10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this long weekend (May 15-18)

The long weekend is almost here, and so are tons of other fun festivities, including the annual Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. The rain might be back in the forecast, but so is the sunshine, so don’t let a couple of dreary days discourage you. Hit the town with your friends, spend some quality time outdoors, or just play it by ear. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this long weekend (May 15-18).

The Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair is back with an expanded lineup of outdoor concerts and can’t-miss attractions across the May long weekend. This includes a special Thursday night opening and concert by Brett Kissel and Cooper Alan.

When: Thursday, May 14 to Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: From 5 p.m. on Thursday
Where: 17905 62nd Ave. #17607, Surrey 
Cost: $7.45 for admission, $47.57 for an all-day ride pass

From video assistant referee systems to high-speed cameras and drones to football friction tests, the exhibition dives deep into the tech and innovation that make the World Cup possible. Presented in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, the touring exhibition Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum is a huge deal for fans of the game, and it has now arrived at Science World.

When: Friday, May 15, 2026, to Sept. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1455 Quebec St. 
Cost: $37.50 per adult

This week, the Vancouver Canadians are up against the Everett Aquasox at the Nat. The long weekend is always a great chance to catch a game!

When: Games from May 12 to 17, 2026
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Where: 4601 Ontario St. 
Cost: $24+

This year is a big one for the iconic Shipyards Night Market, a.k.a. North Van’s free-to-enjoy weekly spring and summer event. Not only can attendees look forward to more food trucks, participating breweries, and live performances this May, but the launch of an all-new block party series is set to bring even more fun to the area around Shipbuilders Square.

When: Every Friday from May 15 to Sept. 11, 2026
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

This time-honoured May Day tradition is now in its 104th year, set in the charming village of Fort Langley at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. A May Day Parade kicks off the festivities, followed by a day of hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy.

When: Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 23433 Mavis Ave., Fort Langley
Cost: Free admission for youth aged 17 and under, $10 per adult

Known for her musical talents that span many instruments, Ichiko Aoba is a Japanese folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, playing everything from the guitar to the accordion. She’s bringing her Across The Oceans Tour to Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre this week.

When: Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 601 Smithe St. 
Cost: $49.75

Rapper and singer-songwriter Danny Brown is bringing his tour to the Commodore on Monday.

When: Monday, May 18, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 868 Granville St. 
Cost: $53.20

The Improv Centre is introducing a hilarious new show based on a rotating crew of space explorers, who must rely on audience suggestions to explore a different “galaxy” every show.

When: Runs Fridays and Saturdays until June 27, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St. 
Cost: $31.50+

Vancouver’s free-to-enter container market returned on April 30 with over 30 new food and artisan vendors to check out. The lively, open-air marketplace is now in its third year, bringing visitors together for live screenings of World Cup matches, live music, sips from a waterfront bar, and rotating pop-ups.

When: Open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, and until 9 p.m. on weekends
Where: 200 Granville St. 
Cost: Free admission

The zipline is back, the less-than-$10 happy hour items are back, and tons of exciting new attractions await at this year’s Richmond Night Market, which kicks off at the end of the week. Soon, millions of visitors from across the globe will gather to share in the city’s excitement for the FIFA season and beyond.

When: Opens Friday, April 24, 2026, operates Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Time: 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 for GA

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