Weekend events in Metro Vancouver: Sun Run, neighborhood block parties, and Richmond Night Market
Get ready city slickers, 'cause the festivities are heating up in Metro Vancouver! The last weekend of April is jam-packed with outdoor events that cater to every interest.
The Vancouver Sun Run
Lace up those running shoes and join the crowd! The 41st annual Vancouver Sun Run is upon us. Known as Canada's largest and most scenic 10-kilometer road race, it all kicks off downtown on Georgia and Thurlow streets at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Expect road closures around the course during the morning and early afternoon. In addition to the run, why not check out the Sun Run Expo at the Vancouver Convention Centre beforehand? More details can be found on their official website.
Party for the Planet
Put on your greenest gear and head to Surrey on Saturday as they celebrate Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. At Surrey Civic Plaza, you'll find live performances, environmental education, a plant sale, food trucks, and much more. Get the lowdown on the event schedule and everything else you need to know by checking out their webpage.
Lapu Lapu Day
Throw on your best Filipino attire and experience a second helping of Filipino culture! Filipino BC and Sunset on Fraser are hosting their second annual Lapu Lapu Day block party in South Vancouver on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This celebration honors Lapu Lapu — an Indigenous Visayan chieftain who fought Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and is known as the first national hero of the Philippines — with live music, food, vendors, and more along Fraser Street between John Oliver Secondary School and 49th Avenue.
Richmond Night Market
Dust off your wallets and prepare for some serious taste testing! The Richmond Night Market is back for its 25th year this summer, and this weekend marks its return! With over 500 food vendors from around the world, plus more than 100 retail booths and a zip line starting next month, make sure to grab some grub and peruse the wares. The market runs from 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Saturday, and stat holiday Sundays, and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on stat holidays and regular Sundays. General admission is $7, and the market will be open every weekend until October 13th.
Vancouver Rise at Swangard
After making a splash at B.C. Place with over 14,000 spectators, Vancouver Rise FC — the city's brand-new professional women's soccer team — is moving to their permanent home this Sunday. Vancouver Rise FC will face off against Montreal Roses FC at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Both teams started off strong in their inaugural Northern Super League matches, so this match is sure to be exciting. Kickoff is set for noon, and you can Get tickets by visiting their official website.
Credit: Content adapted from MOVE 103.5's Leanne McLaren
[1] "Canada's Largest 10k Run" information sourced from Canada Running Series
[2] Event details sourced from Tourism Vancouver and City of Vancouver events calendar
[3] Lapu Lapu Day description sourced from event listing on Eventbrite
[4] "BC's Largest Earth Day Celebration" and additional festival information sourced from Earth Day Canada and Surrey Parks and Recreation
[5] Vancouver Sun Run information source: Vancouver Sun Run
- The Vancouver Sun Run, known as Canada's largest and most scenic 10-kilometer road race, will take place downtown on Georgia and Thurlow streets at 9 a.m. on Saturday, attracting city slickers who enjoy outdoor-living and sports.
- Party for the Planet, an Earth Day event hosted in Surrey, offers a day filled with live performances, environmental education, food trucks, plant sale, and much more, catering to those interested in lifestyle and the environment.
- Lapu Lapu Day, a celebration of Filipino culture, honors Lapu Lapu — an Indigenous Visayan chieftain — with live music, food, vendors, and more along Fraser Street in South Vancouver, showcasing Filipino attire and heritage.
- The Richmond Night Market returns for its 25th year, offering a chance for food and drink lovers to taste over 500 food vendors from around the world, promoting home-and-garden wares, and indulging in entertainment.
- After early successes at B.C. Place, Vancouver Rise FC, Metro Vancouver's professional women's soccer team, will face off against Montreal Roses FC at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby on Sunday, providing sports enthusiasts with an exciting event to attend.
- Organizers of the festival in Metro Vancouver invite everyone to enjoy a jam-packed weekend of events that cater to every interest, encouraging meaningful participation in entertainment, sports, food-and-drink, and cultural experiences.
