April showers bring May flowers … and all sorts of fun things to see and do in Surrey. Here are ten fun and fabulous activities and events that you’re not going to want to miss!
The Comic Strippers
May 6
Bell Performing Arts Centre
A fictitious male stripper troupe (played by a cast of some of Canada’s best improvisational comedians) performs a “sexylarious” improv comedy show. They try to be sexy… it just comes out funny. Constantly grooving and gyrating in between scenes they banter with the crowd and perform their hilarious twist on improv sketches. They sing, they “dance”, and they are ready to make you laugh. Semi undressed and completely unscripted, The Comic Strippers take off their shirts and take on your suggestions to create a whole new genre of comedy. Tickets & more information.
Surrey’s Heritage Rail
May 7 – October 2
Cloverdale Station at 17630 Highway 10
Surrey’s Heritage Rail re-opens on May 7 featuring the Interurban 1304, the Connaught car, which will roll back into service on Saturday. The train, and passengers, will be serenaded by the pipes of the Surrey Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band as it leaves the Cloverdale Sation for a ride through the heart of Surrey to Sullivan Station and back. This fully restored, large Interurban rail car is now 111 years old, and the only one of its kind left. Ride along and learn about the rich and unique history of this amazing train. Then be sure to step into the past in the Discover Centre and discover Surrey’s heritage rail history on a behind-the-scenes guided tour. Tours run Saturdays & Sundays. Tickets and more information.
Mother’s Day Weekend at Glades Woodland Garden
May 7 & 8
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at The Glades Woodland Garden. Enjoy live music, a beautiful stroll through the blooms, and sit and enjoy a picnic on the south lawn overlooking the pond. During Mother’s Day weekend, the garden is bursting with colour. Rhododendrons reaching up to 6 metres tall drip with blooms and textured leaves, vibrant azaleas dazzle with their showy flowers, and a stunning collection of companion plants and heritage trees fill the garden. Purchase tickets in advance.
Cantonese Opera Extravaganza
May 7
Museum of Surrey
Spend an afternoon learning about amazing Cantonese opera. The family-friendly event will feature an exhibition of Cantonese opera costumes and props and a live performance of The Flower Princess theme song in full costume and makeup. Visitors will see a live demonstration of the Water Sleeve Dance and be invited to try on water sleeves to follow the steps. There will also be a workshop with a video presentation on Cantonese Opera Behind the Scenes. Performers will be onsite from 11am onward applying their makeup. Watch the process and tour the museum before the festivities begin at 1pm. More information.
Tea Time at the Farm
May 13, 20, 27
Historic Stewart Farmhouse
Enjoy Tea Time at the Farm and relax at the 1890s farmhouse with a pot of their exclusive Murchie’s tea blend, delectable farm-baked scones and Scottish shortbread, all served by a costumed guide. Advance reservations required.
Cloverdale Bed Races
May 19
176A Street | Downtown Cloverdale
Head to downtown Cloverdale and line the sidewalks to cheer on your favourites in the Cloverdale Bed Races. Or register a team and do the racing yourselves! This fun and colourful event has grown over the years and takes place on 176A Street in historic downtown Cloverdale. The fun starts at 6pm with a Western-themed Bike Parade, where kids show off their creations to the crowd. The main event is an elimination-style Bed Race where heats run in six categories (men, women, media and mixed) until a winner is declared. The prizes for the winners of each division are just as quirky as the race itself: the winners of the men’s race receive the coveted Bed Pan trophy; the women’s division competes for the Chamber Pot and the media division competes for the Stone Pig prize.
Surrey SPARK Stages
May 27 – 29
Surrey Arts Centre
Evolved from the Surrey International Children’s Festival, Surrey SPARK Stages kicks off a series of year-round memory-making performing arts experiences created especially for kids and families. The weekend festivities start with Light the SPARK! a dance party for the whole family, and during the weekend, the Surrey Arts Centre will be sprinkled with a magical sparkle dusting in the form of plenty of value-added activities for ticketholders to enjoy, including the Wee Studio, a special space for make-believe for little ones, Stories for the Heart, old-timey storytelling with a modern-day twist in a big blanket fort, walk through a traditional longhouse arch into the Indigenous Creation Courtyard for a celebration of Indigenous culture and art, and many other “sparkalicious” surprises! Tickets and more information.
Cloverdale Market Days
May 28
176 Street (between 56A Ave & 58 Ave)
Enjoy what Cloverdale has to offer with an outdoor family-friendly market on 176 Street in downtown Cloverdale. Explore up to 150 vendors, food trucks and three staging areas with musical talent. Korki the clown will be providing free balloon twisting. This free event is a fun way to enjoy local artisans, locally grown fruits and veggies, crafts, and support local small businesses. Hosted by the Cloverdale Arts & Entertainment Association. More details at cloverdale-ae.ca.
Take a Food Tour
Discover the flavours of the Spice Trail on a self-guided culinary adventure. With 3 delicious tours to choose from in Surrey, Chew on this Tasty Tours provides you with a treasure map (your itinerary) to discover local hidden gems. The “Big Feast Tour” (their original Spice Trail tour) treats you to a spicy adventure at four different locations – from Afghan cuisine to north, south and fusion Indian it’s a flavour sensation. The “Taste of India” tour is a three-stop tour that envelopes you in the scents and tastes of India from north to south. And, “Strip Mall Foodie Finds” will take you to places that are a little off the beaten track, but always authentic and tasty.
Learn about Exotic Animals
Urban Safari Rescue Society
1395 176 Street
Do you have a creepy-crawly enthusiast in your house? Plan a visit to the Urban Safari Rescue Society and check out their exotic and exciting animals. Not only are the animals rare and amazing, but you’ll also get to learn about preservation and conservation while you’re there. How cool is that? Urban Safari rescues and cares for exotic animals surrendered to them, as well as educates the public about animals, the natural world and conservation issues. They offer tours of their facilities, information on all the animals, and encourage people to sponsor the animals as well.