10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (May 8-10)

We’ve got another beautiful weekend to look forward to in Vancouver, and that means soaking up the sounds and sights of spring at VanDusen, checking out an Arkells concert, or heading to a secret plant show. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (May 8-10).

Canadian rock legends the Arkells are performing at the Penthouse on Thursday, May 7, Hollywood on Friday, May 8, and at the Commodore on Saturday, May 9 as part of their Between Us Tour, each offering a different kind of live music experience.

When: Thursday, May 7, Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 1019 Seymour St., 3123 West Broadway, and 868 Granville St. 
Cost: $142.80+

Quebec comedian and showman Anthony Kavanagh is back in Vancouver after five years for a show like no other this Friday, so get ready to brighten your day and kick off a fun-filled weekend.

When: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: 950 West 41st Ave. 
Cost: $55 per person

Want to pick up a couple of new plants this weekend? This “secret” plant show in Burnaby has all kinds of cool varieties, from Amazonian orchids to rare anthuriums, all from different plant vendors from across the globe.

When: Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon for early bird hours, free admission from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: 6550 Bonsor Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free admission between noon and 6 p.m.

If you love sending or receiving postcards, this is the event for you. The Vancouver Postcard Club is hosting its annual show at the Nikkei Centre, and you won’t want to miss it. Vendors will have a curated selection of postcards, ephemera, maps, postal history, photographs, and more for sale.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: $3 per person

VanDusen’s annual Spring Strings is back just in time for Mother’s Day. The 55-acre botanical garden is transforming for a live concert by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. On the Great Lawn, eight string musicians will play contemporary songs with a classical twist, including music by Coldplay, ABBA, Adele, and more.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Where: 5151 Oak St.
Cost: $29 for GA

The Let Them Tour is a rare chance to see Mel Robbins live at a high-energy event that will bring you laughs and personal breakthroughs. Mel Robbins has dedicated her career to helping others take charge of their time, energy, and lives.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 601 Smithe St.
Cost: $165.25+

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

Maan Farms is hosting a special Hatha Goat Yoga experience and social this Sunday, in celebration of Mother’s Day. The event will include a tasty curry bowl or chicken strips and fries for participants.

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 is back 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

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