Cherry blossoms, Easter train and more events happening in Metro Vancouver this weekend

A previous year's Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is seen in this photo from the festival's website. (richmondcherryblossomfest.ca)

The first weekend in April brings springtime events both large and small to Metro Vancouver. Here are some activities to check out.

Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is ongoing until the end of the month, with this weekend headlined by the Blossom Block Party on Saturday and the West End Pop-up on Sunday.

In Richmond, sakura enthusiasts take a different approach. The Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is a one-day event celebrating the 255 Akebono cherry trees in Steveston’s Garry Point Park, which were donated to the city by Japan’s Wakayama Prefectural Association.

The free event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features displays and demonstrations from local artisans; Japanese music, dance and drumming performances; food vendors and more.

Easter Train in Surrey

While the Stanley Park Easter Train is not running this year, the Easter train in Surrey’s Bear Creek Park begins operation this weekend.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, guests will have the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny, participate in arts, crafts and games, visit with live animals and enjoy an Easter egg hunt.

Tickets are $15 at the door. They are not sold online. While the train will be running on weekdays as well, the special Easter events are only happening this weekend, next weekend and April 18 through 21.

Cat Love Art Show

Art Spot is hosting a one-day, cat-themed art show in South Vancouver Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Cat Love Art Show” is a “huge group exhibition and sale” taking place at Jigspace, 8889 Laurel St. Organizers also promise performances and live music.

Entry is by donation and proceeds will benefit the Regional Animal Protection Society in Richmond.

Portobello West Spring Market

Head to the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in Yaletown this weekend for the Portobello West Spring Market.

Organizers say the $5 entry fee will grant access to “one-of-a-kind finds from our curated selection of 65-plus local B.C. artists, designers and producers of quality handmade family fashion, jewelry, art, home decor, skincare, pet accessories, gourmet treats, wine and spirits, and more.”

The market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Children ages 12 and under get in for free.

Vancouver Comic and Toy Show

The PNE Forum will play host to the Vancouver Comic and Toy Show this weekend, featuring “400 large tables of high end pop culture collectibles.”

Organizers say the show “has steadily grown over the past decade to become one of the largest independently run shows of its kind on the planet.”

The show is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $22 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday, with a two-day pass available for $25.

Run and Ride for Rural Medicine

Now in its 21st year, the Run and Ride for Rural Medicine is organized by medical students from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine in Vancouver, Kelowna, Prince George and Victoria.

The fundraiser collects money for Hope Air, a national charity that provides free medical flights and covers expenses for patients travelling from remote areas for medical treatment.

This year’s event is taking place on UBC’s Vancouver campus on Sunday, with additional events in Prince George and Kelowna on April 12 and Victoria on April 13. More information on ways to donate and participate can be found online.