Things to Do in Vancouver – May 2024

DOXA Documentary Film Festival
May 2 – 12
A must-attend event for documentary film enthusiasts, DOXA Documentary Film Festival brings together a curated selection of ground-breaking documentaries from local and international filmmakers, providing a platform for thought-provoking films that challenge viewers to reflect on the world around them. Highlights of the festival include panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and workshops, fostering engaging and insightful dialogue on the featured films, such as Adrianne & the Castle—this year’s opening presentation about a man who hand-built a castle for his late wife, and the mid-week gala film, nanekawâsis, the story of Cree artist George Littlechild.

Copy Machine Manifestos at Vancouver Art Gallery
May 12 – September 22
The first North American exhibition dedicated to artist ‘zines, Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines opens at Vancouver Art Gallery this month, exploring how ‘zines have played an important role since the 1970s in giving a voice to artists working outside of the mainstream. The show includes nearly 1,000 pieces produced by just under 100 artists, and also explores how ‘zines intersect with other mediums such as film, photography, collage and drawing.  

Top Drop Wine Festival
May 14 & 15
If the Vancouver International Wine Festival is too overwhelming, or you just find yourself seeking out the smaller producers, the annual Top Drop festival could well be what you’re looking for. With a main tasting room event held on two nights down at The Roundhouse in Yaletown, Top Drop brings together 40+ wineries producing terroir-driven, handcrafted wines from around the world. Among those pouring at this year’s edition are Champagne producers Bruno Paillard and Laurent Lequart, Bow & Arrow Wines from Oregon, Tiberio from Italy, and local favourites 1 Mill Road and Orofino. 

West End Farmers Market
Saturdays from May 18 through October 26
Just a block over from The Burrard, the West End Farmer’s Market is one of our favourite summer weekend stops. Each Saturday morning, around 30 vendors set up from 9 am through to 2 pm along the 1100 block of Comox Street. Whether you’re picking up coffee and pastries for breakfast on the go, the freshest fruit and veggies for a picnic, or homemade pickles and jams for gifts, you won’t want to miss this community market.