Whether your weekends are about food, fun, family, friends, free things - or all of the above - there's plenty to do this weekend in Vancouver.
The DOXA Documentary Film Festival heads into its final weekend, with lots of great docs hitting screens around town. There's a free open house at the Vancouver Maritime Museum co-hosted by Afro Van Connect, and this year's Emily Carr grads are showing off their talents.
Food fans may want to head to a two-day food truck fest (with free entry) while art lovers can get dressed up to party the night away at the Vancouver Art Gallery's spring Art Party.
It's also Mother's Day on Sunday, so for those who observe, there's lots to do to celebrate the mom or mom figure in your life.
Here are the "don't miss" events in Vancouver this weekend for May 10-12, 2024:
Open House at Vancouver Maritime Museum
Engage in various activities such as listening to enchanting storytelling sessions, doing crafts, helping out in the community garden, and enjoying a drumming ceremony. Starting at 11 a.m., visitors to the museum will be welcomed by the co-founder of Afro Van Connect Kor Kase, before Vancouver-based traditional drumming group Drum Soul treats people to a rhythmic drumming ceremony to start the day. Other activities include a children’s story time reading and crafts related to the story. Museum staff will also be running interactive workshops in the galleries. Keep an eye out for other hands-on experiences and giveaways.
When: Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Maritime Museum - 1905 Ogden Ave
Cost: Free ($5 donation suggested)
Mother’s Day March & PowWow
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Vancouver’s Mother’s Day PowWow at Trout Lake Community Centre. Hosted by the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS), the PowWow will kick off with the first annual Mother’s Day March on Friday afternoon, followed by a full weekend of song, dance, and celebration.
“The Mother’s Day PowWow honours our Matriarchs and those that we have lost. It unites our community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, in a shared journey of healing, reconciliation, and the celebration of our diverse Indigenous cultures and identities," said Carrie Humchitt, Executive Director of VAHS.
When: May 10-12. The March starts at the Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House on Friday, May 10 at 3:30 pm and goes to the Trout Lake Community Centre in time for the Grand Entry at 5 p.m.
Where: Trout Lake Community Centre - 3360 Victoria Dr
DOXA - Documentary Film Festival
It's the final days for screenings for this year's DOXA - Documentary Film Festival, with much left to see and enjoy. Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival is in its 23rd edition, screening in theatres now through May 12, 2024. DOXA is screening its roster of crucial and thought-provoking documentaries in theatrical venues across the city, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a communal cinema experience. See the full program.
When: Now through May 12
Where: Various venues
Mother's Day Pop-up on Robson Street
Robson Street will be hosting a special Mother’s Day pop-up on Saturday, May 11, where the first 30 lucky visitors will receive a free Mother’s Day flower bouquet arranged by Inky’s Flower Truck. The pop-up will be held at a secret location on Robson Street (somewhere between Burrard and Jervis), with the exact location being revealed on the Robson Street Instagram Page 30 minutes before the surprise delivery.
When: May 11, from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Robson Street between Burrard and Jervis
Cost: Free
Vancouver Art Gallery's Art Party
Move over, Met Gala! Be among the first to see the highly anticipated exhibition Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines, coming to the Vancouver Art Gallery from the Brooklyn Museum, and bid farewell to the exhibitions Rooted Here: Woven From the Land and J.E.H. MacDonald? A Tangled Garden.
Alongside the art, you'll have the chance to walk the red carpet in your most adventurous spring look and experience an incredible evening of art, music, drinks, and surprises throughout the Gallery.
When: Saturday, May 11 from 8 p.m.-midnight
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery - 750 Hornby St
Cost: $35-$150. Purchase tickets online.
Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival: Mother's Day Weekend
Get out and enjoy the sunshine this weekend and grab some grub from some of Metro Vancouver's top food trucks. With over 20 food trucks serving a wide range of culinary delicacies, there will be something for everyone. Look for Taco Nori, Shameless Buns, Chickpea, Rocky Point Ice Cream, and many more.
When: Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sunday. May 12, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: BCIT Parking Lot - 3700 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Cost: Free admission
The Show at Emily Carr
Step into a world of creativity and inspiration at The Show, Emily Carr’s annual exhibition of our graduating students’ work. Expect to find exceptional works reflecting the diverse creative practices of our students, including fine arts, design, media arts, and graduate studies.
When: May 9: Opening Night from 6–11 p.m. Exhibition runs May 10-23 during standard building hours.
Where: Emily Carr University of Art + Design - 520 E 1st Ave
Cost: Free
