Vancouver
A digest of What’s On in and around Vancouver during this weekend including free fun family activities, live music, performing arts & theatre, festivals and sports events.
Live Music on Weekdays are also listed.
Victoria Day Weekend Events, Festivals and Other Activities: May 17 to 20, 2019
Contents:
- Family Activities
- Live Music/ Concerts & Music festivals
- Live Theatre & Theatre Festivals
- Sports
- All Other Events
I. Family & Kids Activities this Weekend
Royal Canadian Circus SPECTAC!
An all new show, jam packed with explosive live entertainment, featuring high-flying acrobatics, death-defying tricks, clowning and towering feats of strength, teetering towers of balanced bodies, extreme bending and devilishly precarious aerials. The all new internationally renowned Royal Canadian family Circus Spectac!® 2019, includes Xtreme Chinese Acrobats, Flying Trapeze, Wheel of Destiny, Comedy, Motorcycle Globe, Hula Hoops, MotoSwing and Aerialists.
May 9 to 20, 2019
Lansdowne Centre, 5300 #3 Rd. Richmond
$25-$45.
Matilda The Musical
Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty to find your happy ending! Armed with an outsize wit and a vivid imagination, precocious Matilda takes a stand to change her destiny. Even cruel parents and a hardened headmistress can’t get in her way. From the wonderfully subversive imagination of Roald Dahl, this fun family musical will bring out the child in everyone.
May 16–July 14, 2019
Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street
$29 – $124
Expressions Theatre Festival
Expressions Festival brings inspired and cutting-edge dance performances, innovative and original theatre shows, and diverse arts exhibitions to venues and stages across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Every discipline, every class, and virtually every Arts Umbrella Spring session student showcases work during Expressions. The festival allows young artists to take pride in their accomplishments, and share that pride with family, friends, and the public.
May 17-25, 2019
The Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street
$12 to $20
Jurassic Quest
Jurassic Quest is America’s largest and most realistic Dinosaur event. Our guests will walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and The Triassic period and experience for themselves what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs.
May 17, 18, 19, & 20, 24, 25 & 26, 2019
Vancouver Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
$22 to $36 USD
Day Out with Thomas
Day Out With Thomas™ offers an opportunity for children and their families to take a 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine™ and to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, the Controller of the Railway. Every event has a Thomas & Friends Imagination Station with Thomas-themed activities including stamps, temporary tatoos, hands-on arts and crafts, and a Thomas storytelling and video viewing area. The activities on site at Day Out With Thomas™ are for you and your children to enjoy for the duration of the event.
May 18 to 26, 2019
West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 39645 Government Road, Squamish
$25 + charges
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair
One of North America’s longest running and most entertaining rodeos returns for its 73rd year this May Long Weekend with more competitions, live entertainment food and fun for fans of all ages. The Cloverdale Invitational Rodeo will once again feature the World’s best Cowboys and Cowgirls as they compete for cash prizes in roughstock rodeo events like Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding and Bull Riding, as well as Ladies Barrel Racing. More Details
May 17 to 20, 2019
Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 176th St, Surrey
$10 & up; Kids 12 and under are FREE
Science World Day- Kids Market
Join us and learn all about the magic of SCIENCE. Kids Market is housed in an old factory which is over 100 years old, two annex buildings and a train caboose. Shop and play indoors or enjoy the patio and play area beside the pond! In the summer splash around in the water park that is right next door! The Kids Market at Granville Island has over 25 shops, services and activities for kids & their families. More Details
Sunday, May 19 2019
Two, 30 minute shows at 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM
Kids Market, Granville Island
FREE
Engine 374 Anniversary Celebration
CPR Engine 374 pulled into the Vancouver terminal for the first time 131 years ago, becoming the first passenger train to arrive on the West Coast. Join community members and Engine 374 as she makes her annual trip out onto the Roundhouse Turntable, and celebrate with free birthday cake, fun activities, speeches, and a brass band. More Details
Sunday May 19 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Turntable Plaza, 181 Roundhouse Mews Corner of Davie & Pacific
FREE
May Day Fort Langley
The May Day Parade is on Victoria Day each year in Fort Langley. There will then be May Pole Dancing followed by live entertainment through until 4:00. The Lions famous BBQ Chicken will be available at the park. There will be rides for the children, Mini Golf for Everyone, vendors, food and much more. More Details
Monday, May 20, 2019 | 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Fort Langley Community Park, Langley
Free
Royal Victorian Party
All hail her Majesty, the Queen! The whole family can enjoy this regal event with live dancing, birthday cake and a chance to meet the woman who had a whole era named after her – Queen Victoria. Pack a picnic, play croquet and spend a free day with your family on the scenic grounds.
Saturday, May 19, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey
Free
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s G2K Cinderella
Children’s Theatre of Richmond is thrilled to present Rodgers and Hammersteins G2K Cinderella. A delightful score includes the favorites In My Own Little Corner, Impossible/It’s Possible and Ten Minutes Ago. The tale of a girl whose downtrodden life is transformed by her Fairy Godmother and whose kindness wins the heart of her Prince comes to life at the Granville Island Stage. The production shines with the talents of thirty-three young performers chosen from hundreds of hopefuls and stage magic galore as adorable mice transform into horses and of course a pumpkin turns into a golden carriage! Join Cinderella on her journey as she discovers that impossible dreams really can come true.
May 17 to 25, 2019
Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver
18.00 – $48.00
Victoria Day at Trout Lake
Day of fun for the family on your Stat Holiday. We’ve got the bouncy castle set up, arts & crafts, games and more.
More Details
Monday, May 20, 2019 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Trout Lake Community Centre, 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Free
PNE Playland
Experience Vancouver’s favourite amusement park all the associated thrills, entertainment and food!
May 4 to September 15, 2019
2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
$26 & up
More Family Activities
1. Vancouver Public Library holds plenty of fun events throughout the year! Have fun times for free!
2. See a movie.
Family Favourites Cineplex: Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99. | Saturdays at 11:00 AM
3. Every Sunday, Vancouver Art Gallery offers FREE admission for children 12 & under when accompanied by an adult. Sundays at the Gallery offers a unique art experience for children and their families to have free and regular access to all of the Gallery’s exhibitions as well as the Weekly Family Programs, which feature family-geared programming that explores themes and activities related to the current exhibitions.
4. Museum Tots
This program, geared toward children ages 2 – 5, explores the museum world of learning through play, crafts, dance, and games.
Saturdays | 11 AM –12 PM @ The Maritime Museum of BC
II. Live Music & Concerts This Week in Vancouver
Concert Tours/EDM and Weekday Concerts
Concert Tours in Vancouver – 2019
- Neil Young Solo on Tuesday, May 14 | 07:30 PM @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Frenzy on Tuesday, May 14 | 08:00 PM @ Fortune Sound Club
- Neil Young Solo on Wednesday, May 15 | 07:30 PM @Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Thomas Rhett: Life Changes Tour 2019 on Wednesday, May 15 | 07:30 PM @ Rogers Arena
- Local Natives on Wednesday, May 15 | 08:00 PM @ Commodore Ballroom
- blackbear – dead 2 the world tour on Thursday, May 16 | 08:00 PM @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- North Shore Classics: Akiyama Returns on Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 08:00 PM @ Centennial Theatre
- Liz Cooper & The Stampede on Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 08:00 PM @ Biltmore Cabaret
- American Football on Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 08:00 PM @ Imperial
- Weyes Blood, Jackie Cohen on Friday, May 17 | 08:00 PM @ St. James Hall
- Common Ground on Friday, May 17 | 10:00 PM @ MIA Nightclub
- Miracle Sunwave on Friday, May 17 | 10:00 PM @ Celebrities
- Camp Cope on Friday, May 17 | 7:00 PM @ Biltmore Cabaret
- Suzie Vinnick with Special Guests Harris&DeBray on Friday, May 17 | 7:30 PM @ The Anza Club
- Sosupersam & 143 Soundsystem @ Hef on Friday, May 17 | 10:30 PM @ Fortune Sound Club
- Armin Van Buuren on Saturday, May 18 | 05:30 PM @ PNE Forum
- Lolo Zouai: High Highs To Low Lows Tour on Saturday, May 18 | 06:30 PM @ Fortune Sound Club
- Bea Miller – Nice To Meet U Tour on Saturday, May 18 | 07:00 PM @ Venue
- Kill Tony Summer Tour on Saturday, May 18 | 07:00 PM @ Commodore Ballroom
- 4U: The Music of Prince with Symphony on Saturday, May 18 | 07:30 PM @Abbotsford Centre
- The Lemonheads, Tommy Stinson on Saturday, May 18 | 09:00 PM @ Rickshaw Theatre
- Lost Frequencies on Saturday, May 18 | 10:00 PM @Celebrities
- Dubfire on Saturday, May 18 | 10:00 PM @ MIA Nightclub
- Brennan Heart on Saturday, May 18 | 10:00 PM @ Harbour Event Centre
- Dombresky on Saturday, May 18 | 10:00 PM @ Celebrities Underground
- Orville Peck on Sunday, May 19 | 08:00 PM @ The WISE Hall
- Mogli on Sunday, May 19 | 08:00 PM @ Biltmore Cabaret
- Konshens on Sunday, May 19 | 09:00 PM @ Privé Nightclub
- Jenny Lewis – On The Line Tour on Monday, May 20 | 07:00 PM @ Commodore Ballroom
- Devastation on the Nation Tour w/ Belphegor, Dark Funeral with Incantation, Vale Of Pnath, Hate, Nightmarer on Monday, May 20 | 5:00 PM @ Rickshaw Theatre
Akiyama Returns
Beloved VSO Conductor Laureate Kazuyoshi Akiyama — one of the VSO’s most important Music Directors – conducts this historic program, with pieces selected from his very first concerts as Music Director in 1972.
May 17 & 18, 2019 | 08:00 PM
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC
6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver
$19.50 – $72.00 + Applicable Charges
Amoroso
For Jocelyn Morlock’s final Symphony at the Annex concert as VSO Composerin- Residence, she reveals her musical inspirations through composers and works particularly meaningful to her.
Music by Kaija Saariaho, Nikolai Korndorf, W.A. Mozart, and two of Morlock’s own pieces complete this musical “autobiography.” More Details
Saturday, May 18, 2019 | 07:30 PM
Annex
823 Seymour St, Vancouver
$19.00 – $30.00 + Applicable Charges
Kate Liu, piano
Kate Liu, the remarkable artist who won the bronze medal and the prestigious prize for best mazurka performance at the 2015 Warsaw International Chopin Competition, will make her long-awaited and much anticipated Vancouver debut. More Details
Sunday, May 19, 2019 | 03:00 PM
Vancouver Playhouse Salon, Vancouver
$30 & up
III. Live Theatre
- What’s On Stage
- Discover Dance! Jacky Essombe on May 16, 2019, 12 noon-1pm and 6-7pm @ Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St, Vancouver
SiriusXM Top Comic
SiriusXM’s Top Comic competition presents three sidesplittingly funny evenings of uncensored comedy featuring 30 of Canada’s funniest stand-up comics. Live auditions in search of Canada’s next Top Comic will be held over three nights in Vancouver.
May 13 to 15, 2019 | 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Yuk Yuk’s, 2837 Cambie St, Vancouver
$10
Communicating Doors
It’s Back to the Future, with sex and violence. Wronged women get the upper hand on destiny in a hotel suite with a pair of doors that connect adjoining rooms internally in Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy thriller.
May 4 to 25, 2019
Metro Theatre, 1370 S.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver
$15 to $25
VAMP: A Supernatural Musical Burlesque
The world you once knew is about to be stripped away as creatures of the night come alive in a new, body-positive and hilarious burlesque musical inspired by classic horror movies and everything that goes hump in the night. VAMP: A Supernatural Musical Burlesque combines circus, the art of burlesque and storytelling of musical theatre to tell the empowering story of a young woman’s sexual awakening in a ghoulish world. More Details
May 3 to 18, 2019
Performance Works – 1218 Cartwright St, Vancouver
$29 to $35
NASSIM
From Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour comes an audacious new theatrical experiment. Each night a different performer joins the playwright on stage, while the script waits unseen in a sealed box…Touchingly autobiographical yet powerfully universal, it is a striking theatrical demonstration of how language can both divide and unite us. More Details
May 7 – 19, 2019
Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver
$24 – $45
THE GREAT LEAP
It’s 1989, and for a man with a past and one teen with a future, an exhibition basketball game in Beijing is a chance at something greater. Chinese coach Wen Chang is a quiet Party supporter and Manford is a kid with hustle from San Francisco’s Chinatown who makes up for his short stature with tenacious baller skill. More Details
April 25–May 19, 2019
BMO Theatre Centre, 162 West 1st Ave, Vancouver
$29 & up
The Fitting Room
“The Fitting Room” by Ellery Lamm and directed by Anna Marie Anderson won Victoria Fringe 2018’s Overall Favourite and Bravest show awards. A “brilliantly executed” dramedy about a grief-stricken small town and five people whose lives collide in one department store fitting room (Showbill Canada). A deeply sincere, honest, and laugh-out-loud play about growing up, first loves, faith, guilt, grief, and sexual identity.
May 14 to 18, 2019
Havana Theatre 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
$15 – $20
The Sea
1907. A tempest. A drowned man. In a small seaside village, two young lovers try to make sense of the chaos in a most often irrational society occupied by eccentric characters, including a drunk coastguard, a stark raving mad draper, and a highly demanding grande dame. Multi-Jessie Richardson Award-nominated Slamming Door Artist Collective presents Edward Bond’s comedy, “The Sea.” More Details
April 30 to May 19, 2019
Jericho Arts Centre
1675 Discovery Street, Vancouver
$18 – $27
The Cake
Della believes that the secret to a good cake and a good life is simple: just follow the rules. When her best friend’s daughter asks her to make her wedding cake, she is overjoyed… until she learns that there will be not one bride, but two. Suddenly, Della is working without a recipe as her previously-unquestioned beliefs and emotions come into sharp conflict.
May 17 to June 8, 2019
Pacific Theatre – 1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
$14.95 to $36.50
Swan Lake
Back by popular demand, this illustrious and beloved ballet features choreography by Irene Schneider, the beautiful score of Pytor Tchaikovsky and the diverse talents of Coastal City Ballet. Glorious costumes and imaginative sets bring this heart-wrenching love story to life. Schneider delivers a modern twist to this must-see timeless classic that the whole family will love.
May 18, 2019 | 07:30 PM
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
$30 & up
IV. Sports & Related Events
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Atlanta United FC on Wednesday, May 15 | 07:00 PM @ BC Place , Vancouver
Stars on Ice
The 2019 Stars on Ice tour will deliver the same level of artistry, excitement and athletic triumph as fans experienced during last year’s Winter Games.
Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events this Weekend
You may like:
- Family Interviews 101 on Thursday, May 16 | 6-7:30pm @ Coquitlam Heritage Society
- The Cannon(Movie): THE CANNON (Marshall Axani, 2018 / An ailing adult-film star struggles to prevent the collision between his personal and professional lives, which threatens to expose his true line of work to his impressionable daughter just before she moves out of country with his ex. on Thursday May 16 2019 | Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm @ The Rio Theatre
Professor Brian Cox
Adventures In Space And Time will use ultra-high resolution LED screens to present state of the art graphics and imagery from ground-based telescopes and space probes. This immersive experience will take audiences to the edge of our current understanding about the origin and evolution of our Solar System and the Universe, offering a fascinating insight into the workings of nature at the most fundamental level. Professor Cox will explore the latest missions to the planets, the nature of space and time from the Big Bang to black holes and the origin and fate of life and intelligence in the Universe. He will also address questions about the value of science, how we acquire scientific knowledge, and why we should trust it.
Friday, May 17, 2019 | 08:00 PM
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
$42 – $63 + charges
FOCUS! Climate Change Red Carpet Screening
FOCUS! National Climate Change Youth Video Competition Red Carpet Screening. Be amazed as Lego creations tell the story of declining fish stocks, felt animation portrays the environmental cost of the fashion industry, & science experiments raise profound questions. Some are haunting imaginations of our future, others live action inspirations.
Saturday May 18, 2019 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
VIFF Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Free
Crafted Vancouver
Crafted Vancouver pools together a unique blend of local, national & international independent makers, studios, galleries, museums, showrooms, shops & luxury brands, craft & design schools and craft member associations, all making, exhibiting, supporting or selling exceptional craft-based work.
May 6 to 30, 2019
Various Venues, Vancouver
Varies
Spot Prawn Festival
Enjoy a bowl of delicious Chowder made from fresh-off-the-boat BC spot prawns served with bread from Terra Bread. The Chowder, prepared by our chefs, is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Or join us for an exciting Brunch featuring a tasting menu with 6 spot prawn dishes created by some of Vancouver best chefs, freshly baked bread from Terra Breads, and wine sample pours from our sponsors, as well as beer and a coffee along with a sweet treat from.
Sunday, May 19, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf, 1505 W 1st Ave, Vancouver
FREE
GO Fest – Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival
The sixth annual GO Fest celebrates the May intersection of winter and summer activities where Whistler’s visitors and residents can experience the best of all seasons, with outdoor pursuits from skiing and snowboarding to sailing, golfing, fishing, tennis, paddling, running and biking.
Corb Lund, Said the Whale and Lazy Syrup Orchestra will light up the Village Square stage with free concerts over May Long weekend.
May 17-20, 2019
Various Venues, Whistler
Free & Ticketed events
Vancouver Comic Arts Festival
VanCAF is a two-day celebration of comics and graphic novels and their creators, including an exhibition and vendor fair featuring hundreds of creators from around the world. Other Festival events include readings, comic lessons for kids, panels, and workshops.
Saturday May 18 – Sunday May 19 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, Vancouver
Free
Fort Langley Beer + Food Festival
Celebrate & enjoy the best of the Fraser Valley with live music, craft breweries, local food vendors and much more right outside the wooden walls of the Fort Langley National Historic Site! Over 25 breweries and 15 food vendors to keep you hydrated and satisfied all day long and live music to keep the energy up! Fresh Craft Beer, Great Local Food & Dance Worthy Live Music!
Saturday | May 18, 2019 | 12 PM – 6 PM
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, Langley
$35 to $55
VJGA Sumi Bonsai Club Show
Annual show. More Details
Saturday, May 18, 2019 | 10 PM – 4:30 PM
Sunday, May 19, 2019 | 10 PM – 4:00 PM
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
Admission by donation to the show.
All British Field Meet
The 34th showing of the Greatest Show on British Wheels returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden on the Victoria Day weekend. The largest show of its kind in Western Canada displaying 450 British built classics reflecting the history and automotive culture from the pre-war era through to the late 1970. Expect to see a selection of these magnificent vehicles, ranging from pre-war to the most modern examples. More Details
Saturday, May 18, 2019 | 7 AM – 4:30 PM
Great Lawn – VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5151 Oak Street
Adults (19-64) $17; Seniors (65+) $15
Youth (13-18) $12; Children (4-12) $6
Family (2 adults & 2 children under 19) $40
Eastside Flea Spring Markets
Local artisan goods, vintage clothing & collectables, quality handcrafted items, household goods, rarities & memorabilia, paper goods & art, small furniture, handcrafted & vintage jewelry, vinyl records, custom chain-stitching, succulents & plants, natural locally-made body care, local small businesses, your friends & neighbours selling their treasures! More Details
May 18 – 19, 2019
Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street, Vancouver
$3 admission or $5 weekend pass
Richmond Night Market
Come join us for another summer of delicious food, awesome deals and wonderful entertainment! Featuring live performances, carnival games and over 200 retail stalls, you’ll feel the excitement from the moment you arrive. Taste Canada’s diversity at our international food court, offering more variety with over a hundred vendors and over five hundred food choices!
May 10 – October 14, 2019
8351 River Road, Richmond
Shipyards Night Market
The Shipyards Night Market showcases BC’s artisans, bakers and farmers. Products include; jewellery, clothing, kids wear, bakers, produce, preserves, soaps, plants, chocolate and many more must have handmade products. Don’t eat dinner before you come to the Night Market, as there are at least 35 food trucks selling unique and delicious locally made food.
Friday Nights, May 3 to September 27 | 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Shipyards Night Market
138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Free
You may like:
Yeah Bill settle down piglet
yeah, BIll…you’re gonna have a jammer over two bucks.
So glad Im not going to the event with Bill. Imagine the rant he’d have on pay parking.