The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes bright sunshine over the weekend, meaning you can enjoy outdoor festivals in bloom across the Lower Mainland.
If you have been waiting for the tulip season to arrive, Lakeland Farms has announced an early start to its annual festival. You can snap the perfect selfie in a field of beautiful blooms at golden hour or use one of the farm's popular props (giant shoe, anyone?)
Here in Vancouver, Cherry blossoms are blooming across the city, offering countless opportunities for urban photo shoots with the delicate pink blossoms.
If you're looking for an indoor activity, breakdancers will battle to qualify for Canada’s largest breaking competition.
And if you prefer the theatre, you still have time to check out the story of the first Black actor to play Shakespeare's Othello in 1833.
Here are the "don't miss" events in Vancouver this weekend:
Cherry Blossom Festival
The month-long festival features everything from a Japanese fair to communal dances to guided walks.
Some parts of the festival celebrating cherry blossoms across the city will be more self-directed, like the Haiku Invitational/Exhibition (a showcase of the traditional Japanese poetry style), Bike the Blossoms (a bike route to see the cherry trees) and, of course, visiting any of the 43,000 cherry trees in Metro Vancouver.
The predicted "peak" of cherry blossom season was April 3, meaning there will be no shortage of blossoms across the city.
When: March 29 to April 25, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: Various locations.
Cost: Free and up.
Red Bull One Vancouver Cypher
Breakdancers will battle to qualify for Canada’s largest breaking competition, Red Bull BC One, in Vancouver this weekend.
Thousands of breakers from around the world will represent their countries at the Red Bull BC One World Final in Toronto on May 24.
"This season, top breakers from across Canada will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in electrifying battles at this unmissable competition," say the organizers.
When: April 13 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Pipe Shop - 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: 10:50. Get tickets.
BC Distilled Festival
A spirited run of days will bring plenty of cheer to Vancouver once again this spring as BC Distilled - billed as Canada's premier artisan distiller event - returns for its ninth installation with exciting gatherings and a new main festival location.
Taking place from April 10 to 14, 2024, BC Distilled will once again feature signature events like the Distillers Dinner, guided whisky tastings, and its marquee tasting festival - in a new location this year.
The festival boasts 30 distilleries as well as several vendors offering zero-proof pours. Attendees can also shop at the on-site pop-up Legacy Liquor Store.
When: April 10-14, 2024
Where: Various venues, including the Italian Cultural Centre - 3075 Slocan St.
Cost: $59.99-$169.99; purchase online
Lakeland Flowers Abbotsford Tulip Festival
Part of the Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival, the tulip festival is opening early on April 6 due to favourable conditions. It's the closest event to the city for folks looking to enjoy the vibrant spring flowers.
Attendees can stroll through 35 acres of tulips and fields of flowers, featuring over 100 varieties of vibrant tulips. There are also walking trails and places to snap breathtaking photographs on raised viewing platforms. There will be fun items like baby grand pianos, giant shoes and swings.
The stunning coastal mountains will frame snaps taken "during gorgeous sunrises and sunsets" and at peak Instagrammable "golden hour."
When: The festival opened early on April 6; it will close on May 12 (open from dawn to dusk).
Where: Lakeland Flowers - 3663 Marion Rd.
Cost: Ticket prices will range from $8 to $25. Get tickets.
Stay updated on the opening dates of the Abbotsford Tulip Festival on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Art Vancouver 2024
The annual art fair welcomes thousands of buyers and art lovers to check out "unique, creative and high-end work from across Canada and around the world" on the breathtaking Vancouver waterfront.
When: Friday, April 12 from 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday, April 13 from noon to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East - 1055 Canada Pl.
Cost: $61 - $175. Get tickets.
Red Velvet
Red Velvet is the story of the first Black actor to play Shakespeare's Othello in 1833.
"As the public and parliament debate the abolition of slavery, how will audiences react to the revolution already taking place on the stage?"
Attendees will journey to the "tempestuous Covent Garden rehearsal hall" in the "little-known true story" of the groundbreaking performer.
When: Recurring daily through April 21
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage - 2750 Granville St.
Cost: Tickets from $29. Get tickets.
Science World: Dream Tomorrow Today
This immersive, hands-on exhibition shows how STEAM can create a positive future with interactive exhibits and full-body experiences.
Kids can practice social-emotional flexibility and self-direction through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & design and math) collaboration the exhibition.
When: Runs daily until May 5, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Where: Science World - 1455 Quebec St.
Cost: Varies. Get tickets.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross.
