Things to Do in Vancouver: Finding Fun Things to Do in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  **This is an archived page.  For current special events click here**
 
Special Events for May 2003

 

Please confirm dates, locations, and other particulars by calling the phone number listed.
 

Does your organization, club, or business have a family friendly event planned?  For your free listing, send particulars to Kelmar.

 

May 1 - 17, 2003
Uncle Vanya, Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, North Vancouver; 604-929-9456.

May 2 - 25, 2003
Golden Child: This Canadian premiere reflects the world of a Chinese family balanced between East and West, old and new, tradition and change. Firehall Arts Centre, 604-689-0926.

May 2 - 3, 2003
Holland Days, Lynden, Washington; 360-354-5995.

May 2, 2003
May Day Festival: Port Coquitlam's largest and oldest event. Parade, traditional Maypole dancing. Soap box derby, family amusements celebrating the millenium with a homecoming theme. (604) 927-7900.

May 2 - 4, 2003
SLAM 10 ! – Vans Slam City Jam 2003:  the boldest skateboard contest in North America - Slam City Jam. Skateboard legends, pros and fans alike will be making this pilgrimage to help us celebrate our tenth birthday. “Look out!” because the normally party packed Slam weekend in Vancouver promises to be more out of control than ever. Pacific Coliseum, 604-280-4444.

May 2 - June 2, 2003
West Impulses; An Asian Heritage Month Craft Exhibit: Featuring Brian Morita, Gailan Ngan, Ninichi Shinego, Naoko Takenouchi, Yvonne Wakabayashi and Atsuko Yoshimura.  Crafthouse Gallery, Granville Island; 604-687-6511.

May 3, 2003
A Celebration of Community Spirit: Art Fair, A fund-raising multicultural art fair to promote art activities and raise money for the Downtown Eastside Arts & Humanities Trust. Artists will be present to demonstrate their art and sell their work. r. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 604-665-2274.

May 3, 2003
Dream Boat: The first Korean childrens musical event in North America. Highlights include special guests from Sungnam City, Korea, and a performance by the schools own orchestra.  Massey Theatre, New Westminster; 604-879-5527.

May 3, 2003
Free Comic Book Day: Over 2,000 comic shops across North America will give away free comics today, no purchase necessary! To find a participating store, got to this link https://www.freecomicbookday.com/

May 3, 2003
Waldorf School's (North Vancouver) Annual May Fair and Open House Craft Fair, maypole dancing, celtic fiddles, soapstone carving, garland making, 10 am - 3 pm, 985-7435

May 3 - 4, 2003
Kerrisdale Antiques Fair, Kerrisdale Arena, Vancouver; 604- 925-3159.

May 3, 6, 8, 10 ,12, 14, 2003
La Boheme, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver;

May 4 - 10, 2003
Theatre BC North Shore Zone Festival of Plays: A showcase for the finest North Shore theatre talent, its an event not to be missed. Presentation House Theatre, North Vancouver; 604-990-3474.

May 4, 2003
15th Annual Burnaby Rhododendron Festival: The Burnaby Rhododendron Festival features a blend of art and horticulture and includes a program of outdoor entertainment, free watercolour workshops, garden tours, plant sales and arts activities. A day of fun for the whole family! The popular Strawberry Tea (tickets at door) takes place on the Ceperley House Gallery veranda overlooking the festival site.  9:30am-4:00pm, Free admission.

May 4, 2003
41st Annual Langley Walk - 5km - 10km - 18 km, This a free family event - for more information, call 604-533-6086 or 604-514-2865; Fort Langley;

May 4, 2003
Adidas Vancouver International Marathon: Canada's largest marathon takes participants from B.C. Place Stadium through False Creek to Stanley Park and the Kitsilano neighborhood;  604-872-2928.

May 4, 2003
Asian Heritage Festival, Richmond Museum, 604-231-6423

May 4, 2003
Basset Hound Walk: The Basset Hound Club of BC started having the Basset Walk at Lumberman's Arch in the early sixties. The original idea was formulated by club founder Lorna Rindal. The first year cookies were donated to the event by Dads Cookies. The original Basset Walk quickly grew to an event that rousted bassets and their owners in numbers between 100 and 200 every year. The Basset Walk then moved to Prospect Point Picnic Ground. To prove how hardy bassets and their owne

May 4, 2003
Bell Walk for Kids: ell Canada and Kids Help Phone are asking Canadians to participate in the second annual 5K Bell Walk for Kids, happening May 4th in more than 20 Canadian cities, from coast to coast. Money raised from the walk will go to support Kids Help Phone, Canada's only 24-hour counseling service for kids. Grab a pledge form.  Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver; 1-866-925-5454.

May 4, 2003
Bridal Showcase:Free for brides to be. Welcome Wagon is hosting a Bridal Showcase. Exciting door prizes, fashion show, displays, gifts for every bride. If your wedding is three months or more away, you and a guest will want to attend. Admittance is free, but by invitation only. Invitations are limited so please call now to confirm your reservation. Holiday Inn Metrotown, (604) 521-3065 or 685-9010.

May 4, 2003
Canada’s premier ice show, HSBC Stars On Ice, will bring together the very best skaters in the world at General Motors Place, Vancouver; (604) 280-4444.

May 4, 2003
Kidstuff Only Swapmeet, Willingdon Community Centre, Burnaby; (604) 299-1446.

May 4, 2003
Spring Craft Fair Delbrook recCentre, North Vancouver, 10 am -3 pm.

May 7, 2003
When the Great Northern Railway Owned Surrey: A lecture presented by Henry Ewert. Fee is $7.50 per person, or $5 per person for registered groups of 10 or more.  Please preregister by calling 604-502-6456.  Surrey Museum & Archives.

May 9 - 11, 2003
Mother's Day Traditional Pow Wow: Enjoy pow wow dancing, specials, intertribals, dance exhibitions, arts and craft sales, and on Sunday all mothers, grandmothers are invited to join in an honoring ceremony; Trout Lake Community Centre, 604-874-4231.

May 9 - 11, 2003
Sound of Music at the Bell Centre for the Performing Arts, Surrey;

May 9, 2003
Tiller's Folly: Celtic Folk at the W.I.S.E. Hall, 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver;

May 10, 2003
 Hose Reel Festival Parade on Lonsdale Ave. Victoria Park up Lonsdale, west on 17th to Mahon Park, North Vancouver; 10:30am.

May 10, 2003
10th Annual Bulli Boys all VW Spring Show in Waterfront Park, North Vancouver;

May 10, 2003
An Evening of Mayan Culture: In conjunction with the Mayan Cultural Society of B.C. and the Mayan Health Project, The Museum of Anthropology will host An Evening of Mayan Culture. The evening will consist of live music, dancing, traditional foods, weaving demonstrations, and talks by members of the local Mayan community and by medical relief doctor, Ellen Coburn. UBC Museum of Anthropology,  604-822-5978.

May 10, 2003
Antique Swap Meet: Antique gas engines, steam engines, tractor parts, farm machinery, hand tools, cars, trucks, motorcycles, household antiques and much, much more. Food booth & city park nearby, lots of free parking; BERTHUSEN HOMESTEAD PARK. 2 MILES NORTHWEST OF LYNDEN, Washington; 360-354-4625.

May 10, 2003
Burrard Yacht Club Annual Sail Past, Cates Park, North Vabcouver; 604-988-0817.

May 10, 2003
Great Salmon Send-off at Stoney Creek Community School, Burnaby.  The Great Salmon Send-Off celebrates the magnificent Pacific salmon. Come and see environmental displays, enjoy refreshments and entertainment, and experience the thrill of releasing thousands of salmon into a natural stream. This event is suitable for all ages. For more information, please call  604-664-8849. 10:00am-2:00pm.

May 10, 2003
Spirit of the West: Spirit of the West is a highly energetic musical alloy, blending from the myriad diversity of its members musical and lyrical influences to create a provocative, hard-hitting listening experience. Centennial Theatre Centre, North Vancouver;

May 10, 2003
The Dep Virtual Sk8 Challange::This event is family geared and open to the public at no charge. Participants will compete for the highest score on the Xbox Tony Hawk game- the top winner will win $200.00.The top scoring player from all three dates will also receive a custom air brushed skate board.  Coquitlam Town Centre.

May 10, 2003
Wild Bird Trust of BC Walk: Music of Maplewood. Explore the basics of bird songs at Maplewood Flats, North Vancouver; 604-924-2581.

May 10, 2003
Young at Art" A Family Celebration of Children & Youth  Young at Art" A Family Celebration of Children & Youth: Mountain Festival Society celebrates a 25th Anniversary by presenting a memorable community cultural experience that brings Vancouver International Children's Festival entertainers, musicians, and storytellers, local dancers, clowns, and puppeteers. Memorial Peace Park, 224th Street Maple Ridge.

May 10 - 11, 2003
Richmond Regional Heritage Fair, Richmond Museum, 604-231-6432.

May 10 - 25, 2003
Maple Ridge Art Gallery Art Walk and Studio Tours: Art Walk through selected businesses, preview of artist's work in studios. Studio Tours on May 24 and 25. For details, call the MR Art Gallery 604-467-5855.  

May 11, 2003
BC Cancer Foundation Sports Challenge:This Mother's Day - Do it for Mom!  The event consists of a series of stations that will be scattered throughout Queen Elizabeth Park. At the start, participants will be given a set of maps and instructions that are specific to your division: fun or challenge. After reading the instructions, you must determine the best way to hit all of the stations in the shortest time possible. Planning your strategy is important! Strategy is just as important as speed. Along with the map and instructions, you will also receive a passport that must be stamped at each station. You may visit the stations in any order you feel is most efficient in terms of directness, type of activity, and line-up potential. Stations not completed successfully will result in time adjustments. The Cause: Breast cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency BC Cancer Foundation Sports Challenge supports the BC Cancer Agency's world-leading breast cancer research programs. The BC Cancer Agency is responsible for cancer care and breakthrough research for everyone in BC. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is now 86% - help us achieve 100%. Collect Pledges and help women with breast cancer live longer. This Mother's Day, do it for Mom! The funds you collect will go directly to breast cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency. A great incentive prize program is offered.https://www.bccancerfoundation.com/

May 11, 2003
Tartan Traditions: The Vancouver Police Pipe Band, Tartan Pride Dancers and the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra salute the charms of Scottish music.  Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, 604-576-1619.

May 14, 2003
HARRY BELAFONTE & NANA MOUSKOURI: A LEGENDARY REUNION, at the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver; 604-280-4444.  

May 15, 2003
International Day of Families

May 15 - 29, 2003
15th Annual Vancouver Jewish Film:  The longest running Jewish film festival in Canada, the Vancouver Jewish Film Festival uses film to explore the diversity of Jewish life and culture, and promote the discussion of relevant issues and concerns within and beyond the Jewish community. Films are brought in from around the world to contribute to a better understanding of Jewish culture and help dispel hurtful and damaging Jewish stereotypes.  Various locations, 604-266-0245.

May 16 - 18, 2003
Here Come the Trains! On Rodeo Weekend visit the Vancouver Lego Club's layout of Fraser Valley and BC Railway history, created entirely from Lego bricks and components. This amazing display includes logging trains, a mining operation, the Great Northern and CN stations in Vancouver, a recreation of the port city of New Westminster at the turn of the last century, several running trains, and many more details. On display Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.  Surrey Museum and Archives.

May 16 - 19, 2003
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair: This year's Rodeo & Country Fair promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Plan now to attend Canada's third largest Rodeo this May, long weekend.  Rodeo & Country Fair; 604-280-4444.

May 16, 2003
International Museum Day, Richmond Museum, 604-231-6423.

May 17 - 18, 2003
Fibrefest International 2003:  This Llama and Surl Alpaca show will be held at Tradex Centre, Abbotsford; 604-856-0771.

May 17 - 25, 2003
Hyack Festival: This popular festival includes family day, May Day celebrations, an anvil salute, an antique fair, fireworks, and a parade.  New Westminster, 604-522-6894.

May 17, 2003
All British Field Meet of Classic Cars: More then 400 classic cars are displayed on the Great Lawn, VanDusen Botanical Gardens; 604-878-9274.

May 17, 2003
Central Bog 3 Hour Interpretive Tour: Starting at noon at the entrance to the Vancouver Landfill. Group tours may be arranged for other days by calling the Burns Bog Conservation Society office at 604-572-0373.  Costs: $15 non-members, $13 members, $8 children within family membership $10 children with non-members.  Burns Bog, Delta;

May 17, 2003
Cloverdale Rodeo Parade

May 17, 2003
Eileen Dailly Pool's 10th Anniversary: Free admission. Join us for cake, refreshments, prizes and games. Saturday, 12:00noon-2:00pm, May 17. Information: 6040298-7946.

May 17, 2003
The Royal City Multicultural Festival at Westminster Quay Public Market; Arts, crafts, history, culture, and food from all over the world will be found along the boardwalk next to the picturesque Fraser River and inside the Quay Market. Celebrate our province's cultural diversity - from Filipino sweets to African dance, you'll experience the entire world without even having to leave the Lower Mainland, admission is free! 604-524-4996.

May 17, 2003
Yanni at General Motors Place: Performing the new sound of classical music with his one-of-a-kind Orchestra, Yanni will perform live at General Motors; 604-280-4444.

May 18 - 19, 2003
Nature Time at Burnaby Lake: Celebrate the Nature House season opening. Check out displays and activities inside and wildlife outside. Take a guided nature walk, sample wild tea and go on a ‘Nature Scavenger Hunt’. Children can make a craft to take home. Meet and park at the Burnaby Lake Nature House, 4519 Piper Avenue or park your vehicle at the Avalon Avenue Lot and take a half hour to walk to the Nature House. 604-432-6359.

May 18, 2003
BC Lions Fan Fest:  The BC Lions invite you to help them celebrate their 50th season with Fan Fest. Come down to B.C. Place Stadium from 1-4pm and take in a Lions practice, meet the Felions, tour behind the scenes, have a piece of birthday cake & take part in the many kids activities. Admission is free. Entrance is at the West Airlock. For more information go to www.bclions.com.

May 18, 2003
Specialty Subaru Show & Shine Waterfront Park, North Vancouver;

May 19, 2003
 Victoria Day

May 19, 2003
Victoria Day Parade in Fort Langley

May 20, 2003
Reptile Story: In celebration of the re-opening of Scottsdale Centre, Safari Jeff & Shannon venture forth to present a week of free presentations, "Survivors-The Reptile Story". So trek over for an adventure at Scottsdale Centre and have Safari Jeff & Shannon introduce you to the fascinating world of reptiles during their 30 minute show. Learn about endangered reptiles of the world and meet some interesting creatures, such as Julius the Spiny Green Iguana and Father Time, the

May 21 - 25, 2003
New Music West Festival: Experience the fun and excitement of this international music festival and conference featuring club crawls, seminars, and industry forums.  Various venues around Vancouver, 604-684-9338.

May 21 - 27, 2003
Dance Power: During this week long competition, dance schools from across Canada will compete for awards, prizes and cash.  Massey Theatre, New Westminster; 1-800-418-9460.

May 23 - 24, 2003
Coastal Swap Meet, Shannon Hall, Alice McKay Building, South Grounds and Ice Rink, Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey; 604-581-7133.

May 23 - 25, 2003
Bob the Builder: Bob the Builder comes to Vancouver for 5 shows! Take the kids to see a special treat!  Pacific Coliseum; 604-280-4444.

May 24, 2003
 Lynn Valley Days at Lynn Valley Park and recCentre, North Vancouver;

May 24, 2003
Amphibian Adventures:  Amphibian eggs, larva and adults can all be found in spring. Local frogs and salamanders should be back in their forest homes while their spawn, tadpoles and young are growing in ponds, puddles and ditches. Learn about these fascinating animals; discover their watery homes and terrestrial habitats. Cosponsor – Whalley Community Recreation. Tynehead Regional Park, Surrey.  To register, call 604–501–5100.

May 24, 2003
Kultura Filipino North Shore: Experience the rich Philippine culture and its people by traveling to the different islands of the Philippines through music and dance. Watch an exciting presentation of the festival dances of the Cordillera people of Northern Luzon, Jota and Habanera dances of the Spanish era, and barrio fiesta dances in the countryside. The show will also highlight the Mindanaoan culture with the story of Princes Ganding in her struggles in the enchanted forest

May 24, 2003
Lynn Valley Days parade 19th Blvd up to Lynn Valley Rd. to Lynn Valley Park, North Vancouver, 10 am;

May 24, 2003
Provincial Professional Driving Championships, at the Tradex Centre, Abbotsford; 604-888-5319.

May 25, 2003
 Women's Dragon Boat Regatta at Panorama Park, Deep Cove, North Vancouver;

May 25, 2003
23rd Annual Sheep Fair Maplewood Farm Sheep shearing at 11am and 1pm (nominal admission); North Vancouver, 10 am - 4 pm.

May 25, 2003
Mayfair Family Fun Day: Mayfair is the 19th Annual Exhibition and Family Fair that brings one day of fun and entertainment to the South Surrey peninsula. The entire family will enjoy everything from bouncy castles, mini golf, tug-o-war, games, kid's crafts, petting zoo, hot dogs and pop so drop by and join in the fun. Admission is free. Centennial Park, White Rock; (604) 536-6844.

May 25, 2003
Salmonberry Days: Come and join us for Salmonberry Days! Bring the family to enjoy: Family Fun Run (9:30-11 am); Crafts; Stage Entertainment; Celebration of Asian Heritage Month - showing of "Obachan's Garden" film; Emergency Social Services display; Teddy Bear Picnic; Petting Zoo; Carnival Games; Concession Stand; and Bouncy Castle. Dunbar Community Centre, 604-222-6060.

May 25, 2003
Steveston Salmon Run Antique Cars, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Steveston Park, Richmond;

May 25, 2003
Wood Carvers Show at the Steveston Community Centre, Richmond; 604-718-8080.

May 25, 2003
World Partnership Walk:  The World Partnership Walk is an annual event held

May 26 - June 1, 2003
Vancouver International Children's Festival: This family festival features theatre, music, dance and puppetry from around the world. Vanier Park, 604-708-5655.

May 27 - June 1, 2003
Jesus Christ Superstar: he brand new production of Tim Rice and Adrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical.  Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver; 604-280-4444.

May 28, 2003
A Touch of Brass: With the critics saying "hit of the season", "supreme showmanship", and "a concert that thrilled from start to finish", you will not want to miss brass playing at its finest! Gateway Theatre, Richmond;  604-270-1812.

May 29, 2003
Taste of the Nation: Taste the night away with gourmet samplings prepared by 50 of the Vancouver's premier chefs, vintners, brewers and coffee roasters. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Vancouver;  604-691-7764.

May 30, 2003
Cirque Electrique: A spectacular backstage gala featuring aerial dance artist Robyn Fox, special guests Circus Arts & Company, a light and sound spectacular, and an incredible dinner served right on stage.  Massey Theatre, New Westminster; 604-517-5900.

May 30, 2003
Legends Alive at the PNE Agrodome; 604-280-4444.

May 31, 2003
Car Trunk Sale (Garage Sale): Load up your cars, trucks and minivans with items you no longer need, and drive down to the parking lot at Cameron Recreation Complex. This is an opportunity to sell your used items in our parking lot and make some money. Saturday, 9:00am-2:00pm, May 31. Free admission for buyers. For sellers, parking stalls are available to rent for $10.70 per stall. To register, call 604.421.5225.  Cameron Recreation Complex, Burnaby.

May 31, 2003
Kid’s Swap Meet at Shannon Hall, Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey, 10 am - 1 pm; 604-513-8880.

June 1, 2003
Fraser River Festiva at Deas Island, Delta: Celebrate the living, working river. Discover the natural and cultural history of the Fraser and surrounding communities, and industrial workings of the river itself. Enjoy: scenic boat rides on the river; live music and interactive entertainment; displays presented by over 40 organizations and local community groups; free hands–on craft workshops. Lots of free parking at Greystone Stables on 64th Street (just off of 62B Avenue/Rive

June 1, 2003
Miss Canada Teen Global 2003 Pageant at the Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver; 604-984-4484.

June 1, 2003
Open Vancouver: Heritage House Tour, The Vancouver Heritage Foundation will open the doors of 14 heritage homes to the public. Walk-thought experiences will range from Shaughnessy mansions, to early 1900 Edwardians and Victorian cottages. A great opportunity to learn more about Vancouver's residential built environment.  $30.00, 604-264-9642.

June 1, 2003
Slugfest, Richmond Nature Park, 604-718-6188.

Ongoing until May 4, 2003
Tulip Festival: Fabulous tulips and thousands of other spring bulbs will be in bloom. Over 50 varieties of cut tulips will be on display. Minter Gardens, 1.888.MINTERS.  

Ongoing until May 8, 2003
Ultimate X:Chronicles all the breathtaking highlights and dramatic stories behind the 2001 X Games in Philadelphia as it showcases the eye-popping skateboarding, biking, moto x and street luge competitions on the giant screen.  Science World; 604-443-7440.

Ongoing until May 8, 2003
Amazing Journeys: Experience some of nature's most incredible spectacles as millions of creatures undertake extraordinary journeys in their quest for survival. A powerful chronicle of 6 of nature's most incredible life-and-death dramas. Science World; 604-443-7440.

Ongoing from May 13, 2003
The Frank Burnett Collection of Pacific Arts: Comprising of more than 100 objects from Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia, the exhibits will be enhanced by historical and contemporary photographs.  UBC Museum of Anthropology, 604-822-5087.

Ongoing until May 25, 2003
Kids Koncerts: Presented by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The series opens up the world of music for kids of all ages, with fun and interative performances by some of North America's top youth entertainers. Concert dates are: February 9 & 23, March 30, May 4 & 25; Orpheum Theatre; 604-876-3434.







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