I don’t know where April went, but somehow May is here! The days are getting longer and warmer, and our favourite festivals and family events are returning to keep your weekends packed with family fun. Stay in town or take a quick weekend getaway to explore some new areas close to home. As always, be sure to keep a close eye on the Family Fun Vancouver calendar as we are constantly adding new events, free activities, and plenty of ideas to connect with your community!
âThe Paper Bag Princessâ Carousel Theatre for Young People | April 22 â May 10, 2026
Featured: If youâre looking for a story about a fierce female, you wonât want to miss âThe Paper Bag Princessâ presented by Carousel Theatre for Young People! Adapted by Alissa Watson, Robert Munschâs iconic story demonstrates the power of persistence and quick thinking when Princess Elizabethâs beloved, Ronald, is kidnapped by a dragon. Best suited for ages 3+, audiences can see âThe Paper Bag Princessâ on stage at The Waterfront Theatre from April 22 to May 10, 2026.
Youth Week | May 1-7, 2026
Celebrate the preteens and teens in your life during Youth Week 2024! Cities across Metro Vancouver are hosting FREE or low-cost events for ages 10-18 on each day of the week. Some are drop-in, while others require pre-registration.
Free Comic Book Day | May 2, 2026
Calling all superheroes and cartoon character fans, FREE Comic Book Day is May 2, 2026! Comic Book stores across the continent give away FREE comic books to anyone who walks through the door. How fantastic is that?! Click the link above to see participating retailers and locations.
Spring Fest at Historic Stewart Farm | May 2, 2026
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with a full day of multicultural performers and events. Participate in a heritage craft, sample some delicious food, learn about bees at the Honeybee Centre, and much more!
âď¸ Buddy and Friends Children’s Festival | May 2 & 3, 2026
Featured:Â All aboard for Buddy and Friends Childrenâs Festival, a brand new event at the Railway Museum of BC! Join Buddy and his friends for a weekend filled with train rides, games, activities, live music, storytelling, and dance performances. The Railway Museum of BC is the best place to visit for train aficionados who are young and young at heart, and the events are packed with activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Star Wars Day | May 4, 2026
Yes, it’s a thing. May the fourth = May the force (be with you). Whether you’re up to date on your Star Wars trivia or could use a refresher, some great events are happening around Metro Vancouver to celebrate the day.
Science Rendezvous at SFUÂ & Science Rendezvous at UBC | May 9, 2026
Enjoy a FREE day of Science at SFU and UBC on May 9th! This family-friendly event invites kids and parents to explore science through hands-on activities, exciting experiments, and interactive exhibits led by real scientists and students.
BCRC Reptile Expo | May 9 & 10, 2026
If you love slithering snakes, geckos, and reptiles in general, then this is an event you donât want to miss! Connect with breeders, educators, and conservationists to learn and see exotic reptiles of all shapes and sizes!
Mother’s Day | May 10, 2026
Celebrate Motherâs Day with some great events and activities! Treat yourself and those strong moms and mother-figures in your life to a day full of food, family, and fun!
Cloverdale Rodeo | May 14 – 18, 2026
The Cloverdale Invitational Rodeo features Roughstock Rodeo Events (Bareback, Saddle Bronc & Bull Riding) and Ladies Barrel Racing. With more family-friendly entertainment than ever before, it is sure to be a roaring good time! See the schedule on their website for details.
âď¸ Whistler Children’s Festival | May 15 – 17, 2026
Featured: The Whistler Childrenâs Festival brings together family performers and entertainers who are sure to dazzle and delight all ages. Throughout the weekend, families can enjoy a lineup of engaging performances, including music, theatre, dance, and circus acts. Carefully curated with kids in mind, these performers know how to thrill a crowd with laugh-out-loud moments, interactive shows, and plenty of opportunities for kids (of all ages!) to participate.
PoCo Public Works Open House | May 23, 2026
If you have a kiddo who LOVES machinery and learning about how things work, make sure you take them to the PoCo Public Works Open House! Check out interactive displays, enjoy some family-friendly entertainment, see some equipment demonstrations, and enjoy a âby-donationâ BBQ!
Hyack Festival | May 23, 2026
For over 50 years, the Hyack Festival has been a staple in New Westminster. Featuring over 100 entries to the iconic parade, a fabulous family-friendly festival, and plenty of delicious food and live music, the Hyack Festival is not to be missed! Find more festivals happening this month here.
âď¸ Vancouver International Children’s Festival | May 25 – 31, 2026
Featured: Â The Vancouver International Childrenâs Festival is back this spring to delight, enchant, and engage children of all ages. Families from around Metro Vancouver look forward to the festival every year. The festival is packed full of exciting performances specifically designed for families to enjoy!
OWL Open House | May 30 & 31, 2026
Visit OWL and learn what they do. See the Raptor Release at 1 pm, enter the raffle fundraiser, meet and greet the birds that call OWL home, and listen to the Raptor talk at 11 am. There will also be kidsâ games and guest exhibitors, along with food trucks serving lunch.
The Best Spring & Summer Festivals!
Summertime is the perfect season for community gatherings and outdoor festivals, and fortunately, there are plenty in Metro Vancouver between May and August! Whether they are single-day or spread out over a week or weekend, all of the festivals below have something in common: good food, great entertainment, and fun for the whole family! For more information, click here.
May Day Events
May is here, and with it comes a special festival that has its roots in ancient European civilizations. May Day has historically been a celebration of Spring in the northern hemisphere, with flowers in full bloom, days getting longer and warmer, and Summer just around the corner. Today, May Day festivities have fallen by the wayside in many communities, but a few special locations still host May Day events. Be a part of this historical Spring festival at one of these few remaining events this year. For more information, click here.
Mother’s Day Events Guide | May 10, 2026
Celebrate Motherâs Day with some great events and activities! Treat yourself and those strong moms and mother-figures in your life to a day full of food, family, and fun! For more information, click here.
Kid-Friendly High Tea
Are you looking for a fun, family-friendly afternoon outing? Look no further than one of the amazing places to have High Tea in Metro Vancouver! Going for high tea with your kiddos is endlessly fun. You can dress up and make it a special occasion, or keep it casual and just enjoy the experience together. Plus, a few places on our list offer High Tea to Go, so you can opt to take it home (or to a park!) and enjoy your treats in the comfort of your own space. For more information, click here.
Farmers Markets in Metro Vancouver |May – October
Does anyone else feel healthier just by shopping at a Farmer’s Market? I love bringing home fresh veggies and home-baked goodies each week. Spring & Summer Farmer’s Markets across Metro Vancouver are opening in May, and many run weekly until the end of October. For more information, click here.
The BEST Playgrounds in Metro Vancouver
The ideal playground continuously changes as my kids get older. Whatever season of life youâre in, weâve pulled together the ULTIMATE playground guide so you can pick something close to home or venture out further. For more details, click here.
Spring Craft Fairs
Spring is in the air, and with the warmer weather comes an abundance of great craft fairs and artisan markets around Metro Vancouver. Whether you are looking for some unique wares, delicious treats, handmade clothing or farm finds, there are plenty of options for you to shop local and connect with farmers and artisans in your neighbourhood. For more information, click here.
But Wait⌠Thereâs More!
Love seeing the Family Fun Events in Vancouver in May, but want MORE? Keep tabs on everything happening in #YVR with our calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details, and weâll do our best to get your event added to our busy events calendar.
And donât forget to sign up for our e-newsletter.
