Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May 21-27

Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair – Friday, May 20 to Monday, May 23

Giddy up and get down to Cloverdale for a weekend of rodeo-style fun for the whole family. Check out the Country Fair, now in its 128th year, which features everything from a lumberjack competition with log-rolling and axe-throwing, to freestyle skateboarding, pig races and a rib fest. An Agri Zone and kids’ area keeps little ones entertained, and there’s live music and rodeo action for older visitors.

$10 general admission, $25 rodeo, tickets online
Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050A-176th Street, Surrey 
Friday: 4 p.m. to12 a.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1.00 a.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-12 a.m.; Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

GO Fest Whistler – Friday, May 20 to Monday, May 23

Ski season is over (sob) but summer is on its way (yay!) and this long weekend’s third annual GO (Great Outdoors) Fest celebrates the change of season with three action-packed days in Whistler.

Head to the main stage in Village Square at 7:30 p.m. for free concerts by Dan Mangan (May 20), Alex Cuba (May 21) and The Matinee (May 22).

The festival also features activities and clinics covering everything from yoga, fishing and biking to sailing and stand up paddling. There’s also the infamous Crud2Mud race that combines snowboarding and biking for an adrenaline-packed adventure, and Ping-Pong and beach volleyball tournaments to check out.

Schedule and registration details (many events require pre-registration)

Granville Island Water Park – Saturday, May 21 until September

North America’s biggest free water park opens on Victoria Day for the summer season and any lucky kids over 3′6″ can ride the two slides or play in the waterspray. The nearby Kids’ Market is open year-round for a rainy-day alternative this long weekend. 

May 21 to June 26 (weekends); June 20 to 24 (weekdays); June 27 to September 5 (daily), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
1318 Cartwright Street, Vancouver

Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22

Bringing together comic lovers, fans and artists, the fourth annual Vancouver Comic Arts Festival celebrates the art form with readings, panels and workshops, culminating in a two-day exhibition for cartoonists from across North America. Tutorials include how to make your words and panels pop, a conversation with celebrated cartoonist Lynn Johnston and a range of topics from feminism to history’s role in comics.

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sunday, free admission
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews

Fort Langley May Day Parade – Monday, May 23

Celebrate Victoria Day in historic Fort Langley with a fun-filled day of family activities, including everything from mini-golf to parade watching. From noon until 4 p.m., check out the party in Fort Langley Community Park with dancing around the Maypole and rides for kids. The 94th annual parade leaves Church Street at 11 a.m. to head west on Mavis to Glover Road.

Parade starts at 11 a.m.; Party in the park: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., free admission
View parade route here

Mamie Taylor’s Aprons for Gloves 2016 Pig Roast – Monday, May 23

Mamie Taylor’s team is coming together to raise money in advance of the fifth annual Aprons for Gloves Restaurant Rumble, which supports community boxing projects that help at-risk women and youth. For this special fundraising night, drinks will be $5 and a pig roast will be available for $15. Vegetarian options will also be available for non-meat eaters.

6 p.m. until late
Mamie Taylor’s, 251 East Georgia Street

Burnaby Village Museum Victoria Day – Monday, May 23

Celebrate Victoria Day in 1920s style at Burnaby Village Museum and visit the vendors selling treats and crafts. See the Morris dancers doing traditional English folk dances, take a carousel ride and join in singing Happy Birthday to Queen Vic.

11 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., free admission, carousel rides $2.60 each
Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue

Art! Vancouver – Thursday, May 26 to Sunday, May 29

Western Canada’s largest art fair comes to Vancouver for four days of connecting international fine art aficionados and artists. Guest speakers and art tours throughout the city will be running alongside the exhibition, which is now in its second year and was founded by accomplished artist and curator Lisa Wolfin. Celebrations kick off on Thursday with the opening gala party  preview.

Opening gala: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., tickets from $15
Vancouver Convention Centre, 999 Canada Place

Black Market – Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29

Head to New West this weekend to check out Black Market, an independent pop-up shop for and by ‘big bad boss ladies.’ Featuring patches, pins, tees, bags, prints, jewellery and more, all handmade by local lady-makers, the market starts with a launch party on Friday where there will be booze, tunes and the chance to meet your makers. Shop local on Saturday and Sunday to get your hands on the handmade goods.

Launch party on Friday: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Market on Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
655 Front Street, New Westminster

Vancouver Farmers Markets – Open now until October

Three out of six Vancouver Farmers Markets are now open for the season. Yaletown, Trout Lake and Kitsilano are all in action, with the West End market opening on May 28, and Main Street and Mount Pleasant following in June. This month, look out for everything from arugula and asparagus to cabbage, chard and cucumbers. 

Schedules available here…