10 things to do in Burnaby in May

Burnaby is filled with exciting events in May, from Mother’s Day to the European Festival and everything in between. To get you started, here are 10 things to do around the city this month.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Aaron Chapman: “Last Gang in Town”

• What: Hear local author Aaron Chapman talk about his latest book, The Last Gang in Town: The Epic Story of the Police vs The Clark Park Gang. The story follows corruption and murder in Vancouver history, and a year-long issue in 1972 between an east-side gang and Vancouver Police.
• Where: BPL Tommy Douglas Branch – 7311 Kingsway, Burnaby
• When: May 11 from 7 to 8 pm
• Cost: Free

4th Annual Mother’s Day Portrait Studio at Lougheed Town Centre

• What: The best moms deserve special treatment. Bring Mom to Lougheed Town Centre’s 4th annual Mother’s Day portrait studio to enjoy an afternoon of pampering and giveaways. Moms will glam up with hair and makeup touch ups by Chatters and The Body Shop before their photo under a beautiful greenery arch. Enjoy live music from Sophia Danai while the kids are crafting up cards for Mom. The event is by donation and all proceeds benefit the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation in support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
• Where: Lougheed Town Centre – 9855 Austin Ave, Burnaby
• When: May 13 and 14 from noon to 3pm
• Cost: By Donation

Great Salmon Send Off

• What: The annual Great Salmon Send Off creates awareness about Stoney Creek’s urban ecosystem and serves to protect it through eco-friendly practices and green alternatives. The highlight of the event is the release of salmon smolts into the creek. The event also features environmentally-themed displays and family-friendly activities.
• Where: 2740 Beaverbrook Crescent, Burnaby
• When: May 13 from 10 am to 2 pm
• Cost: Free

Burnaby Farmer’s Market

• What: Burnaby’s Farmers’ Market is the place to find locally grown conventional and organic produce, prepared foods and crafts. The market features live music every week, a used book exchange, a children’s play tent, games table and sitting area with local newspapers.
• Where: Burnaby City Hall Parking Lot – 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby
• When: Every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm until October 28
• Cost: Free

Victoria Day at Burnaby Village Museum

• What: The Burnaby Village Museum site is set in the 1920s – a place where pictures of the King George V and Queen Mary are hung in the school house, where the Union Jack flies over the site and Victoria Day is celebrated in grand style.
• Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
• When: May 22 from 11 am to 4 pm
• Admission: Free

Sales made simple by John Nieuwenburg

• What: Improve your sales skills with John Nieuwenburg, an award-winning Business Coach who has worked with hundreds of clients. Learn how to get things done using proven tools, strategies and techniques, make the shifts in mindset needed to facilitate success, and stay accountable for the results you have chosen.
• Where: G&F Financial Group – 105-4191 Hastings Street, Burnaby
• When: May 23 from 6 to 9:30 pm
• Admission: At the door, $12

Reflection Café

• What: A gathering of everyday people, looking to find inspiration, tools, and resources to help process their day to day lives. Hosted by Kudoz.
• Where: Waves Coffee – #101 7315 Edmonds Street, Burnaby
• When: May 24 from 2 to 4 pm
• Cost: Free

20th Annual European Festival

• What: A weekend of cultural and culinary delights. Every year EuroFest BC Society organizes the European Festival to highlight the best of European innovation, culture and tradition.
• Where: Swangard Stadium – 3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby
• When: May 27 to 28
• Tickets: Online, $8 for weekend pass. Children under 12 free.

Burnaby Business Showcase & Expo

• What: Open to the public and all members of the business community, this free-to-attend event is the BBOT’s single biggest networking event of the year. This event is an opportunity for local businesses of all sizes and all sectors to highlight and promote their businesses, discover new services and products in the community, and connect with hundreds of attendees.
• Where: Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Centre – 4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby
• When: May 25 from 2:30 to 6:30 pm
• Cost: Free

KidsMove session

• What: Kidsmove is a two-hour physical literacy session for ages 9 -12 that combines purposeful play with a variety of games and challenges led by experts to stimulate participants physically, cognitively and creatively. And above all, it’s fun!
• Where: Fortius Sport & Health – 3713 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby
• When: May 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
• Register: Online, Free