Richmond Night Market opening weekend and more Metro Vancouver events

The Richmond Night Market is seen from above in this photo provided by the market. (richmondnightmarket.com)

The last weekend of April has arrived and, as always, there’s lots to do in Metro Vancouver. Here are some events and activities worth checking out.

Richmond Night Market returns

The Richmond Night Market opens for the season on Friday night, with more than 500 food options, 100 retail booths and a 600-foot zipline all on offer.

The theme of this year’s market is “Little Wonder World,” a celebration of world cultures and a non-copyright-infringing nod to the very large soccer tournament Vancouver is helping to host this summer.

The night market, which organizers boast is North America’s largest, opens at 7 p.m. nightly on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays through Sept. 20. General admission is $7, with free entry for children under seven and seniors 60 and older.

Chinese garden anniversary

Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend by bringing back 1986 admission prices and operating hours.

The garden will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and accessible for only $3 on the anniversary day, which is Friday, April 24.

Celebrations will continue Saturday and Sunday, albeit at regular prices and hours. More information on the garden’s anniversary offerings—which include live performances, garden tours, raffles and more—can be found on the garden’s website.

Surrey’s Party for the Planet

Earth Day was Wednesday, but the City of Surrey will be celebrating this Saturday with its 15th Party for the Planet at Surrey Civic Plaza.

The free, family friendly event—which is billed as B.C.’s largest Earth Day celebration—includes a sustainable marketplace, a plant sale, environmental education, live performances and more.

The party starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m.

Inlet Spring Regatta

Dragon boat teams and fans will be headed to Port Moody this Saturday for the Inlet Spring Regatta, the first dragon boat competition of the season.

In addition to the 200-metre races off Rocky Point Park, the event is a festival featuring live music, food trucks, vendors and a beer garden.

An opening ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. and the event will continue until 5:30 p.m. More information can be found online.

At the theatre

A ballet, an opera and a musical celebration of Hogan’s Alley are premiering on Vancouver stages this weekend. Follow the links below for more information about each individual show.

• Ballet Vancouver presents: After the Rain & Other Works: Thursday through Saturday at Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St. in Vancouver
• Arts Club Theatre presents: Meet Me at Vie’s: A Musical Celebration of Hogan’s Alley: Thursday through May 2 at the Olympic Village Stage, 162 W. 1st. Ave. in Vancouver
• Vancouver Opera presents: La Bohème: Saturday through May 3 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St. in Vancouver.

For the sports fans

Baseball, soccer, lacrosse and hockey are all on offer in Metro Vancouver this weekend.

On Friday, Vancouver Rise FC begins its defence of its Northern Super League championship against AFC Toronto at Swanguard Stadium in Burnaby at 7 p.m. The game is a rematch of November’s inaugural NSL final, which Vancouver won 2-1.

Also on Friday, the Vancouver Warriors host the Halifax Thunderbirds at Rogers Arena at 7 p.m.

The Vancouver Canadians are also in action on Friday and through Sunday, wrapping up their series against the Tri City Dustdevils.

The Vancouver Goldeneyes will host the Minnesota Frost on Saturday at 7 p.m. in their final game of the PWHL season, which is also the team’s Pride celebration.

And finally, the league-leading Vancouver Whitecaps will host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at B.C. Place.

With files from MOVE 103.5’s Leanne McLaren