With winter nearly behind us and cherry blossoms on our minds, we’re ready to ring in the official start of the season with as many outdoor events and daytime excursions as time (and the weather) will allow.
And if your wallet is feeling a little nervous at that sentiment, don’t worry — these markets, block parties, and outdoor events are all free or budget-friendly!
When is the first day of spring in 2025?
The official first day of spring is Thursday, March 20, 2025 – at 2:01 a.m. PDT, to be exact.
“This is the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere,” reads The Old Farmer’s Almanac. This change of seasons occurs when the sun crosses the “celestial equator” going south to north, which, according to the almanac, is called “celestial” because it’s technically an imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator.
Now, let’s dive into some wallet-friendly ways to enjoy the season!
From 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 28, Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, David Lam Park will transform into a magical, illuminated promenade filled with cherry blossoms, with performers, food trucks, and spectacular photo ops to enjoy.
When: Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30, 2025
Where: 1300 Pacific Blvd.
Cost: Free 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.
So whether you’re planning a cute spring date, going on a food crawl, or just want to support a local business near the end of the month, this is a great reason to do it all.
When: Now until April 27, 2025
Where: 10 participating locations in Metro Vancouver
April kicks off with the first-ever Blossom Block Party on April 5, 2025, an all-day, free-to-enter celebration of the season from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bentall’s Centre’s open-air Dunsmuir Patio! The all-ages event will feature live DJs, a pop-up bar, dance performances, snacks, and social spaces.
When: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Where: 1055 Dunsmuir St.
Cost: Free admission
The fourth annual battle of B.C.’s best food trucks is taking place in Langley this April, so get ready to enjoy bites from 35 participating food trucks at the Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds. Hosted by the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Fest, the event will include live roaming and stage entertainment, site-wide beer, wine, and coolers, a local market, and a kid’s zone.
When: Friday, April 11, 2025 to Sunday, April 13, 2025
Where: 17607-17905 62 Ave., Surrey
Cost: By donation
On the first weekend of April, visitors to Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre can enjoy this year’s Portobello West Roundhouse Spring Market. Here, you can treat yourself to some amazing finds from over 65 local B.C. makers, from handcrafted jewelry to skincare to gourmet treats.
When: Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, 2025
Where: 181 Roundhouse Mews
Cost: $5 per adult (children 12 and under are free)
This April, the second annual Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party will take over the heart of South Vancouver, kicking off Asian Heritage Month and festival season with a celebration to remember. Visitors can expect delicious street food, iconic live performances, craft vendors, and basketball tournaments.
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Where: Sunset on Fraser in South Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays this March, April, and May, the New West Craft Market is back, bringing together a mix of local makers and artisans in the community to the River Market in Downtown New Westminster.
When: Saturday, April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, 2025
Where: 810 Quayside Dr., New Westminster
Cost: Free admission
For two days this May, the Croatian Cultural Centre is transforming for the Got Craft Spring Market. The pop-up brings together 100 local brands, a mini makers area for children, and tons of tasty food trucks. Pick up some gifts, get some inspo for your home, and support local B.C. businesses at one of the province’s largest curated markets!
When: Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2025
Where: 3250 Commercial Dr.
Cost: $5.72 per person
Vancouver is home to Canada’s first and only all-vegan market and the popular beachside night markets will be back starting this May. But first, the Vegan Night Market has one more event planned at The Waldorf Hotel on Wednesday, April 23!
When: Wednesday, April 23, May 22, June 5 and 19, July 3, 17, and 31, and Aug. 14 and 28, 2025
Where: 1489 E Hastings St. and Locarno Beach
Cost: $4 minimum donation
Believe it or not, it’s almost baseball season! That means there are $18 tickets up for grabs for the Vancouver Canadians’ games at the Nat.
When: Games throughout spring, announced for April 15 to 19, 2025
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: $18+
Italian Day on the Drive is Vancouver’s largest cultural street festival, transforming all 14 blocks of Commercial Drive into a lively celebration with fresh gelato and cannolis, patio sips, and plenty of pizza and pasta to go around!
When: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Where: Commercial Drive
Cost: Free admission
Finally, there are plenty of free museums and galleries to check out around the city if the weather takes a turn for the worst. From the Belkin to Gallery George to the James Black Gallery (by donation admission), there are plenty of spots featuring talented local and international artists worth visiting.
Where: Locations above
Happy spring 2025, Vancouver!!
