Free Events & Activities in Vancouver

Free things to do in Vancouver — festivals, library events, park activities, and community happenings. No cost, all fun.

50 results found

KidsFree

Family Stay and Play

Starts in 3 hrs · Sun, Apr 5, 5:45 PM–6:15 PM UTC · Firehall Branch · Ages Up to 5

Drop in for independent playtime with your children aged 5 and under and a chance to connect with other families. Explore library books, blocks and other toys in this casual self-led session. For ages 0 – 5 years. Accessibility Information VPL is committed to making our programs accessible for all..

KidsFree

LEGO® Block Party

Starts in 3 hrs · Sun, Apr 5, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM UTC · Champlain Heights Branch

Come to the library for some LEGO ® building fun at this block party! Connect with other kids and break out the bricks for a building bonanza at the library. Adults accompanying children under 9 must stay in the library for the duration of the program. For Grades K-7. Drop-in. Accessibility...

Free

ESL Conversation Practice

Starts in 4 hrs · Sun, Apr 5, 6:30 PM–7:30 PM UTC · Fraserview Branch

Meet new friends and practice your English conversation skills with other English language learners. This is a supportive and casual meet-up. For intermediate speakers. Drop in. VPL is committed to making our programs accessible for all. If you have an access need that we have not addressed here,...

KidsFree

Family Storytime

Starts in 3 hrs · Sun, Apr 5, 6:00 PM–6:30 PM UTC · Kitsilano Branch

A program for parents and caregivers with young children. Songs, rhymes and stories are shared. Suitable for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn together. Accessibility Information • Caregivers may breast or bottle-feed babies anywhere, anytime • Participants can sit on the floor,.

Free

Twisted Poets Literary Salon

Thu, May 14, 1:00 AM–2:45 AM UTC · Britannia Branch — In Art Gallery

Experience poetry in a variety of expressions and modes at Twisted Poets Literary Salon. Featuring poetry readings and an open mic, there is something for everyone. In partnership with Pandora's Collective .

KidsFree

Travel Stories: Page and Pavement 在路上: 讀書與旅行

In 3 weeks · Tue, Apr 28, 6:00 PM–7:30 PM UTC · Central Library Branch — Montalbano Family Theatre, Level 8

Conducted in Mandarin with Cantonese support. Take a journey with us as we explore the beauty of the world both on the road and on the page. Let's share favourite travel experiences and books about the places you've been or dream of visiting. Each month, we will focus on a specific destination, but.

KidsFree

STEM Explorers

Fri, May 15, 11:00 PM–12:00 AM UTC · Kensington Branch

Connect with other kids and families over the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)! Play and experiment with the library’s STEM toys like Ozobots, Snap Circuits and Picasso Tiles. Adults accompanying children under 9 must stay in the library for the duration of the program ...

Free

Vancouver Life Salon in Chinese 溫哥華生活沙龍

In 1 week · Tue, Apr 14, 9:30 PM–11:00 PM UTC · Renfrew Branch

Welcome to Vancouver! In this salon we explore various aspects of life in Vancouver: socio-cultural, political, economic, environmental, leisure and wellness. Each month we select a theme for open discussion, creating an exclusive, diverse and respectful space for conversation and sharing. The...

Free

Opera Adventures: La Bohème

In 3 days · Thu, Apr 9, 2:00 AM–3:30 AM UTC · Central Library Branch — Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level

Why do we love to cry at the theatre? What is it about tragedy that keeps us coming back again and again? And what is it about La Bohème that serves it up on a sublimely sorrowful platter? Perhaps it’s nostalgia for something we’ve never known, the pull of a passionate love story, or maybe the...

KidsFree

Teen Art Hive

In 3 days · Wed, Apr 8, 10:30 PM–12:00 AM UTC · Hastings Branch — Meeting room · Ages 10–17

Meet other teen artists, discuss creative projects and exchange ideas at this weekly in-person meet-up. Get your creative juices flowing with art prompts, explore new media using our supplies, and learn new techniques from guest artists! For teens aged 13-18. Drop in. All supplies provided....

Free

AC Legal Services

In 6 days · Sat, Apr 11, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM UTC · South Hill Branch — Meeting Room

Need legal help? Volunteers from Amici Curiae Friends of Court are available for free, confidential appointments to help anyone complete legal paperwork. No personal advice provided. Kailangan mo ba ng legal na tulong? Tutulungan namin kayo ng aming boluntaryo makatanggap ng kumpidensyal na...

KidsFree

Babytime

In 2 days · Tue, Apr 7, 6:15 PM–6:45 PM UTC · Joe Fortes Branch — English Bay Room, West End Community Centre, 2nd Floor · Ages Up to 5

Rhymes, songs, bounces, fingerplays and stories for parents and caregivers with their babies. Recommended for newborns to approximately 18 months. Accessibility Information VPL is committed to making our programs accessible for all. If you have an access need that we have not addressed here, please.

KidsFree

Birding Workshop with the Stanley Park Ecology Society

In 4 weeks · Mon, May 4, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM UTC · Terry Salman Branch

Join us for an introduction to birding with Stanley Park Ecology Society and learn how to get started seeing birds in Vancouver! Find out where to watch birds around town and how to get connected to the local birding community.This program will include an outdoor excursion from Terry Salman branch..

KidsFree

PAWS 4 Stories

In 1 week · Mon, Apr 13, 10:30 PM–11:30 PM UTC · Mount Pleasant Branch

Children can practice read-aloud skills in 15-minute, one-on-one sessions with a therapy dog and their human companion. Parents and caregivers should be present during the program. Registration is required. Space is limited. Please phone the branch at 604.665.3962 to register. For Grades K-7....

KidsFree

Intro to Vietnamese Music: Flutes of Vietnam

In 1 week · Sat, Apr 18, 9:00 PM–10:00 PM UTC · Kensington Branch

Have you ever heard the sáo trúc or one of Khắc Chi's invented Vietnamese flutes? Come experience some of the unique wind instruments of Vietnam in the final program in our series of workshops on traditional Vietnamese music presented in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage...

KidsFree

Intro to Indian Classical Dance: Odissi with Sudhesna Mohapatra

In 3 weeks · Sat, Apr 25, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM UTC · Fraserview Branch

Have you ever experienced the history and artistry of Indian Classical Dance? Come learn about this culture of movement with the Indian Classical Music Society of Vancouver and Aṣṭa Alliance ! Our first program in this ongoing workshop series will feature the classical dance form Odissi presented...

KidsFree

STEAM Buddies: Teen Training Session

In 2 days · Tue, Apr 7, 10:45 PM–11:45 PM UTC · Hastings Branch · Ages 13–18

Be a big buddy and earn community service hours! Buddies will help kids explore a different aspect of STEAM each week using LEGO, Osmos, and Spheros. For ages 13 - 18 *Please note regular sessions begin one week after Teen Training Session. Accessibility Information VPL is committed to making our...

KidsFree

Connection to Kith and Kin

In 1 week · Tue, Apr 14, 9:30 PM–11:30 PM UTC · Britannia Branch

Knowing where we come from connects us to land and culture, and empowers us to make changes. At Connection to Kith and Kin, experts help Indigenous participants search online records for family documents. Searching can be an emotional experience. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has..

Free

Wednesday Night at the Movies: Awakenings (1990)

In 1 week · Thu, Apr 16, 12:00 AM–2:00 AM UTC · nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch — Wo Soon (Mary) Lee Chan Room

Join us for free movies on our big screen every other Wednesday evening! This week's movie : Awakenings Based on the true story of Dr. Oliver Sacks, it details his experimentation with the drug L-dopa which inspired the 'awakening' of a number of catatonic patients, some of whom had been sleeping...

Free

Community Resource Support

In 1 week · Tue, Apr 14, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM UTC · Mount Pleasant Branch

Are you looking for support with accessing resources, services, or programs related to mental and/or physical health, income and finances, housing, or legal resources? Meet one-on-one with a peer (a trained individual with lived experience) and receive free help with applications and paperwork,...

KidsFree

Coming Full Circle: History and Impacts of Residential Schools

Tue, May 26, 9:00 PM–11:00 PM UTC · West Point Grey Branch

This workshop offers an honest and compassionate exploration of the history and lasting impacts of residential schools in Canada. Together, we will review why Indigenous children were forcibly taken into these institutions, uncover what truly happened to survivors and to those who never made it...

Free

Board Games Social for Adults

In 2 days · Wed, Apr 8, 12:45 AM–2:45 AM UTC · Renfrew Branch — Meeting Room · Ages 18+

Interested in meeting other game enthusiasts in the neighbourhood? Connect with friends or make new ones over board games at the library! Bring your own, or select something from our game collection: Carcassone, CATAN, Sushi Go, Ticket to Ride and many more. Players of all levels are welcome! For...

Free

Seniors' Morning at the Movies: The Killers (1946)

In 5 days · Fri, Apr 10, 5:00 PM–7:30 PM UTC · Central Library Branch — Montalbano Family Theatre, Level 8

Calling all seniors! Do you love to watch films based on books? Come to the Library’s Montalbano Theatre to enjoy a movie with your morning coffee, meet and mingle with other seniors, and chat about classic films and the books that inspired them. Films, coffee, and book recommendations provided!...

KidsFree

Interview Skills Workshop

Thu, May 14, 10:30 PM–12:30 AM UTC · South Hill Branch — Meeting room

Gain the skills and confidence to land the job you want in this interview skills workshop. You will learn practical tips on how to make a powerful first impression, answer tough questions with ease, and showcase your strengths like a pro. In partnership with WorkBC Centre Vancouver South...

Free

Word Whips

In 1 week · Wed, Apr 15, 1:15 AM–2:45 AM UTC · Britannia Branch — Meeting Room

Take the challenge! Participants are given 15 minutes to write to a prompt and the opportunity to share their work with the group. Come see what you can whip up! Writers of all levels are welcome. In partnership with Pandora's Collective .

Free

Cut & Paste: Collage Workshop

Wed, May 27, 12:30 AM–2:00 AM UTC · Terry Salman Branch

Interested in collage crafting? This is a relaxed environment for you to dream up and create your own collage art. There will be tips, prompts and many magazines to choose from. Accessibility Information VPL is committed to making our programs accessible for all. If you have an access need that we..

KidsFree

STEAM Buddies

In 1 week · Tue, Apr 14, 10:45 PM–11:45 PM UTC · Hastings Branch · Ages 10–17

Explore the world of STEAM and take on fun challenges with a teen buddy! Each week we’ll discover a different aspect of STEAM using LEGO, Osmos, Spheros, and more. For Grades 2 - 4 Accessibility Information VPL is committed to making our programs accessible for all. Program-specific accessibility...

Free

Let's Talk Humanities: Mining, AI, and Warfare

In 1 week · Tue, Apr 14, 2:00 AM–3:00 AM UTC · Central Library Branch — Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level

The global race for critical minerals is on, and leaders across the world argue that they’re essential for the clean energy transition and our digital future. A similar race is happening with artificial intelligence (AI). But is there a darker side to critical minerals and AI that most of us are...

Free

Documentary Screening: Ice Queens

In 1 week · Thu, Apr 16, 12:30 AM–1:45 AM UTC · Kensington Branch

As part of National Canadian Film Day , join us at Kensington Branch for a special screening of the documentary Ice Queens. When hockey legend Angela James led Canada to a gold medal in the first four Women’s World Championships in the 1990s, she inspired a generation of girls to join the sport,...

KidsFree

Chalk the Walk

Thu, May 7, 10:30 PM–11:30 PM UTC · Kitsilano Branch

Visit your local branch for an outdoor sidewalk chalk extravaganza! For families of all ages and abilities. Grades K-7. Accessibility Information Takes place outdoors, weather permitting Participants are welcome to move, stim, or take breaks as needed VPL's Children's Services is working to make...

Free

Wednesday Night at the Movies: Bad Boys. Ride or Die (2024)

In 3 weeks · Thu, Apr 30, 12:00 AM–2:00 AM UTC · nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch — Wo Soon (Mary) Lee Chan Room

Join us for free movies on our big screen every other Wednesday evening! This week's movie : Bad Boys. Ride or Die. The world's favourite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami's finest are now on the run. When...

KidsFree

Board Game Design 101 with Pam Walls

In 1 week · Fri, Apr 17, 1:30 AM–3:00 AM UTC · Central Library Branch — Room 862, Level 8

Do you love board games? Have you ever wanted to make one of your own? Join us for Board Game Design 101 with Pam Walls! This hands-on workshop will include an introduction to game design principles, a Q&A, and the chance to make a board game together. Pam Walls is an award-winning, independent...

KidsFree

Toddler Storytime

In 3 days · Wed, Apr 8, 5:15 PM–5:45 PM UTC · Terry Salman Branch · Ages Up to 5

Rhymes, songs, fingerplays and simple stories for parents and caregivers with their toddlers. For ages 18 months to 3 years. Accessibility information: VPL's Children's Services is working to make our programs accessible to all Vancouver kids. If you have an access need that we have not addressed...

KidsFree

Will Preparation Basics

Tue, May 5, 8:00 PM–9:30 PM UTC · Firehall Branch

Are you interested in learning more about will preparation? In this session, we will cover the basics involved in preparing a will, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. This workshop outlines the basics of will preparation, key elements to include, and the benefits of..

Free

Eco Fashion Week Australia: Handmade for the Earth Fashion Show

Sat, May 9, 10:00 PM–12:00 AM UTC · Central Library Branch — Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level

This special event offers a captivating look at Eco Fashion Week Australia 's runways which are currently showcasing endangered Indonesian traditional heritage textiles while empowering artisan women. EFWA26's "Handmade for the Earth" is a groundbreaking initiative synergizing traditional Central...

KidsFree

Family Movie: The Lorax

In 3 weeks · Fri, Apr 24, 10:30 PM–12:00 AM UTC · Renfrew Branch

Visit the library and enjoy free, kid-friendly movies. For children and their accompanying caregivers. This week: The Lorax In a place where the brown Bar-ba-loots frisk and the Humming-Fish splash around, you will find the Lorax. The Lorax speaks for the trees, which the Once-ler is chopping down..

KidsFree

Makedo® Building Party

In 1 week · Sat, Apr 18, 9:30 PM–10:30 PM UTC · Collingwood Branch

Drop in for some free-style building fun featuring Makedo ® cardboard construction. Connect with other kids and let your imagination run wild as you build and create! Drop-in. For Grades K-7. Adults accompanying children under 9 must stay in the library for the duration of the program ....

KidsFree

Let's Talk Podcasting

In 1 week · Sat, Apr 18, 9:00 PM–10:30 PM UTC · Central Library Branch — Montalbano Family Theatre, Level 8

Are you curious about podcasting and considering starting a podcast of your own? Join this session to learn the basics of podcasting, from planning and recording to editing and sharing your podcast with the world. No registration required. Accessibility Information VPL is committed to making our...

KidsFree

Studio Saturday

In 6 days · Sat, Apr 11, 9:00 PM–10:00 PM UTC · Kerrisdale Branch

Come and be inspired by our library materials and have some hands-on fun with simple art activities. Please dress to get messy. For Grades K-7. Drop-in. Adults accompanying children under 9 must stay in the library for the duration of the program . Accessibility Information VPL is committed to...

KidsFree

Chess and Games Club

In 5 days · Fri, Apr 10, 10:30 PM–11:30 PM UTC · West Point Grey Branch

Come to the library to try a variety of chess, card and board games. Test your luck and skill against other kids. All games provided. New players welcome. Drop-in. Adults accompanying children under 9 must stay in the library for the duration of the program. Accessibility Information VPL is...

Free

Staircase Sounds: Fetele din Balkani

In 3 weeks · Sat, Apr 25, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM UTC · Central Library Branch — Grand Staircase - Level 8

Our monthly concert series Staircase Sounds continues with one of Vancouver’s most exciting trios, performing the remarkable sound of the Balkans! Fetele din Balkani is a fresh and dynamic ensemble based in Vancouver, bringing together three accomplished musicians from diverse backgrounds to...