The 2025 Vancouver Marathon and other things to do on the first weekend of May

Runners stand at the start line ahead of the BMO Vancouver Marathon on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

The first weekend of May brings a plethora of festivals, performances and markets to Metro Vancouver. Here are some events you may want to check out.

Vancouver Marathon

The annual BMO Vancouver Marathon is taking place – as last weekend’s Sun Run did – under the shadow of the tragedy that took 11 lives at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in South Vancouver.

Heightened security will be in place Sunday as more than 20,000 runners participate in the full, half and 8K races.

• Read more: Security barriers to be rushed in for Vancouver Marathon following festival attack

Non-runners will line the routes to cheer on those who are racing, and organizers are also hosting block parties on race day on Cambie Street, in Kitsilano, at English Bay, in Coal Harbour and at multiple locations downtown.

There’s also a free health, sports and lifestyle expo at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Friday and Saturday. Lots more information can be found on the marathon website.

DOXA begins

This weekend also marks the start of the 24th annual DOXA Documentary Film Festival, which runs from May 1 through 11 this year.

In addition to film screenings, the festival features panel discussions and educational programs at various venues around the city.

Ticket and schedule information can be found on the DOXA website.

More Than a Movie at BC Place

Kids Up Front Vancouver is hosting its annual "More Than a Movie" fundraiser this Sunday at BC Place.

The event welcomes families to participate in on-field activities, enjoy a hot dog combo and watch The Wild Robot in the home of the BC Lions and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Doors open at 11 a.m. and the movie starts at 1:30 p.m. Proceeds will help Kids Up Front Vancouver with its mission to distribute event tickets and otherwise provide access to experiences for those who face systemic barriers.

TJ Fest

Short for “Tian-Jin” – a reference to the name of the Taoist temple that organizes the event – TJ Fest is a two-day street festival in and around Avondale Park in Burnaby.

Featuring Taiwanese street food, a vendor market and stage shows, the event welcomed more than 20,000 attendees last year.

Jane’s Walk Festival

A different kind of festival is taking place around Metro Vancouver this weekend, with dozens of free, community-led walking tours and conversations inspired by American writer and urban activist Jane Jacobs.

Some walks require registration, while others can be dropped in on. A full list of walks can be found on the Jane’s Walk Vancouver website.

Junction Public Market returns

A free outdoor market that debuted last summer in Granville Square, 200 Granville St. in downtown Vancouver, is back for another season.

Junction Public Market opened Thursday and will be open daily – except Mondays – through Sept. 28, featuring a rotating cast of food and craft vendors, plus a licensed patio. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, while the patio is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ripples of Sound

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown will host “Ripples of Sound” on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Performed by the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, the show is “a celebration of both traditional and contemporary Chinese music and culture,” according to organizers.

Ticket information can be found on the Chinese Music Vancouver website.

Got Craft spring market

A curated market of more than 100 local “makers, designers and small shops” is coming to the Croatian Cultural Centre on Commercial Drive this weekend.

Got Craft’s annual spring market will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online in advance or at the door.

Art in the City

Head to the West End Community Centre on Saturday or Sunday for the annual "Art in the City" fine art market.

Artists working in various media, including painting, sculpture, photography and digital media, will be selling their work from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.