8 Events to Check Out This Victoria Day Weekend in B.C.

From parades to shows, here’s what’s happening over the May long weekend

The Victoria Day long weekend is just around the corner. Take advantage of the extra day off and head outside in the sunshine with your loved ones. If you’re looking for ideas on how to best spend your time, here are some events happening over the three-day weekend. Whether you are an art fan, looking for family fun or just hoping to spend time outdoors with good vibes, there’s something on this list for everyone. 

1. Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair

Cloverdale Rodeo

We’re starting strong with this iconic country event, back for its 18th annual run. For the first time since 2008, the Cloverdale Rodeo will span five days, running from Thursday, May 14, to Monday, May 18. Gearing up to be a great time for all the cowboys and cowgirls, the rodeo will feature a 19+ kickoff concert on Thursday night, an all-new rodeo drone show, the 78th Rodeo Parade and much more. This rodeo is B.C.’s largest and will be held across five performances from Friday to Monday, featuring 96 cowboys and cowgirls from around the world. Grab your cowboy boots and get ready to shout “yeehaw!” 

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair
Prices vary
Surrey, B.C.
Thursday, May 14 to Monday, May 18, 2026

2. 5X Festival

5X Festival

The 5X Festival by the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC) celebrates Panjabi culture through music, art and live experiences. There will be different events on each day of the festival, and you can purchase either separate tickets or an all-access pass. The all-access pass (for the 19+) includes entry to the Blockparty, Art Party and Afterparty. The Art Party brings together South Asian artists in an immersive visual storytelling experience with live music. The Blockparty is exactly what you would imagine, a celebration of Panjabi music and culture, with headliners like Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga. The Afterparty is a continuation of the Blockparty, with DJs dropping beats to dance throughout the night. 

5X Festival
Prices vary
Metro Vancouver, B.C.
Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, 2026

3. Thrifty Foods 126th Victoria Day Parade

City of Victoria

A Victoria Day staple, this parade, presented by Thrifty Foods and CHEK TV, is back for its 126th run. The parade is held in B.C.’s capital city, Victoria, and will start at 9 a.m. at the corner of Belleville and Government. The Greater Victoria Festival Society will be showcasing diverse cultures and local community partners, and proceeds from the parade will be donated to the Parkinson Wellness Group based in Victoria. 

Thrifty Foods 126th Victoria Day Parade
Free
Victoria, B.C.
Monday, May 18, 2026

4. Vancouver Art Book Fair

Photo by Dennis Ha

Support the local arts publishing community over the long weekend and check out the Vancouver Art Book Fair at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. The longest-standing art book fair of its kind, the 2026 fair will gather over 100 local and international artists, so there will be unique publications that all kinds of readers can appreciate. You can also attend a series of free workshops and panels about self-publishing, Indigenous books and creative work. Check out the full lineup of workshops and authors online.  

Vancouver Art Book Fair
Free
Vancouver, B.C.
Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, 2026

5. Vancouver All British Field Meet (ABFM)

Vancouver All British Field Meet

Immerse yourself in vehicular extravagance over the long weekend. This annual car show will feature British vehicles from 62 classes, anything from pre-war treasures to modern classics. The show is presented by Hagerty Canada and will be held at the VanDusen Botanical Garden. Enjoy classic vehicles and fresh spring blooms at the same time. Grab a bite from the local food trucks on-site and dance to the live music by Little Mountain Brass Band. 

Vancouver All British Field Meet
Prices vary
Vancouver, B.C.
Saturday, May 16, 2026

6. Bottleneck in Bloom

Dirty Laundry Winery. Photo by Best Ever Studio

Explore the florals and flavours that B.C. has to offer. Bottleneck Drive (a collection of 18 wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries in Summerland) is launching Bottleneck in Bloom to mark the official start of the touring season in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley. As the area brightens up for spring, you’re invited to experience orchards and vineyards in bloom, as well as wine tastings of the latest releases.

This tour features over a dozen members (including Haywire Winery, Summerland Heritage Cider and Dirty Laundry Winery), each offering special demonstrations or packages for the event. You can also pick up a Bottleneck in Bloom Passport and collect five stamps from participating locations for a chance to win a grand prize valued at over $1,500.

Bottleneck in Bloom
Prices vary
Summerland, B.C.
Saturday, May 16 to Monday, May 18, 2026

7. D/6 Lounge Burger Bash

Parq Vancouver

Kick off the long weekend at this downtown Vancouver lounge. D/6 is hosting a Burger Bash on Friday from 5-9 p.m. Indulge in D/6’s After Office Happy Meal special featuring a wagyu burger, triple-cooked fries and a Grey Goose martini for only $30 (regular $39). There will be a live DJ set by Kenya, social games like a giant Jenga and video games, as well as an open patio. Enjoy a lively Friday night to kick off the long weekend with high-energy beats and social vibes. Reserve your spot online.

D/6 Lounge Burger Bash
Free entry, $30 for the After Office Happy Meal
Vancouver, B.C.
Friday, May 15

8. Asian Heritage Month Business and Entrepreneur Expo

Discover Langley City

Langley City is celebrating Asian Heritage Month this weekend by hosting an Asian Heritage Month Business and Entrepreneur Expo. This family-friendly event celebrates Asian cultures and traditions, and is an excellent opportunity to learn about and connect with local Asian businesses and communities. Drop in from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, for cultural performances, story sharing, local food vendors and family-friendly activities.

Asian Heritage Month Business and Entrepreneur Expo
Free
Langley, B.C.
Saturday, May 16

Karisa Cheng

Karisa Cheng

Karisa Cheng is a storyteller with a love of all things food, lifestyle and travel. As a 2023 graduate from BCIT’s Broadcast and Online Journalism program, she brings together her background in linguistics and digital media production to share stories that (hopefully) excite and inspire. When Karisa isn’t writing, you can find her at her 9-to-5, exploring the newest cafes in Metro Vancouver, or painting at home. Follow along on her digital diaries @k.cheng on Instagram or catch up with her professional journey on LinkedIn.