JUNOs, cherry blossoms and other things to do in Vancouver this weekend

A previous year's Blossoms After Dark event is seen in this photo from the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival's website (Lung Liu / vcbf.ca)

Spring break is coming to a close for most B.C. students, but the final weekend before school resumes brings with it lots of opportunities for fun. Here are some events to check out in Vancouver this weekend.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

The first weekend of the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival begins Friday with Blossoms After Dark in David Lam Park. The free outdoor event is taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., inviting people to enjoy illuminated cherry blossom trees, ambient music, food and dance.

Saturday also marks the return of The Big Picnic, also in David Lam Park. This free daytime event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and features multiple stages of live entertainment, plus a variety of workshops and activities.

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival continues through April 28 and more information about upcoming events can be found on its website.

• Read more: ‘It’s just bigger and better than ever’: Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off this weekend

2025 JUNO Awards festivities

Vancouver is the host city for this year’s JUNO Awards, and while the ceremony takes place at Rogers Arena on Sunday night, events and celebrations are happening throughout the weekend.

Possibly the biggest and most visible of these is the Let’s Hear It Live JUNO Block Party, which is taking place in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery, from Thursday through Saturday.

Featuring live music, a daily “night market” with local vendors and delicious food, the free event runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Concerts, a comedy show, artist talks and more are also planned. A full schedule of the weekend’s festivities can be found on the JUNOs website.

Burning Mom

The Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of "Burning Mom" premieres Thursday night and runs through April 24.

After losing her husband, Dorothy realizes life is too short to delay your aspirations and decides to take a road trip to Burning Man.

“After all, it’s only a 21-hour drive to a weeklong culture festival and party with no plumbing in the middle of a desert — how hard can it be?” asks the description on the Arts Club website.

Spring Fling Market

Eastside Flea will host its “Spring Fling Market” at 1739 Venables St. on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Market organizers promise 6,500 square feet of vendors, flash tattoos, food and drink, a photo booth and more. Admission is $5 and more information can be found on the Eastside Flea website.

With files from MOVE 103.5’s Leanne McLaren