Who’s ready for the weekend? For many of us, our days off are almost here meaning it’s time to start making plans.
Thankfully there are plenty of fun things to do in Vancouver between Friday and Sunday and you don’t need to worry about budgeting for these events.
From street dance battles to farmers markets and pilates classes, there are several free things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend.
Here are 14 free events and activities happening from May 24 to 26.
Celebrate street dance at OUROFEST
Cost: Free (or by donation)
When: May 25-28
Address: Various locations in Vancouver
Why You Should Go: OURO Collective is back for its 10th anniversary with OUROFEST happening from May 25 to 28.
The four-day street dance festival features dance battles and performances by local and national artists.
According to the OUROFEST website, performances will feature Vancouver-based artists Diamonds in the Rough and OURO Collective (featuring Ash “Complex” Cornette, Cristina Bucci, Eric Cheung, Ganna Martynova, Kinui Oiwa, and Rina Pellerin), Montreal-based artist M Queen, and Surrey-based youth street dance artist Tegvaran “Teg” Sooch.
The performances and battles are open to all and are free, but donations will also be accepted.
They will be happening in various locations around Vancouver, including the SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts and Robson Square.
Workshops will also be available for anyone who wants to learn more about different street dance styles, but those come at a $25 cost.
Visit a farmers market
Cost: Free
When: Saturdays and Sundays (time and day dependent on location)
Address: Various locations in Vancouver
Why You Should Go: What better way to start your Saturday or Sunday than at a farmer’s market?
Metro Vancouver’s farmers markets offer fresh locally-grown produce, artisanal crafts and baked treats. Several markets are open on the weekends, from the Trout Lake Farmers Market to the Hastings Park Farmers Market.
Check out the Destination Vancouver website to find the closest one to you!
Spot Prawn Festival
Cost: Free
When: May 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: Fisherman’s Wharf, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: It’s spot prawn season in B.C. and you can celebrate at the Spot Prawn Festival at Fisherman’s Wharf in Vancouver this weekend.
The festival is free to attend where you can enjoy live music and cooking demos.
However, if you want to eat some of the delicious food prepared by the chefs at the event, you’ll need to buy tickets.
Hyack International Parade and Festival
Cost: Free
When: May 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave, New Westminster
Why You Should Go: The annual Hyack International Parade is back and promises to bring high-energy, colourful floats, marching bands, mascots, artists and more to the streets of Westminster.
According to its website, this is B.C.’s largest family-oriented parade with over 100 entries from across B.C. and some from the U.S.
AfriCa Fest
Cost: Free
When: May 25 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and May 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey
Why You Should Go: AfriCa Fest is a big celebration in honour of Africa Day. The event is a vibrant gathering where you will see diverse African cultures showcase their collective heritage.
Enjoy live music and great food at the Shipyards Night Market
Cost: Free
When: Every Friday night until September 13, 2024
Address: 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Have you been to the annual Shipyards Night Market in Vancouver? If not, this Friday is your chance to check out the fun event that takes over the waterfront.
From live performances to amazing food, this popular night market is a great way to get the weekend started.
Unwind with a yoga class
Cost: Free
When: May 25 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Address: Room 136, Coquitlam City Centre Library 1169 Pinetree Way Coquitlam
Why You Should Go: If you need some time to yourself and a place to unwind this weekend, perhaps a yoga class will do the trick.
The Isha Foundation is hosting a free beginners session on Saturday where you can learn a few simple practices like neck practices, Nada Yoga and Yoga Namaskar. Make sure you reserve a ticket online so you’re guaranteed a spot.
Go cheer on the Vancouver roller derby team
Cost: Free (accepting donations)
When: May 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Royal City Curling Club, 75 East Sixth Avenue #E, New Westminster
Why You Should Go: Support Vancouver’s Terminal City Roller Derby team this weekend as they play a doubleheader.
As there is limited seating at the event, anyone attending is encouraged to bring a lawn chair, a pillow or a yoga mat if they want to sit trackside.
Along with the roller derby, you can indulge in snacks and there are door prizes and a raffle as well.
Sound of Dragon Music Festival
Cost: Free
When: May 23-26 at various times
Address: Orpheum Annex, 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The Sound of Dragon Music Festival is back for its sixth year. The event runs through the weekend with intercultural concerts, and free community events like music jams, workshops and performances.
Ice Cream Social
Cost: Free
When: May 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: 204 Blue Mountain St., Coquitlam
Why You Should Go: Get a free scoop of ice cream and enjoy some activities and entertainment at an Ice Cream Social event in Port Coquitlam this weekend.
Make sure you secure a ticket so you get that free scoop!
Global Chinese Culture Festival
Cost: Free
When: May 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: 8889 Laurel Street #unit 106 Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Celebrate the diversity of Chinese culture at the Global Chinese Culture Festival happening this weekend.
The event will feature traditional performances, a Chinese fashion show, interactive workshops and more.
Live music at The Raven Pub
Cost: Free
When: May 25 from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Address: The Raven Pub, 1052 Deep Cove Road, North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Enjoy some live music at the Raven Pub on Saturday.
This weekend you can expect to hear Vancouver-based rock and party cover band Scott Riddel Band performing at the pub.
The lounge will open at 7 p.m. and the live music will begin at 8 p.m.
Pilates introduction class
Cost: Free
When: May 25 from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Address: 221 Esplanade West #110 North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Had a tough week? Go unwind and get reenergized at a free beginner’s Pilates class. An instructor will go through the basics during the class so no need to feel uneasy if you don’t know much about Pilates.
Anyone interested in joining is asked to bring their own water bottle and grip socks.
Church garage sale
Cost: Free
When: May 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: St. Thomas Anglican Church, 2444 East 41st Avenue Vancouver
Why You Should Go: If you’re in need of some new household items or simply love hunting for unique treasures, then you may want to head to St. Thomas Anglican Church this weekend.
The church is hosting a big garage sale where you’ll find a variety of things, including art, furniture, games, videos, books and other household items.
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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