Best Vancouver Events in Spring 2025

Spring 2025 in Vancouver presents a vibrant mix of celebrations, races, and cultural gatherings that truly underline why the city stands out for anyone seeking fresh experiences. From April events in Vancouver that herald the blooming of cherry blossoms to May events in Vancouver that highlight running marathons and food festivals, the season promises something for everyone. In fact, many of these Vancouver spring events give locals and visitors alike a glimpse into the city’s multicultural vibe, nature-loving spirit, and creative community. Whether you’re all about early-morning fun runs, large-scale parades, or quiet admiration of cherry trees in bloom, these happenings will make your calendar buzz with excitement. Below is an overview of some of the top Spring Events in Vancouver 2025, complete with quick info on dates, venues, and admission details, followed by deeper insights into what makes each experience unforgettable.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

• Date & Time: March 26 to April 28, 2025
• Location: Multiple sites across Vancouver (streets, parks, and VanDusen Garden)
• Admission: Free for most events, though some specialized activities (like Sakura Days at VanDusen) cost up to $24

Each year, Vancouver transforms into a pastel wonderland as over 40,000 cherry trees burst into bloom—a spectacle the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival enthusiastically celebrates. The month-long festivities are among the most cherished Vancouver spring events, drawing both seasoned photographers and casual admirers to witness the city’s new color palette. Attendees can relish cultural performances, engage in haiku competitions, and join guided tree walks to learn about the blossoms’ Japanese heritage and horticultural significance. The Sakura Days Japan Fair stands out with taiko drumming, martial arts demos, and tantalizing food stalls, merging cherry blossoms with vibrant cultural traditions. Designed to connect communities, the festival also includes pop-up picnics and music concerts under canopies of pink petals—truly capturing the joy of a city in bloom. Whether you’re after a serene stroll through petal-laden streets or a full-on cultural outing, the Cherry Blossom Festival perfectly exemplifies why Spring Events in Vancouver 2025 enchant thousands each year.

Big Easter Run

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025; main run typically starts at 10:00 AM
• Location: Jericho Beach Park (3941 Point Grey Road)
• Admission: $15–$40 registration (adult or kids’ race)

The Big Easter Run at Jericho Beach Park offers a charming mix of fitness and festive cheer, making it a top April event in Vancouver pick for families. Runners and walkers don bunny ears or bright pastels, bringing a playful energy to the scenic 5 km or 10 km routes that trace Vancouver’s waterfront. Children light up at the integrated egg hunt, transforming the racecourse into a quest for hidden treats. Pet owners appreciate that leashed furry friends are welcome, so the entire household can participate in the fun. This event encourages a non-competitive spirit, meaning you can savor the fresh ocean breeze and spectacular views without pressure. Proceeds often benefit local charities, ensuring that the spirited ambiance comes with a dose of community goodwill. Wrapping it all up are post-race celebrations—music, snacks, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny—capping off a truly springtime Vancouver experience.

Art Vancouver (International Art Fair)

• Date & Time: April 24–27, 2025; opening night gala on April 24, public exhibition runs April 25–27
• Location: Vancouver Convention Centre East (999 Canada Place)
• Admission: $25 day passes; VIP or multi-day passes cost more; opening gala ticket over $90

One of the most esteemed april events Vancouver that caters to art aficionados is Art Vancouver, a four-day extravaganza showcasing contemporary works from both local and global creators. Housed at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the fair kicks off with an art runway show—an innovative format where select art pieces and their makers take center stage as if in a fashion show. Over the next three days, visitors wander through booth after booth of paintings, sculptures, and digital art, encountering everything from emerging talents to renowned galleries. Regularly scheduled live painting demonstrations and interactive discussions transform the event into an immersive cultural experience. While some pieces command high price tags for serious collectors, casual visitors can also score more affordable prints or meet the artists behind the canvas. The fair spotlights Vancouver’s growing status as a nexus for creative expression, adding depth to the Spring Events in Vancouver 2025 lineup by blending global and local perspectives.

Vancouver Sun Run

• Date & Time: Sunday, April 27, 2025; 10K main race starts at 9:00 AM
• Location: Downtown Vancouver; route covers Burrard Bridge, English Bay, and False Creek, finishing near BC Place
• Admission: $50–$70 registration (adults), includes race bib and T-shirt; spectators line the streets freely

Touted as Canada’s largest 10K run, the Vancouver Sun Run draws tens of thousands of participants who celebrate health, fitness, and community spirit. As a highlight among Vancouver spring events, it transforms city streets into a carnival of color and camaraderie—people run in teams, families, or as dedicated individual athletes. The race route passes iconic points like the Burrard Bridge and Stanley Park, offering scenic backdrops that keep energy levels high. Cheering squads, local bands, and volunteer-driven water stations infuse the event with a festival atmosphere. Traditionally, the Sun Run supports youth sports and local charities, underscoring that part of the excitement is also about giving back. Whether you’re racing for a personal best or simply joining for fun, the day ends in a spirited finish area near BC Place, packed with music, recovery snacks, and that infectious sense of having achieved something together.

Spot Prawn Festival

• Date & Time: Late May 2025; typically a one-day event around 11:00 AM–3:30 PM (date TBA)
• Location: False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf (1505 West 1st Ave, near Granville Island)
• Admission: Free to enter the festival grounds; prawn tastings and chowder around $10, the Spot Prawn Brunch is $79.

Among the more culinary-focused Vancouver spring events, the Spot Prawn Festival stands out for its devotion to fresh, sustainable seafood. Held in late May at Fisherman’s Wharf, the festival commemorates the start of BC’s spot prawn season, featuring live sales of newly harvested prawns directly off the boats. Local chefs offer cooking demos, revealing how to transform these sweet, firm-textured crustaceans into mouthwatering dishes. Families flock here to soak up the lively maritime atmosphere, sampling piping-hot bowls of spot prawn chowder or interactive cooking stations. The event also underscores environmental mindfulness, as organizers highlight the fishery’s sustainability credentials and encourage minimal-waste dining. The overall experience leaves visitors feeling like they’ve participated in a celebration of local bounty and community spirit, rounding off the city’s spring schedule with a flavorful flourish.

BMO Vancouver Marathon

• Date & Time: Sunday, May 4, 2025; marathon gun goes off around 8:30 AM
• Location: Start near Queen Elizabeth Park; route winds through city neighborhoods and the Stanley Park Seawall, ending downtown near West Pender & Bute
• Admission: Inquire about Availability here.

A quintessential entry among May events in Vancouver, the BMO Vancouver Marathon stands out as a premier global running experience. Runners who take on the 42.2 km route pass through diverse neighborhoods and scenic coastline, encountering everything from lush green parks to bustling urban streets. The entire event radiates community spirit, as volunteers and local businesses rally to support the tens of thousands of participants. Live music, motivational signs, and water stations along the course keep morale high. Finishing in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the post-race celebration brims with stories of personal triumph, from first-time marathoners beaming with accomplishment to seasoned pros chasing new records. Having grown over five decades, the BMO Vancouver Marathon encapsulates the city’s active lifestyle ethos, bridging athletic goals with Vancouver’s natural wonders.

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

• Date & Time: May 26–June 1, 2025; daily 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
• Location: Granville Island (various indoor theatres plus an outdoor Activity Village)
• Admission: $12–$25 per ticketed show, which includes day-long access to activity zones; separate wristbands for activity-only entry ($8)

Concluding our look at May events in Vancouver is the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, a weeklong immersion in theatre, music, dance, and interactive arts specifically for children and families. Granville Island, with its eclectic shops and waterside views, provides a perfect setting for a blend of free outdoor fun and ticketed stage performances showcasing local and international talent. Kids can learn juggling, do craft-making, or watch puppet shows that range from whimsical to educational. The festival fosters a spirit of discovery—where you might pop into a storytelling session one minute and follow it up by exploring an art installation created just for young minds. Every year, the Children’s Festival draws larger crowds, demonstrating how these multi-format events play a core role in Vancouver’s cultural identity. Whether you’re a parent or an art lover wanting to nurture creativity in the next generation, the festival’s accessible pricing and broad programming reflect the inclusive spirit of Spring Events in Vancouver 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the top Vancouver spring events for families in 2025?
Many families attend the Vancouver International Children’s Festival for interactive performances. These events offer themed fun runs, art workshops, and live shows that make them especially welcoming for all ages. They’re excellent chances to embrace the best Spring Events in Vancouver 2025 together.

2. Where can I join a fun run during April events Vancouver or May events Vancouver?
The Vancouver Sun Run in April is a huge 10K extravaganza, while the BMO Vancouver Marathon in early May offers different race distances (including a half marathon and an 8K). Both are beloved Vancouver spring events that span scenic routes and encourage runners of all skill levels. Registration fees vary, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot.

Savoring the Season: A Springtime Wrap-Up

From delicate cherry blossoms lining city streets to energetic fun runs and cultural festivals, these Vancouver spring events prove that the city’s character truly flourishes between March and May. Celebrations like the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival highlight nature’s fleeting beauty, while large-scale gatherings, such as marathons, reaffirm Vancouver’s multicultural unity and passion for community well-being. Whether you’re enthralled by the arts at Art Vancouver or diving into spot prawn feasts along the docks, it’s evident that spring in this coastal metropolis merges urban dynamism with laid-back West Coast charm. Families, fitness enthusiasts, and art lovers alike can find their niche, embodying why these are among the best spring events in Vancouver 2025. As each festival, race, or gathering draws people outdoors to celebrate new growth and shared experiences, the city comes alive in a tapestry of sights, sounds, and tastes. Embrace the mild weather, immerse yourself in local traditions, and make the most of these April events in Vancouver May events in Vancouver—they’re an invitation to witness the unique vitality that emerges as winter melts into spring.