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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for April 30-May 6

This week: tiptoe (and Instagram) through the tulips, visit the aquarium with a glass of wine in hand, get "loco" for Cinco de Mayo + more

By Amy Watkins /

Credit: Panda Market

Panda Night Market – Friday, April 29-Sunday, September 11

It’s back! More commonly known as the International Summer Night Market, Richmond’s vibrant celebration of all things delicious opens on Friday, marking the start of the summer season. Head to the Panda Market to pick up some bargains, but go hungry and explore the food stalls offering up everything from bubble tea to freshly grilled squid.

Friday-Saturday 7 pm. to 12 a.m. and Sundays 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond (free admission and free parking)



Credit: Tim Matheson, Caroline Bowman as Evita; John Cudia as Perón

Evita – Saturday, April 30-Sunday, May 8

Evita tells the tale of the charismatic and controversial Eva Peron, the first lady of Argentina and her rags-to-riches story of moving out of poverty and into power. Set in the turbulent 1930s and ’40s, this epic opera musical was written by legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and features Broadway, West End and Tony award-winning stars in the lead roles.

April 30, May 5, May 6 and May 7 at 7.30 p.m. and May 1 and 8 matinee at 2 p.m.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 650 Hamilton Street
Buy tickets



Credit: Instagram/Abbotsford Tulip Festival

Abbotsford Tulip Festival – Until Sunday, May 1

Catch the final blooms of the inaugural Abbotsford Tulip Festival this weekend. Over 2.5 million bulbs cover the 10 acres and there are food trucks, a children’s play area and a U-pick field to keep guests entertained in between snapping shots of the flowers. 

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (gate closes at 5:30 p.m.)
36737 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford



Credit: Instagram/Vinyl Record Fair 

Main Street Vinyl Record Fair XIII – Sunday, May 1

Vinyl junkies can get their fix at the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair this Sunday. Featuring over 50,000 records covering every genre and era from jazz and rock to dubstep and dance, the fair also has listening stations for visitors to sample the songs and discover new artists.

May 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, $4, kids free



Credit: Victory Gardens for Bees 

Victory Garden for Bees Long Table – Tuesday, May 3

Busy bees can take a moment to relax and learn how to make a bee-friendly garden with Lori Weidenhammer, author of Victory Gardens for Bees. Afterwards, enjoy a four-course dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. paired with honey-infused cocktails from Long Table Distillery.

May 3,  7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 4186 Main Street
Buy tickets



Credit: Vancouver Aquarium

After Hours at the Aquarium – Thursday, May 5

Meet the rays with no kids in the way! Go behind the scenes at the Vancouver Aquarium and enjoy a night of adults-only exhibits, with a glass of wine or beer in hand, and check out the new Wonderful World of Rays with a hands-on encounter. Or head to the Wet Lab to get up close and personal with sea stars and sea urchins. Tickets are available online only.

May 5, 6pm – 10pm (19+ admission)
845 Avison Way, Stanley Park



Credit: Tacofino Gastown

Cinco de Mayo – Thursday, May 5

Arriba! Get yourself to Tacofino Gastown for Cinco de Mayo and do some serious day drinking with $4 Tecate tall cans and $8 Margaritas all day long on May 5. From 8 to 11 p.m., the Mexican celebrations continue with DJ Soo on the decks playing Latin tunes for the evening. Grab some friends, get some tacos and turn it up for Cinco de Mayo.

May 5, 11:30 a.m. until late
15 West Cordova Street (enter via Blood Alley) 



Credit: VIBF

Vancouver International Burlesque Festival – Thursday, May 5-Sunday, May 8

Canada’s biggest burlesque festival returns to the city for the 11th year, bringing world-class performers to the stage for two nights of glitter and glamour. Highlights this year include husband-and-wife duo Julie Altas Muz and Mat Fraser from New York and a TED style series of presentations on May 5 called TIT Talks (that’s Teach, Inspire and Transcend). Friday sees an eclectic cabaret of international stars from showgirls to nerdcore strippers and Saturday showcases the best local performers.

The Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street
Buy tickets



Credit: Kate Duncan's Address 

Kate Duncan’s Address – Thursday, May 5-Sunday, May 8

Check out this assembly of 20 Vancouver-based designers and makers, showcasing fine furniture and home accessories. Curated and produced by Vancouver-based furniture designer/maker Kate Duncan, this four-day showcase is part-gallery, part-pop-up shop and part-showroom, so head over to pick up unique pieces and find out more about the city’s creative scene.

May 5 to 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
1540 West 2nd Avenue, The Waterfall Building



Credit: Facebook/Shipyards Night Market

Shipyards Night Market – Friday, May 6-Friday, September 30

Get over to North Vancouver for the weekly Friday Shipyards Night Market, which opens this week. Food trucks galore, live music until 10 p.m. and a beer garden serving up local lager, cider and vodka iced tea, means fun for everyone—even dogs are welcome. Scope the local goods for sale in the shopping area and take home some B.C. jewellery, food and beauty products from neighbourhood retailers.

Every Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (free admission)
Shipbuilder’s Square, 138 Victory Ship Way