Documentaries, marathons and cultural festivals: Vancouver events on the first weekend of May

The starting line for the BMO Vancouver Marathon's half marathon course is seen in this photo from the marathon's website. (bmovanmarathon.com)

It’s the first weekend of May and there’s lots going on in Metro Vancouver. Here are some events you may want to check out.

DOXA Documentary Film Festival

The 25th edition of DOXA Documentary Film Festival began Thursday and continues through May 10, with more than 70 films being presented at venues around the region.

There are also industry events, filmmaker talks and galas planned throughout the 11-day festival.

The full program can be found on the DOXA website.

Vancouver marathon and expo

The BMO Vancouver Marathon will take over streets from Oakridge to UBC to the West End on Sunday. The course starts at Queen Elizabeth Park and ends downtown. Half marathon and 8K races are also planned.

Before the event, on Friday and Saturday, organizers will host a Sports, Health and Lifestyle Expo at the Vancouver Convention Centre’s east building.

Featuring fitness gear vendors, health and performance tips and “a vast array of free samples,” the expo is free and open to all, regardless of whether they’re registered to run one of Sunday’s courses.

TJ Fest Kuan-Kung Culture Days

A festival of Taiwanese culture returns to Burnaby this weekend.

Named for the Tian-Jin Temple on Smith Avenue where it takes place, TJ Fest Kuan-Kung Culture Days features a wide variety of food offerings, a vendor market, cultural exhibits, live performances and more.

The festival is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Vancouver Hong Kong Fair

In North Vancouver on Sunday, it’s Hong Kong’s turn. Organizers say the annual Vancouver Hong Kong Fair is “the biggest Hong Konger cultural celebration in Canada.”

Like TJ Fest, the Hong Kong fair will feature live performances, food and market vendors and cultural exhibitions.

The event takes place at The Shipyards in North Vancouver from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. More information can be found online.

Ships to Shore Festival

Head to Steveston’s Garry Point Park this weekend for an opportunity to see one of the world’s largest tall ships.

The Kaiwo Maru—a 361-foot-long, 182-foot-high tall ship operated as a training vessel by the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers—will be docked in the park Saturday through Monday, and a limited number of ticketholders will have the opportunity to go aboard on Saturday and Sunday.

Viewing opportunities from the shore are also available, and the City of Richmond is hosting a free festival in the park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to mark the ship’s visit. More information on the Ships to Shore Festival can be found on its website.

Burnaby Blooms

Deer Lake Park will host Burnaby Blooms on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The gathering on the park’s festival lawn celebrates spring with live entertainment, roving performers, “eco artist installations,” a market, food trucks and more.

Admission is free and a full schedule of events can be found on the City of Burnaby website.

Junction Public Market

Junction Public Market began its third season in Vancouver’s Granville Square on Thursday.

The free summer market runs Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sept. 7, with a rotating array of food and craft vendors and live performances planned.

White Rock Night Market

Friday night marks the first White Rock Night Market of the year.

The free summer market in Memorial Park on the White Rock Promenade runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will return on select Fridays throughout the summer.

Future markets are scheduled for June 5, July 17, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4.

With files from MOVE 103.5’s Leanne McLaren