BRUSH Theatre’s Doodle Pop, a co-presentation between Vancouver International Children’s Festival and Carousel Theatre for Young People.
May is alive with cultural experiences, from captivating performances that transport audiences across the globe to thought-provoking exhibitions that inspire reflection and conversation. Whether you are a devoted arts enthusiast or simply looking to discover something new, there’s plenty to explore and I hope you’re enjoying all the colour and energy that spring brings this time of year. And with the Victoria Day long weekend approaching, it’s the perfect chance to check out some of the exciting events happening in and around the city. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene and make the most of the season.
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IGNITE! 2026
May 13–17
IGNITE! is an eclectic festival that celebrates excellence in emerging art and that is programmed and curated entirely by members of the Youth Panel at The Cultch. It features theatre performers, filmmakers, writers, poets, dancers, musicians, drag and visual artists, all aged 13–30, as well as participants from The Cultch mentorship programs. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the festival also includes the production of two new One Act Plays by local emerging playwrights and a Visual Arts exhibition.
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Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair
May 14–18
With five pro rodeo performances, an indigenous village, live music performances, 40+ food trucks, 30+ carnival rides, family-friendly events and more than a little bit of action, the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is big, bold and a ton of fun! Whether you come for the rodeo, rides, music, attractions, food or all of the above, make sure you grab your tickets so you don’t miss all the fun and excitement at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds this May Long Weekend. For rodeo showtimes and more information, check out the fair’s website.
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14th Annual Vancouver Art Book Fair
May 15–17
Free and open to the public, the Vancouver Art Book Fair at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre is a three-day celebration of artists’ publishing, featuring over one hundred local, national and international publishers, as well as a diverse line-up of programs, performances and artists’ projects. To find out more, please visit the book fair’s website.
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Fort Langley’s 104th Annual May Day Parade
May 18, 8 a.m–4 p.m.
The Fort Langley Lions are excited to host the May Day Parade followed by a Family Fun Festival in the Park. This free community event was established in 1922. It brings together local musical talent, community members & vendors to the Fort. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas (rain or shine) + good spirits to Fort Langley where you will enjoy all that the beautiful town and May Day parade have to offer.
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Jade Circle
May 20–22
Through powerful music, captivating movement and poignant storytelling in Mandarin and English, Jade Circle, playing at the Kay Meek Arts Centre, follows Jasmine, a second-generation Canadian, who has lost her mother tongue through cultural assimilation. Yearning to reconnect with her late grandmother, Jasmine embarks on a transformative journey to relearn Mandarin and unearth lost stories of her grandmother’s past through intimate interviews with her mother. Layering live singing and evocative sound design with original artwork and projection design, we witness Jasmine as she finds her place within the legacy of cross-generation matrilineal relationships.
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Lilian Broca: Lilith
May 20–June 29
www.jccgv.com/may-events-programs
Throughout her career, Lilian Broca has explored subjects ranging from intimate relationships and personal objects to brides, goddesses, and foundational myths, examining narratives that have shaped Western cultural identity. Since 1980, her work has increasingly focused on women and the forces that shape female self-image. In this exhibition, Broca revisits the myth of Lilith, Adam’s first wife, with symbolic intensity, exploring the struggle of an empowered, independent woman whose conflicts echo those faced by women today. Drawing on lesser-known texts, she highlights Lilith’s refusal to submit, her departure from Adam, and her embrace of autonomy – offering an alternative origin story that challenges dominant narratives and reclaims female agency.
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Spring Fair at SFDS
May 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Save the date for the annual community event at the Rene Memorial Park, happening on May 23. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this vibrant celebration of togetherness and diversity. Ignite the community spirit with exciting activities that bring us together! Engage in joyful experiences and friendly competitions that everyone can enjoy. Let’s unite, have fun and strengthen our community ties! For more information, please visit the spring fair website.
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Hyack Multicultural Parade & Festival in the Park
May 23, 11 a.m.
www.hyackfestival.com/multicultural-parade
The annual Hyack Parade is B.C.’s largest family-oriented parade with over 100 entries from throughout the region. You won’t want to miss the high-energy, colourful and entertaining procession of floats, marching bands, community groups, mascots, performance artists and more that fill the streets of New Westminster. It’s a “can’t miss” event for the entire family! Check out the parade’s website for more information.
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Doodle Pop
May 25–27 and 29–31
www.carouseltheatre.ca/season/doodle-pop
Hailing from Seoul, South Korea – this mischievous duo starts to doodle… and ends up creating a whole imaginative world! They invite us along on their sea adventure with a tiny little turtle. What will happen as we follow their vivid drawings into this beautiful watery world, and will they return the turtle to the sea safely? This touching and playful non-verbal show uses live musicians who perform the accompanying score and sound effects, stunning interactive animation projections and live whiteboard drawings, and an abundance of theatrical imagination. Check out the Carousel Theatre’s website for showtimes and more information.
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