BURST
Victoria Day commemorates Queen Victoria’s birthday, but most people know the Victoria Day long weekend as the unofficial kickoff to summer, heralding backyard BBQs, picnics in the park and a slew of outdoor events happening around town.
From parades and amusement rides to markets both day and night, here are some things to do in Metro Vancouver this Victoria Day 2025 long weekend.
Know of an event that should be on this list? Email us at vantips@postmedia.com.
Playland
Vancouver’s favourite amusement park opens this weekend for the season. With more than 30 rides and attractions, there’s something for thrill-seekers and those seeking tamer pursuits. Don’t miss Playland’s newest ride, the ThunderVolt, which uses 1.3 Gs of acceleration to propel riders into an 18-metre drop. Live DJs and a plushie hunt are on the schedule this opening weekend.
When:
May 17 to Aug. 15, select days
Where:
2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost:
Various. Starts at $36.80 to $58 for day passes
May Day Parade in Fort Langley
The 103rd annual May Day celebrations in Fort Langley kicks off with a parade at 11 a.m. then segues into a fun family-friendly festival at Fort Langley park with food trucks, kids activities, music and maypole dancing. For a more historic experience, visit the Fort Langley National Historic Site (tickets required), which is holding a food-themed celebration. Highlights include maple taffy making, a clay bake oven demo and a farm and garden talk.
When:
May 19
Where: Fort Langley
Cost: Free
Royal Canadian International Circus
Who doesn’t love a circus? The Royal Canadian International Circus returns to Metro Vancouver to wow fans this year with a lineup of thrilling acts. Catch amazing trapeze artists, acrobats, jugglers, extreme motorcyclists and more under a big tent.
When:
May 15 to 19
Where:
Lansdowne Centre parking lot, 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond
Cost: $39.50 to 60, free for kids three and under who don’t occupy a seat.
Cloverdale Country Fair and Rodeo
The Cloverdale Rodeo is known for its roughstock events like bareback riding or saddle bronc riding, but there’s more ways to indulge your inner cowboy or cowgirl. The country fair features events including a street skateboard competition, lumberjack show, pig races, roller-skating exhibition and midway rides (requires separate tickets). At night, musical acts headlined by Steven Lee Olsen, Trooper and Corb Lund take to the stage Friday to Sunday.
When:
May 16 to 19
Where:
6050 176 St, Surrey
Cost: Various. Tickets start at $16.50 for the country fair, $27.82 for the rodeo
Vancouver Canadians vs. Everett AquaSox
Take yourself out to a ball game and watch the Vancouver Canadians play the Everett AquaSox. The series goes from May 13 to 17, including the long weekend. Even if you’re not into the action on the bases, soak up the atmosphere at Nat Bailey and enjoy a beer and a hotdog.
When:
May 17 to 18, 1:05 p.m.
Where:
Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets range from $22 to $35.75
Farmers markets
Head over to one of Metro Vancouver’s farmers markets for fresh, local and in-season produce. It’s not just fruits and veggies; some vendors also sell farm-fresh cheeses, local honey and delicious baked goods. The B.C. farmers market Trail lists more than a dozen markets in the region. Some don’t open until June, but some — including in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Ambleside in West Van, and White Rock — are already open, as are Vancouver’s West End, Mount Pleasant, Trout Lake and Riley Park markets.
Richmond Night Market
For a taste of Asia’s night market scene, head over to the Richmond night market, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Come for the food but don’t miss the entertainment, which this year includes four side-by-side 600-foot ziplines.
When:
Until Oct. 13, Friday to Sunday and long weekend Mondays
Where:
8351 River Road, Richmond
Cost:
Admission $7, free for kids under 7 and seniors
Shipyards Night Market
Another popular market opens this weekend, this time in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District in Lower Lonsdale. On Friday nights this summer, the picturesque waterfront bustles with people, vendors and food trucks. There’s also live entertainment and a beer garden.
When:
Fridays 3 to 10 p.m., starting May 16 to Sept. 12
Where:
Shipbuilder’s Square, 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Cost:
Free