May 12 & Richmond: Thursday May 16 – Monday May 20
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 our neck of the woods 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.
Jurassic Quest
When: Friday May 10 – Sunday May 12, 2024
Where: Tradex Trade & Exhibition Centre – Abbotsford
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.
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair
When: Friday May 17 – Monday May 20, 2024
Where: Surrey
Website: https://cloverdalerodeo.com/
Saddle up and check out the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair! For over 100 years this annual Country Fair’s festivities 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.
Rock Solid: Safety in Mines
When: Saturday May 18 through to September 2024
Where: Britannia Mine Museum
Website: https://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/pages/
If you’ve been considering a family visit to Britannia Mine Museum in Britannia Beach, now may be the time to go! Startimg Saturday May 18 and through until September, the Rock Solid: Safety in Mines exhibition is an immersive exhibition with photographs, objects, and videos drawn from the museum collection that offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of mine safety.
May Day in Fort Langley
When: Monday May 20, 2024
Where: Fort Langley
Website: https://maydayfortlangley.com/
Celebrate the 102nd 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 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.
Paw Patrol Live
When: Tuesday May 23 – Sunday May 28, 2023
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Website: http://www.queenelizabeththeatre.org/events/
Your favorite rescue dogs from the famous children’s television show Paw Patrol ome to life once again in an event that will make all kids— and kids at heart— scream in excitement!
Day Out with Thomas
When: Saturdays & Sundays May 25-26 and June 1-2, 2024
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: Monday May 27 – Sunday June 2, 2023
Where: Granville Island and online
Website: https://www.childrensfestival.ca/
The 47th 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. Everyone needs a ticket to attend, except for “babes in arms” who are for select performances.
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.
