15 Spring Events to be Excited About in Vancouver

Now that it’s officially March, we can actually start to get excited for spring. Which means there are no more excuses for hibernating in your condo and binge-watching Netflix shows.

From concerts, to festivals, to wine tastings, there are plenty of reasons to be out and about.

So grab a jacket, and obviously your umbrella, because it’s time to get outside…

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Cats the Musical (Until March 12)
If you have yet to see this Broadway classic, we highly recommend catching it at the Jericho Arts Centre. The musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the annual gathering of Jellicle Cats, at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. It’s a true musical theatre phenomenon and it previously ran in London’s West End for 21 years and Broadway for just over 18 years.

Vancouver St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 13)
For those looking to get into the festive spirit beyond an Irish pub, check out Vancouver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will be taking place downtown and will feature award-winning pipe and drum bands, Celtic musicians, Scottish and Irish dancers, acrobats, stilt walkers, and much more.

St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) 
Put on your favourite green clothes and prepare your liver as there’s plenty of St. Patrick’s Day events taking place throughout the city. From Irish whisky tastings, to Irish Concerts and outdoor street parties, downtown is the place to celebrate.

Vancouver Urban Winery’s Sunday School Series (March 20)
Hosted by sommeliers David Stansfield and Lisa Cook, this is an interactive, fun and laid-back environment to discuss all things wine. Guests will also get to participate as judges in Sommelier Smackdown VII, where both sommeliers will share their favourite wines and the judges will determine which wine is the best.

Image: O-chateau

Vancouver International Auto Show (March 23 – 27)
This year marks the 96th annual Vancouver Auto Show. There will be plenty of car giveaways, prizes, debuts, and concept cars to check out. For those into exotic cars, make sure to check out the models from Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lotus, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley and McLaren.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (March 24 until April 17) 
In celebration of spring and the blossoming of Vancouver’s cherry trees, there will be events throughout Metro Vancouver. You can check out the Cherry Jam Concert downtown, Sakura Illumination Night in False Creek, Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Garden, and much more.

National Waffle Day (March 25) 
March 25th is hands down the most tasty day of the year, as it’s socially acceptable to eat waffles all day long. But we’re not talking about Eggos. Many top Vancouver restaurants will be serving fresh, warm waffles throughout the day. Make your way to Chambar for sweet breakfast waffles, then to Patisserie Lebeau for a more savoury lunch option. Finally, for dinner, visit Mamie Taylor’s for their signature Deep South-inspired chicken and waffles.

Seasons Festival (March 25 – 26) 
Break out your glow sticks: Seasons Festival will be bringing in the world’s top house and electronic DJs for two nights at the Pacific Coliseum. Dance the night away to tracks from Porter Robinson, Knife Party, Duke Dumont, Mat Zo and more.

CTV/Anil Sharma

Alessia Cara (March 29) 
Show a fellow Canadian some love and join Alessia Cara as she performs at the Vogue Theatre as part of her Know It All tour. Her hit song ‘Here’ was rated as the most viral song of 2015 according to Spotify.

Metric and Death Cab For Cutie (April 1) 
For a night of rock music, head to the UBC Thunderbird Sports Centre to check out the Lights on the Horizon tour featuring the Canadian rock band Metric and Death Cab For Cutie. Tickets start at $40.

Whistler World Ski and Snowboard Festival (April 8 – 17) 
One of North America’s premier winter sports events, the Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival offers 10 days of top athletes pushing the limits of their sport, free outdoor concerts, photography, film, spring skiing and of course après ski events in the heart of the Whistler village.

Vancouver Sun Run (April 17) 
Starting downtown, runners will make their way through Stanley Park, along English Bay, across the Burrard Street Bridge, and finish at BC Place Stadium. The Vancouver Sun Run is a great 10-km running race for all skill levels that offers some of the most stunning mountain and ocean views.

sun

BMO Vancouver Marathon (May 1) 
The annual BMO Marathon will be held on the first Sunday of the month and is regarded as one of the top marathon events in Canada. This event is great for all running levels as there’s a walking option, an 8-km run, as well as a half marathon, marathon relay, and of course the full marathon.

Playland at the PNE (May 7) 
Kick off the start of warmer weather at the opening of Playland. Spend the day checking out the games and event booths, sampling the mouthwatering mini donuts, and riding on the famous wooden roller coaster.

Cloverdale Rodeo (May 20 – 23)
Dust off those cowboy boots and head down to the 70th annual Cloverdale Rodeo (a huge milestone), which will feature the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in bareback riding, barrel racing, bronco riding, bull riding and mutton busting. This world famous rodeo will be taking place over the Victoria Day long weekend.

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