The sunny days are back, temperatures are rising and May is blooming with great things to do across the city. From art tours to circus thrills and from Mother’s Day events to the return of a delicious seafood extravaganza, there are multiple reasons to get busy this month. But whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to share your experiences on social media using the #RichmondMoments hashtag!

1. HAND OVER HAND: STEVESTON STORIES OF ASIAN CANADIANS

May 1 to May 31 (10:00am to 5:00pm)
Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: adults $14.75; seniors 65+ $12.50; ages 16 and under free

In conjunction with Asian Heritage Month (check for additional events around the region), this month-long pop-up exhibit focuses on the experiences of Steveston’s Chinese and Japanese Canadians. There will also be additional weekend events as well as a May 25 screening of the documentary “Sleeping Tigers: The Asahi Baseball Story” in the Boiler House Theatre (admission $5, excluding museum entry).

Asian Heritage Month exhibit at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Don’t miss this Asian Heritage Month exhibit at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. PHOTO CREDIT: Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society.

2. STEVESTON VILLAGE PUBLIC ART WALKING TOUR

May 2 (10:30am)
Fisherman’s Memorial in Garry Point Park, 12011 Seventh Avenue, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: free (registration required)

This is the first of a series of monthly spring and summer art walks at various locations around Richmond (peruse the upcoming line-up here). Your expert guide will lead you on a colourful and entertaining stroll around the village’s artsy highlights­­––including murals, statuary installations and much more. The walk will take around 90 minutes and is aimed at participants of all ages.

City of Richmond Public Art Tour
Check out this free on-foot art tour in Steveston Village. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Public Art.

3. SHIPS TO SHORE FESTIVAL

May 2 & May 3 (10:00am to 6:00pm)
Garry Point Park, 12011 Seventh Avenue, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: free

Enjoy a maritime-themed event for the whole family. Starring the Kaiwo Maru––one of the world’s largest and most impressive tall ships––you’ll be able to view the handsome sailing vessel from the shore (onboard tickets are already sold out). There will also be a full menu of live music, cultural performances, interactive activities, food vendors and much more to dive into.

Ships to Shore Festival in Garry Point Park
Set sail for the Ships to Shore Festival in Garry Point Park. PHOTO CREDIT: City of Richmond.

4. ROYAL CANADIAN CIRCUS 

May 7 to May 10
Lansdowne Centre, 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: from $35

A few steps from Canada Line’s Lansdowne Station, duck into the big top for a thrill-tastic family-friendly show that’s brimming with excitement. Showcasing talented artists from around the world, you’ll encounter everything from the flying trapeze to high wire performers and from expert unicyclists to thunderous motorcycle riders––all introduced by your charismatic, sparkly-suited ringmaster.

The Royal Canadian Circus is returning to Lansdowne Centre
The Royal Canadian Circus is returning to Lansdowne Centre this month. PHOTO CREDIT: Royal Canadian Circus.

5. LONDON FARM PLANT SALE 

May 9 & May 10 (10:00am to 4:00pm)
6511 Dyke Road, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: free

A much-anticipated annual horticultural happening at one of Richmond’s most popular heritage attractions, you’ll find a full array of herbs, perennials, tomato plants, hanging baskets and more to peruse and purchase here. During your visit, check out the historic farmhouse, lovely gardens and antique agricultural exhibits––and don’t forget the little gift shop area with house-made jams and custom tea blends.

The spring-tastic London Farm Plant Sale is back for 2026. PHOTO CREDIT: London Farm.

6. MOTHER’S DAY EVENTS

May 9 to May 11
Various locations

There are multiple ways to celebrate May 10’s Mother’s Day in Richmond––and we have three ideas to get you started. On the big day itself, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Airport’s Globe@YVR hosts a sumptuous Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet, while the apron offers a West Coast brunch experience featuring seasonal, farm-to-table flavours. On May 11, Gateway Theatre is staging a Music for Moms Concert featuring the Richmond Youth Concert Band and the Richmond Elementary Honour Band. And on both May 9 and May 10, Country Vines Winery is offering live music plus a chance to toast your mother with some delicious libations.

Treat your mom at the Fairmont’s delicious Mother’s Day Brunch
Treat your mom at the Fairmont’s delicious Mother’s Day Brunch. PHOTO CREDIT: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Airport.
Mother’s Day concert at Richmond’s Gateway Theatre
There’s a charming Mother’s Day concert at Richmond’s Gateway Theatre. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Youth Concert Band/Richmond Elementary Honour Band.

7. STEVESTON SPOT PRAWN & SEAFOOD CELEBRATION

May 14 to June 14
Steveston Village, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: free

Celebrate B.C.’s beloved spot prawns and a wide variety of seafood treats with this month-long program. Beginning in mid-May, you’ll find spot prawn sales at Fisherman’s Wharf plus delicious dishes during the special Dine About promotion (May 16 to June 14). Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the village’s Spot Prawn Day on June 6, featuring chef demos, live entertainment and lots of family fun. Full details coming soon via our dedicated event page.

The Steveston Seafood & Spot Prawn Celebration returns this month. PHOTO CREDIT: Steveston Spot Prawns and Seafood.

8. COMEDY CARES

May 15 (7:00pm)
Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: adults from $25; youth from $20

A funny, feel-good fundraiser staged by the Richmond Improv Theatre Society in aid of the city’s Turning Point Recovery Society, expect a rib-tickling evening of spontaneous merriment from teams of top-notch, high-energy performers. A great way to support the community while also laughing like a hyena (not too loudly, please!), book your tickets now for this brilliant night out.

Comedy Cares fundraiser
Don’t miss this rib-tickling fundraiser at the Gateway Theatre. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Improv Theatre Society.

9. VANCOUVER ANIME-FEST

May 23 (10:00am to 5:00pm)
Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, 7311 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: adults $25.14; children $13.33  

A full roster of anime-centered action right in the heart of Richmond’s city centre, book ahead for access to a kaleidoscopic array of cool vendors, panel discussions, special guests, manga artist meet-and-greets and the chance to show off your very own amazing cosplay outfit in competition with others. Arrive early to make sure you don’t miss anything!

Vancouver Anime-Fest
Richmond is hosting the Vancouver Anime-Fest on May 23. PHOTO CREDIT: Vancouver Anime-Fest.

10. PUBLIC WORKS OPEN HOUSE

May 30 (11:00am to 3:00pm)
5599 Lynas Lane, Richmond, B.C.
Admission: free

Don’t miss this unique behind-the-scenes day out for the whole family. You and your kids will learn all about the city’s busy Public Works Yard, discovering hands-on displays, live music, heavy machinery, informative booths and even some tasty food trucks. It’s a great way for children to hear about essential Richmond services, from recycling to gardening to garbage collection and more.

Public Works Open House
Take your kids to this year’s Public Works Open House. PHOTO CREDIT: City of Richmond.

Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Tourism Richmond