Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May

From delicious food festivals to inspiring cultural celebrations and more, here are our top picks for May

1. Foo Hung Curios Pop-In Series – Throughout May

Facebook/kyth + kynCelebrate Asian Heritage Month at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre’s Foo Hung Curios gift shop with goodies from Vancouver’s talented community of Asian Canadian small businesses, makers and artists, including Holy Duck Chili, Paige Jung, BORAMe Candles, Ca Phe Vietnamese Coffee House and Kyth Kyn.
168 East Pender Street; Details online

2. Richmond Night Market – Until October 10

Facebook/Richmond Night MarketIt’s back! With a ‘summer magic rainbow’ theme, Richmond Night Market is back with a colourful combination of cuisine to enjoy each weekend until October. Feast your way across the world including the addition this year of Hawaiian food, and enjoy al fresco eating with family and friends while you check out live performances and a bustling marketplace. 
Details online

3. DOXA Documentary Film Festival – Thursday, May 5 to Sunday, May 15

Facebook/DOXA Documentary Film FestivalDocumentary fans, rejoice! Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival returns with a hybrid 21st edition of in-person and virtual events. Packed into the festival are 55 features and mid-lengths, 24 short films, pre-recorded and live Q&As, as well as events and multiple opportunities for filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals to connect. 
Details online

4. Lampedusa – Friday, May 6 to Saturday, May 21

The CultchBeautiful and haunting, Lampedusa tells the tale of two strangers finding hope and connection where they least expect it—in the beauty of others. Written by award-winning political playwright Anders Lustgarten, Lampedusa tells the story of Stefano who follows in the footsteps of generations of Lampedusa’s fishermen. But, in the 21st century, the catch is very different: the fish have disappeared, and his new job is to rescue migrants from the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, in the bleakest corners of the UK, Denise, a biracial woman, goes door-to-door collecting payday loans, witnessing crippling hardship and hearing violent complaints about a country that some believe is being “destroyed by immigration”.
The Cultch’s Vancity Culture Lab, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $25; Details online

5. Just for Laughs Vancouver – Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 29

Facebook/JFL VancouverGet ready to laugh again! Rescheduled from earlier this year, Just for Laughs returns with a line-up of comedy stars, both established and new, including Andrew Schulz and Maria Bamford. Check out stand-up, improv, sketch and podcasts from international acts and local favourites like Comedypants and The Hero Show. 
Details online

6. Cityfest X The Shipyards – Saturday, May 7

Facebook/North Vancouver City FestFor youth and by youth, CityFest showcases young talent in dance, drama, music and film, as well as skateboarding and longboarding events, and plenty of food trucks to keep hungry youngsters happy. 
The Shipyards, 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Free; Details online

7. Got Craft – Saturday, May 7 & Sunday, May 8

Facebook/Got Craft?Left your Mother’s Day gift-getting to the last minute? Got Craft celebrates its 15th year in Vancouver with a curated selection of sellers that include 80 independent makers and small businesses. Feast on food from NaMi Vietnamese and Melt City Grilled Cheese trucks and check out the ‘Mini Makers’ area where kid-preneurs (aged five to 13) showcase their own creations such as jewellery, hand-drawn buttons and custom rainbow crayons.
Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; Tickets $5, with kids 12 and under free; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Details online

8. Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival – Saturday, May 7 & Sunday, May 8

Instagram/gvfoodtruckfestFuel up with tasty food at Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival events at the Richmond Community Block Party (April 29th to May 1st) at Lansdowne Centre and the Coquitlam Community Block Party at Town Centre Park (May 7th and 8th). You’ll find more than 20 food vendors, a local marketplace and live music and entertainment. 
Free; Details online

9. Festival of Israeli Culture – Sunday, May 15

Facebook/Jewish Community Centre of Greater VancouverHead to the Jewish Community Centre parking lot for ‘Outdoor Sunday’, a part of the Festival of Israeli Culture offering a one-day, multi-ethnic celebration of music, dance, art, and—of course—food!
Jewish Community Centre, 950 West 41st Avenue; Free; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Details online

10. Spot Prawn Festival – Sunday, May 15

Facebook/Chefs’ Table Society of British ColumbiaChow down on sweet spot prawns as part of Chefs’ Table Society’s annual fundraiser. Either head to the docks for free cooking demos and music, get a ticket for $10 chowder, or indulge in the grazing-style tasting menu of six delicious spot prawn dishes at the Spot Prawn Brunch ($65). 
Fisherman’s Wharf, Granville Island; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Details online