Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May 11 to 17

Disco under the bridge, shop the night markets, celebrate feathered friends + more

1. Ballet B.C. Program 3 – Thursday, May 9 to Saturday, May 11

Ballet B.C.’s spring program includes a return from collaborators Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar as they captivate audiences with the North American premiere of Bedroom Folk, an electric mix of music, dance and light. Performances include a world premiere with Vancouver-based artist Serge Bennathan, and the much-anticipated return of Ohad Naharin’s playful Minus 16.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; 8 p.m., Tickets from from $35

2. Shipyards Friday Night Market – Fridays until September 27

Hop off the Seabus and check out the weekly Friday Night Market at the Shipyards Plaza. With more than 150 food and artisan vendors to explore, there are plenty of feasting options plus a beer garden (19 and up) and live music to keep the party going.
Shipbuilders’ Square, 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Free, Details online

3. Richmond Night Market – Friday, May 10 to Monday, October 14

North America’s largest night market returns for a sizzling summer of food from all around the world, as well as the new Angel Duck Cafe, which will be serving up jello duck treats and donut lollipop delights.   
8351 River Road, Richmond; 7 p.m. to Midnight, Friday to Sunday, and stat holiday Mondays; Details online

4. Rain City Block Party – Saturday, May 11

Head to underneath Cambie Bridge for a rain-friendly block party, hosted by Public Disco, Viva Vancouver, the Vancouver Public Space Network and Soul Hop. Suitable for all ages, this free party includes vendors, DJs, a food truck, ping pong, a hula hoop zone, lounge spaces and a photo booth.
Olympic Village Station, Vancouver; Noon to 8 p.m.; Free; Details online

5. Bird Week – Saturday, May 11 to Friday, May 17

Celebrate our feathered friends with a week of events ranging from a take-off event at Lost Lagoon to a hipster bird walk, photography workshops, fungi and feathers tours and even a bird wing taxidermy workshop with the Stanley Park Ecology Society.
Various locations and times; Details online

6. Playland – Saturday, May 11 to Sunday, September 15

Summer is officially on its way with the opening of Playland at the PNE for the sunny season. Admission includes access to more than 35 rides and attractions. Costs are lower if you buy in advance… and it saves you some waiting time at the gate.
2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until June 9; Tickets online

7. Cat Video Fest 2019 – Sunday, May 12

Purr-fect for pet lovers and fans of silly videos, this extravaganza of cute cats and funny felines raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters that serve cats in the area.
The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver; 2:15 pm; Advance tickets $12.50, or $14.50 at the door; Details online

8. Caesar Day – Thursday, May 16

Celebrate Canada’s favourite hangover cure with special offers and twists on the traditional Clamato and vodka classic at pubs like Score on Davie (home of the original extreme Caesars), 12 Kings Pub and Tony’s Pub and Grill, as well as fancier takes on the fun drink at The Cascade Room and UVA Wine and Cocktail Bar.
Various locations; Details online

9. Science World After Dark – Thursday, May 16

Celebrate 30 years of the dome with an ’80s themed edition of Science World After Dark. The 19 plus event that lets adults discover their inner kid with an evening of drinks, food, music, exhibits including the new A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature, plus special guest speakers, Omnimax films and one-of-a-kind activities.
Science World at Telus World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with earlier Omnimax show at 6 p.m.; Tickets $34

10. Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – Friday, May 17 to Monday, May 20

Saddle up for four days of country-themed fun, with thrilling midways at the rodeo and a country fair that includes a kids zone, lumberjack show, skateboarding contest, live entertainment, pig races and a rib fest!
Pre-purchase tickets from London Drugs locations to save on admission ($8 grounds, $35 rides); Friday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Details online