Longer days, brilliant sunrises, breathtaking sunsets. Spring sprung early in Vancouver this year, and warm weather is here to stay giving Vancouverites time to soak up all this city has to offer.

From now until June, here is our guide to Spring time in Vancouver.

Free things to do in Vancouver this Spring

Go on a tour of cherry blossom hotspots

Vancouver is home to many cherry blossom trees. You can find thousands of them all over the city, but we’ve outlined the 21 best locations to get your cherry blossom fix in Vancouver.

Vote in the Transit Plebiscite before May 29

Transit shapes our future, and without it the city will take a step back. We’ve outlined 15 reasons why you should vote YES and also outlined 6 reasons the NO side argues. The decision is yours to make, Vancouverites.

420 celebration

The largest annual celebration of all things marijuana takes place at the Vancouver Art Gallery on April 20. If you don’t like the smell of marijuana, it’s best to avoid the area surrounding Robson Square and the Art Gallery.

Earth Hour

Turn off the lights and unplug for an hour! Let’s see if we can get Vancouver nearly dark this year.

• When: March 28 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Food and drink

Check out Juno Kim’s Dinner Series at 33 Acres

Every Monday, Juno Kim takes over the 33 Acres tasting room creating a unique meal. Kim has been given the reins to be creative; pair this with a good brew and your Monday night just got a lot better.

• When: Every Monday night
• Where: 33 Acres Brewing – 15 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver

Richmond Night Market

Great food and all the funky cartoon socks you can handle! The market opens up in May and runs into October so you’ll have plenty of time to check it out.

• When: May 15 to October 12
• Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond (near the River Rock Casino)

The International Summer Night Market

The other Richmond night market (near Home Depot). This one will start one week earlier than the previous night market.

• When: May 8 to September 27
• Where: 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond
• Cost: Free entry

North Vancouver Night Market

Every Friday night at the Shipbuilders’ Square, check out some great food, live music and take in a little shopping.

• When: Friday nights from 5 to 10 p.m. from May 1 to September 25
• Where: Shipbuilders’ Square, North Vancouver (just east of the SeaBus and Lonsdale Quay at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue)

Hawkers Wharf

Those familiar with the monthly Hawkers Market are in for a treat. Not much is known right about Hawkers Wharf, but if you love food then you’re going to want to check this out many, many times when it comes. Look for a late Spring release of the brand new Hawkers Wharf.

• Website: Hawkersmarket.com/hawkerswharf

Grab ice cream in Gastown’s new soft serve spot

Vancouver’s newest ice cream spot is doing things differently, they’re taking a softer route to success. Check out Soft Peaks in Gastown when the weather gets a little warm.

• Where: 25 Alexander Street, Vancouver

Check out a Whitecaps FC game and try the new food

BC Place and Centerplate, the venue’s food and beverage provider, has expanded their partnership with local celebrity chef Vikram Vij to bring new menu items and open up two new food concessions as well as a mobile food cart.

Check out a patio or two

People were packing patios towards the end of winter. Once May rolls around, patio season will officially kick off in Vancouver. Check out our guide to patios in Vancouver.

Check out Prohibition Bar

Prohibition, the opulent newly-renovated drinks destination inside downtown’s Rosewood Hotel Georgia, is open and ready to give Vancouverites an upscale, Jazz Era-inspired bar experience.

• Where: 801 West Georgia Street at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia (enter off Howe)
• Phone: 604-673-7088
• Website: prohibitionrhg.com
• Hours: Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Spot Prawn Festival

The 9th annual Spot Prawn Festival returns in May to Fisherman’s Wharf near Granville Island.

Check out a Farmers Market

There are quite a few farmers markets going on in and around Vancouver:

Trout Lake Farmers Market – Saturdays 

• When: Saturdays – May 9 to October 24
• Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week
• Location: North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake
  Between Templeton and Lakewood south of the 13th Avenue Alley

Kitsilano Farmers Market – Sundays

• When: Sundays – May 10 to October 25
• Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week
• Location: 2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre

West End Farmers Market – Saturdays

• When: Saturdays – May 10 to October 25
• Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week
• Location: 1100 Block of Comox Street across from Nelson Park at Mole Hill

Main Street Station Farmers Market – Wednesdays

• When: Wednesdays – Opening June
• Time: 3 to 7 p.m. each week
• Location: 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St. SkyTrain Station

Kerrisdale Village Farmers Market – Saturdays

• When: Saturdays – June 13 to October 10
• Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week
• Location: East Boulevard between 37th and 41st Avenue – near Kerrisdale Arena

Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market – Sundays

• When: Sundays – June 14 to October 11
• Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week
• Location: Guelph Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park

Yaletown Farmers Market – Thursdays

• When: Thursdays – May 7 to October 29
• Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. each week
• Location: Mainland Street between Davie and Helmcken at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line Stop

Hastings Park Farmers’ Market – Sundays

• When: March 8 to April 26
• Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week
• Location: Hastings Skatepark, Renfrew Street

Oak Street Farmers’ Market – Wednesdays

• When: Wednesdays – June 3 to October 14
• Time: 3 to 7 p.m. each week
• Location: Unitarian Church parking lot (Oak Street and 49th Avenue)

River District Vancouver Farmers’ Market – Saturdays

• When: Saturdays – May 30 to October 10
• Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each week
• Location: Kerr Street and East Kent Avenue

Dine Out for Life

On Thursday, March 26, restaurants around Metro Vancouver will be participating in Dining Out For Life, an annual fundraising event in support of local men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Eat Vancouver

The EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival has expanded to a full week of delicious eating, drinking and learning, and will bring together a stunning array of culinary talent from across the city and country.

From April 26 to May 3, the festival will showcase a multitude of local, national and international culinary culture through workshops, meals and events, all culminating in a three-day tasting show at BC Place Stadium.

• When: April 26 to May 3
• Where: Around Vancouver and BC Place

Tequila Expo

The Fourth Annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo (VITE) is Western Canada’s largest festival dedicated to Mexico’s number one export spirit. The festival aims to increase the presence of tequila and mezcal in Western Canada.

• When: Saturday, May 30
• Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver – 655 Burrard Street, Vanocuver

Get in shape for Summer

Try out the new parkour park in East Vancouver

The public park next to Empire Fields in East Vancouver is being built by the Vancouver Park Board and is part of the 20-year redevelopment of Hastings Park and the $10-million Plateau Park project. The park will be ready in April.

Bike ride along the seawall

Whether you rent or own, you have to do this route at least once. If you’re looking for another, be on the lookout for best biking routes in Vancouver article coming soon.

Go for a hike

The Chief is one of the more popular hikes, but there are plenty of other hikes in Metro Vancouver for you to attempt. Slap on some sunscreen, put on your shorts, grab some water and prepare to take on mother nature.

Go for a run along the entire Stanley Park seawall

There is no doubt that the seawall along Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver is the most scenic and active running route in the city, and one of the most beautiful in the world.

The run is flat for the most part, making it the perfect spot for runners of all skill levels.

• See also our list of best places to run in Vancouver

Try one of the ride cycle clubs

Ride cycle clubs are all the rage in the fitness world these days – from the logo, to the gear, to the club-like ambiance, complete with candles, it’s a whole experience. There are quite a few that have opened up in the city for you to check out.

Climb the Urban Grind 

The alternative to the Grouse Grind? Go up 593 steps to the lookout of Vancouver’s iconic Harbour Centre.

• Dates: Every Tuesday in March (24 and 31)
• Times: Enter anytime between 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Harbour Centre (access at West Hastings Street)
• Cost: $5
• Perks: FREE $5 voucher to Harbour Centre’s food court, FREE beer and a great workout that ends with incredible views.

Do the Grouse Grind

The Grouse Grind is one of those Vancouver things you have to try at least once in the summer. Attempt to beat your time or just make it to the top without stopping (unless a tourist gets in your way). The Grind will likely open in May.

Going out

Seasons Festival

The festival takes place from Friday, April 3 to Saturday, April 4, with the flagship event set to take place at the Pacific Coliseum. The event will grow to two days and feature headlining sets from Mad Decent impresario and world renowned tastemaker Diplo on Day 1 (April 3). This will be followed by the legendary Swedish progressive house producer Eric Prydz on Day 2 (April 4).

• When: Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, 2015
• Where: Pacific Coliseum at the Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver
• Tickets: To be announced. RSVP here.
• Website: www.seasonsfestival.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/seasonsfest

Get your tickets to Squamish Festival happening in the summer

The hottest ticket this summer make sure to get your tickets for this massive music festival featuring Drake, Sam Smith, Kaskade and more.

Check out the local arts scene

There are many theatre productions going on every week in the city, check out our extensive coverage in our Arts section.

Concerts galore

From small to large, we have listed some of the best concerts coming to Vancouver in our Concerts section.

Take in a concert at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

Don’t want to venture all the way into downtown Vancouver to get some excitement. The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver offers plenty of entertainment options.

World Ski & Snowboard Festival

Just an hour and a half drive from Vancouver is the annual World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler.

• When: April 10 to 19
• Where: Whistler
• Website: wssf.com

Check out one of the many escape games in and around Vancouver

The escape game phenomenon has arrived in Vancouver and there are plenty option in and around Metro Vancouver.

Women’s World Cup kicks off

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ will be held in Canada this year with nine games in Vancouver. Matches start in late Spring and carry on through early summer.

Check out Gastown’s newest club, M.I.A.

After almost a year of careful planning and design, Blueprint announced the launch of its newest nightlife project, M.I.A., located at 350 Water Street.

Around town

Catch the Cricket World Cup 2015 at local bar

We have highlighted the 5 best spots in Vancouver to check out all the Cricket World Cup action.

Go on a naked bike ride

Hundreds of cyclists will be riding nude on Saturday, June 13 for the annual Vancouver Naked Bike Ride, which will, no doubt, catch a few Vancouverites off guard.

• When: June 13
• Where: Sunset Beach

Dragon Boat Festival

The annual Dragon Boat Festival at Creekside Olympic Village brings out thousands of spectators in world class dragon boat racing.

• When: June 19 to 21
• Where: False Creek, near Olympic Village

Vancouver Theatre Sports League

Head on over to the Improv Centre at Granville Island for some laughs courtesy of Vancouver Theatre Sports League.

Book your campsite for the summer

Camp grounds around British Columbia are now open for reservation.

Outdoor enthusiasts and summer-lovers can go online or call in to make a reservation at 115 campgrounds in 99 provincial parks up to three months in advance before the summer rush begins.

Sea monsters at Vancouver Aquarium

This spring is the Canadian premiere of the groundbreaking exhibition Sea Monsters Revealed. This highly anticipated exhibition will take you on an exciting journey to discover some of the world’s most amazing sea creatures.

• When: Now until September 7
• Where: Vancouver Aquarium

Fan Expo Vancouver

Comic book and Sci-Fi fans will descend upon the Vancouver Convention Centre for the annual Fan Expo Vancouver.

• When: April 3 to 5
• Where:Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building, Hall C – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Cherry Blossom Festival

The annual renewal that takes place outside, in the canopies of our parks and avenues of our beautiful city.

• Where: All over the city
• When: April 2 to April 29, 2015

Vaisakhi Parade

Celebrate with the South Asian community in Vancouver’s Little India at the annual celebration that marks both the New Year and the anniversary of one of Sikhism’s most important events, the establishment of Khalsa in 1699.

• When: April 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Where: South Vancouver (Main Street and 50th Avenue is the epicentre)

Easter at Stanley Park a great time for kids

Easter long weekend is a perfect time to spend with the family. If Easter egg hunts and treats is your type of thing you’ll want to check out the Easter Train at Stanley Park and the egg hunt at VanDusen Gardens.

PlayDome at BC Place

Canada’s largest indoor carnival with over 45 rides and attractions is back at BC Place! Feel like you’re floating in air with the Zero Gravity ride, be spun around on the new open air cars of the Ring of Fire and be flung into oblivion on the Super Shot. Popular favorites such as 1001 nights, The Ferris Wheel and the Zipper are all back to be enjoyed.

It ends on March 22 so hurry and go before it’s gone.

Italian Day on Commercial Drive

A vibrant cultural street festival, it spans 13 blocks and shares all that is Italian in a day-long celebration with Vancouver’s diverse and multi-cultural community. Held annually on Commercial Drive (‘The Drive’), the district represents a rich history of over 50 years of Italian heritage and is synonymously recognized as Vancouver’s original ‘Little Italy‘, making it the ideal event venue.

• When: Sunday, June 14
• Where: Commercial Drive between 3rd Avenue to Parker Street

Bring out your pillows and get to fighting

On April 4, Vancouverites will descend on downtown Vancouver with a pillow in hand as they embark on a journey to the Vancouver Art Gallery (Robson Street side) for International Pillow Fight Day.

• When: Saturday, April 4 (rain or shine)
• Time: 3 to 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Vancouver Art Gallery along Robson Street

Soar above the USA with FlyOver Canada

For a limited time only, you will be able to visit the United States’ beautiful natural and urban landscapes at FlyOver Canada’s virtual flight ride experience.

• When: Daily between March 6 to April 12 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., commencing every 20 minutes.
• Where: At the Canada Place pier (999 Canada Place, Vancouver)
• Cost: Purchase tickets online and receive a discount

City of Bhangra Festival

A 10 day dance and music celebration showcasing the songs and dance from Punjab, India.

• When: May 28 to June 6
• Where: 111 West Hastings, Vancouver

Vancouver Jazz Festival

One of Vancouver’s premiere festival’s, the annual jazz festival is full of programming and is growing every year.

• When: June 19 to July 1
• Where: Various venues