Playland, facial hair competition and more things to do in Metro Vancouver this May long weekend

People ride the wooden roller coaster after an event marking its 65th anniversary at Playland at the Pacific National Exhibition grounds, in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)

The Victoria Day long weekend is nearly here and there’s no shortage of ways to kick off the unofficial start of summer around Metro Vancouver.

Whether you’re sticking around town or visiting for the weekend, here are some events you may want to check out.

Playland’s opening weekend

Playland is back for another season with rides, games, classic fair food and attractions for all ages. The amusement park is celebrating its opening weekend Saturday and Sunday with a rotating lineup of DJs and the return of a contest dubbed “Playland Unlocked 2.0.”

Guests are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt around the park for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a Nintendo Switch Console Bundle, Apple AirPods 4, an electric scooter, Bluetooth speakers and season passes for both Playland and the PNE.

Playland will be open Saturdays and Sundays through June 30, then Wednesday to Sunday from July 1 to Aug. 21.

More information can be found on the PNE’s website.

Vancouver Facial Hair Competition

Anyone sporting facial hair can put their beards and moustaches to the test this weekend at the 11th annual Vancouver Facial Hair Competition.

The event is set to take place Saturday afternoon at the Hero’s Welcome pub on Main Street, with competitors showing off their facial hair creations in a variety of categories, including best full beard, partial beard, styled stache and freestyle.

It’s hosted by the Vancouver Facial Hair Club, with proceeds supporting Street Thug Barbers.

For more information, check out the event listing.

Vancouver All British Field Meet car show

Classic car enthusiasts can check out the Vancouver All British Field Meet at VanDusen Botanical Garden this weekend.

The annual event features a showcase of British-built classic vehicles, where attendees can connect with fellow car lovers while exploring a variety of vintage models.

The event runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Check out the event listing for more information.

Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum exhibit

With less than a month to go until the FIFA World Cup, Science World is opening a new exhibit Friday, exploring the connection between soccer, science and technology.

The exhibit—in partnership with the province—will take visitors behind the scenes of the game through interactive displays focused on broadcasting, refereeing and innovation in soccer.

Work is also currently underway to transform Science World’s iconic dome into a massive replica of the official match ball ahead of Vancouver’s role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

BMO Day of Music presented by VSO

Live music will serenade Vancouverites this weekend as the Day of Music returns with dozens of free performances across the city.

The one-day event runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with more than 70 performances planned at multiple venues.

Cap the day off with a free concert put on by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the Orpheum at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, check out the Day of Music’s website.

May Day at the Fort

The 104th annual May Day celebration will take over the historic village of Fort Langley this long weekend, with a parade, live entertainment and a variety of family friendly activities.

The event will take place on Monday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit the May Day website for more information about the event.

For the sports fans

Those hoping to take in a ball game can head to Nat Bailey Stadium, where the Vancouver Canadians will host a series of games against the Everett Aquasox this weekend.

Soccer fans can also catch Vancouver FC in action this weekend as they take on Cavalry FC at the Langley Events Centre at 6 p.m. on Sunday.