Springtime is once again in the air. As the favourite season for many, temperatures are beginning to heat up across the Lower Mainland, kids are returning to outdoor sports, and pink blossoms are covering the streets.
If you live in the Fraser Valley or Vancouver area, there’s plenty to be excited about. The turning of the season means the return of outdoor festivals, markets, and cultural events. Here’s a look at what’s to come on the Lower Mainland for Spring of 2024:
Food Truck Festival at UBC
The Food Truck Festival is returning to the University of British Columbia campus by popular demand this April. Idea of UBC students, there will be 20 food trucks parked on campus serving up quick and delicious lunches. After you’ve had a bite, browse the 15 BC Shop Local artisan vendors selling crafts and artwork, and kick back and enjoy the local live entertainment.
Visit the Food Truck Festival at UBC website to view the fabulous list of food truck vendors.
Dates: April 4-5, 11am-7pm
Cost: Tickets are free, food costs $$
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
As the roughly 43,000 cherry blossoms re-appear in full force in the city, the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival returns from March 29 to April 25. The first of its kind in Canada, this intra-community arts and culture outdoor festival includes a variety of different events, including blossom walks, picnics, pop-up events, art exhibitions, workshops, and more.
Visit the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival website to view the full event calendar, find cherry blossoms in the city, sign up for their newsletter, and more.
Dates: March 29 – April 25
Cost: Varies by event
Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is one of the largest of its kind in the entire country, attracting thousands of visitors every season. Last year, there were 110 food booths and over 600 menu items offered by food trucks. An unmissable culinary experience – this is the place to be to sample cuisine from all over the world, while browsing the selection of handmade goods at retail booths.
Location: 8351 River Road
Dates: Late April to Thanksgiving
Cost: $8
Jurassic Quest
Jurassic Quest is the number one dino experience in North America, featuring the largest and most realistic dinosaurs. Coming soon to Abbotsford, there will be a Dinosaur Exhibit complete with a 60-foot long Spinosaurus, 80-foot long Apatosaurus, and life size T-Rex. There will also be a raptor training experience, bounce castles, games, crafts, and more.
Learn more about the family-friendly experience, tickets, and more on the Jurassic Quest website.
Dates: May 10-12
Location: Tradex Trade & Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford
Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival
Brewhalla is an annual festival for craft beer, cider, spirits, and wine, delicious local eats, and live music. The event aims to bring people together to share stories and talents, celebrate, and discover new favourites. In 2024 the festival is taking place at four locations: North Van, Fort Langley, New Westminster, and Chilliwack.
Learn more about this exciting beer and music festival on the Brewhalla website.
Cost: Varies by location
Chilliwack Party in the Park
Chilliwack Party in the Park is an unforgettable weekend of food and entertainment, put on by Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival. Located at Central Community Park, this event features live music, a market, beer garden – and of course, plenty of food trucks.
Dates: April 4-5
Cost: By donation
Location: 45951 Victoria Avenue
Easter Events
Stanley Park Easter Train
The Stanley Park Easter Train takes you on a magical ride through the forest on the hunt for the Easter Bunny. After, you and your kids can meet the Easter Bunny, chase bubbles, and browse the fun displays on the plaza. There will also be sweet and savory snacks available from local vendors.
Dates: March 29 – April 1
Location: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park
Ladner Village Annual Easter Parade
Starting at 1pm, the Annual Easter Parade in Ladner winds its way through the village, led by the Easter Bunny and accompanied by the Delta Police Pipe Band. At the end, there will be an egg hunt at Memorial Park. Families are welcome to bring (and decorate) bikes, wagons or strollers.
Date: March 31
Location: Corner of Delta Street and Bridge Street
Blue Mountain Park Great Easter Egg Hunt
Hosted By Wonderland Arts Society, the Great Easter Egg Hunt in Chilliwack features outdoor carnival games, festive Easter crafts, and of course – an Easter egg hunt! Make sure you bring a basket, because there will be many Easter goodies to collect, including eggs, other goodies, and surprises.
Dates: March 30-31
Location: Blue Mountain Park in Chilliwack
Meadows Family Easter on Farm and Easter Egg Hunt
The Meadows Family Farm is home to the third annual Easter on the Farm, which will have all-day Easter egg hunts along the nature trail, games, a colouring station, face painting, a bunny maze, train rides, a playground, bouncy castles, and more. Plus, there will be food!
Dates: March 29 – April 1
Location: 12377 248th Street in Maple Ridge
Springs Group is a collection of 14 liquor stores and 4 pubs across the Fraser Valley and Vancouver. Local craft beer, spirits, and wine from around the world – we’ve got it all! We’ve also got a VIP rewards program so you can earn free food and drinks, plus super friendly staff to help you find anything you’re looking for.
