It’s another beautiful spring weekend in Vancouver with a surprising amount of sun for a forecast that was full of rain just a few days ago. So what better way to celebrate than by heading out to B.C.’s largest Filipino cultural festival, or catching the opening weekend of Madama Butterfly at the Vancouver Opera? Here are 11 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend.
Vancouver’s Sunset neighbourhood is transforming for B.C.’s largest Filipino cultural festival, celebrating the first national hero of the Philippines, Lapu Lapu. The second annual Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party will take over the heart of South Vancouver this Saturday with stalls of delicious Filipino food, craft vendors, and live music and dance all day long.
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Where: Sunset on Fraser in South Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Opera is closing its 2024-2025 season with Giacomo Puccini’s most deeply felt opera, Madama Butterfly. With stunning visuals and melodies, the timeless tale tells the story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who marries American naval officer B.F. Pinkerton, only to face heartbreak and tragedy.
The star-studded international cast includes lead sopranos Yasko Sato and Karen Chia-Ling Ho, and a creative team that brings this emotionally-charged opera to life right here in Vancouver.
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025 to Sunday, May 4, 2025 on weekends and Thursday, May 1, 2025
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $50 to $350
Calling all pet owners—word at the dog park is true. Juno Veterinary is opening the doors of their new Main Street Clinic for a grand opening party—furry friends welcome. Featuring free pet caricatures, behind-the-scenes clinic tours, meet-and-greets with the vets, ice cream for humans and pets, plus plenty of free swag, it’s an event you pawsitively won’t want to miss.
When: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Where: 4795 Main St.
Cost: Free admission
Your favourite Harry Potter characters are stepping into the Orpheum this weekend for a special night with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, bringing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to life. Enjoy the movie that started it all, alongside John Williams’ iconic score.
When: Thursday, April 24, 2025, to Saturday, April 26, 2025
Where: 601 Smithe St.
Cost: $26 to $185
Capture Photography Festival is Western Canada’s largest lens-based art fest, and there are exhibits across Metro Vancouver’s galleries to check out, in addition to a robust Public Art Program, until April 30, 2025.
When: Until April 30, 2025
Where: Exhibitions across Metro Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
This one’s for the metal fans out there. Metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada is coming to The Commodore with special guest ERRA this Friday, committed to rising above “petty materialism” in favour of “more spiritual pursuits” with their music, according to Ticketmaster.
When: Friday, April 25, 2025
Where: 868 Granville St.
Cost: $53.25+
Vancouver native and DJ Felix Cartal, known for hosting pop-up EDM parties from the top of Whistler Mountain to the SkyTrain, is performing onstage at The Commodore this weekend as part of his A Blur Tour. And there are still a couple of tickets left to snag for the Vancouver show.
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Where: 868 Granville St.
Cost: $41.65+
The Improv Centre has a new comedy show featuring one lucky improviser looking for love. Inspired by the hit reality series The Bachelor, the show is created entirely by suggestions from the audience, meaning no two nights will be the same.
When: Fridays and Saturdays from Thursday, April 17, to May 31, 2025
Where: 1502 Duranleau St.
Cost: $35 per person
Believe it or not, it’s already the last couple of days of this year’s Vancouver Cherry Blossom Fest, but it’s not too late to go on a couple of guided tree walks. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, there’s a guided tour of Fairview/Granville Island with Linda Jones and Wendy Cutler, and on Sunday, April 27, 2025, there’s one at Callister Park with Egan Davis.
When: Now until April 28, 2025
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $50 to $350
From Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can check out MONOVA’s rich museum collection, Echoes of Memory, which weaves together over 100 pieces telling untold stories of aging and memory loss and the power of community in the human experience.
When: Wednesday to Sunday until June 2025
Where: 115 Esplanade West, North Vancouver
Cost: Free with museum admission
The second annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival will bring spring lovers together on a self-guided journey to over 20 participating vendors in Metro Vancouver with cherry blossom-themed treats, including Beaucoup Bakery, Mister Artisan Ice Cream, and Daan Go Cake Lab Cream, to name a few.
When: Now until April 27, 2025
Where: 20 participating locations in Metro Vancouver
Enjoy your weekend.
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