Spring is time to melt the winter from your bones and venture out into the sunshine (or brave the April showers). There are always lots of events and activities happening around Metro Vancouver to welcome the new season. Add the below to your calendar this April and beyond!

One of the largest on-going celebrations this spring is the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, from April 4th to 28th. A variety of events will be held around the city to celebrate the fragile blossoms introduced to Vancouver decades ago. Experience the Nights of Light or the Big Picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park, explore Japan at the Sakura Days Fair, or sign up for a Talk and Walk to learn all about the trees’ history in different neighbourhoods.

Surrey celebrates Earth Day on April 13th at Party for the Planet at Surrey Civic Plaza. Expect environmental workshops, a sustainable marketplace, complimentary succulents for attendees, an Adventure Zone, and lots of musical performances. It’s fun for the whole family, while honouring the planet.

Fill your home with flowers this spring. Witness the stunning tulip blooms at the Abbotsford Tulip Festival beginning April 15th. Your home and your Instagram followers will thank you.

Unleash your inner child and attend Taves Farm’s adults-only Easter Egg Hunt on April 20th in Abbotsford. Hop onto a hayride, visit the petting barn, enjoy locally-sourced bites and beverages, and hunt for eggs. The farm’s family-friendly Easterfest is on from April 19th to 22nd, when kids can join in on the fun too.

Get your taste buds ready! The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival starts on April 27th and continues until June 16th, stopping in Port Moody, Abbotsford, Langley, Maple Ridge, and other municipalities. Dine on cuisines from around the globe – pierogis, tacos, cannolis, donairs, and the list goes on. The festival is complemented by a Local Artisan Market, where you’ll find hand-crafted treasures.

Join salmon experts at Kanaka Creek Park (next to Creekside!) in Maple Ridge on April 28th, from 11am to 3pm, to release salmon fry into the creek. The Goodbye Chums event invites you to tour the hatchery and take part in activities and games for kids of all ages. If you loved this event, Salmon Send-Off on May 11th at Tynehead Park (next to Canopy!) is for you too. This Surrey event releases salmon into the Serpentine River and includes family activities and games that will support the hatchery.

Photo: West Jet Magazine, Rochelle Hepworth