Downtown Port Coquitlam will come alive on Saturday, May 9 as the City celebrates the 103rd annual May Days festival with a full day of free family fun, live entertainment, local culture, community activities and the annual May Day Parade.
Thousands of visitors from across Metro Vancouver are expected to take part in one of Port Coquitlam’s longest-running and most beloved community traditions. The day will feature the Kids’ Bike Race, May Day Parade, Kids Stage, May Days Market, Party in the Square, carnival rides, food trucks, beverage garden, community displays and water fountain shows in Leigh Square.
Early birds can also enjoy a pre-parade pancake breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Outlet at Leigh Square, supporting the 4th PoCo Scouts.
Key May Days Events
May Days Kids’ Bike Race: 10:00 a.m.
This high-energy, non-competitive race welcomes approximately 500 young cyclists, from beginners to experienced riders, for a fun start to parade day while promoting healthy living and family participation.VPD Motorcycle Drill Team: Before the Parade
Arrive early to catch the Vancouver Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team before the parade. This popular pre-parade performance features precision riding, formation drills and an exciting display for spectators along the parade route.May Day Parade: 11:00 a.m.
The May Day Parade will fill Shaughnessy Street with colourful floats, lively music and community spirit as local groups, organizations and performers make their way through downtown Port Coquitlam.Kids’ Stage: 12:00 p.m.
Families can enjoy entertainment and activities geared toward younger attendees, creating a playful and engaging environment in Leigh Square.May Days Market on Wilson Avenue: 12:00 p.m.
Visitors can shop local and discover unique finds from vendors at the May Days Market on Wilson Avenue.Party in the Square: 1:00 p.m.
Terry Fox Hometown Square at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre will transform into a vibrant hub of celebration with live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks, the beverage garden and carnival rides operating until 8:00 p.m.Water Fountain Shows: 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy evening shows at the new water fountain in Leigh Square.
2026 May Days Entertainment Lineup
Kids Stage in Leigh Square: 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.- Enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment at the Kids Stage, featuring young local musicians, popular music covers, circus-style performances, juggling, acrobatics and ventriloquism.
Magic Max- A group of talented young Tri-Cities musicians performing pop and rock favourites.
Magical Kingdom– A high-energy performance featuring juggling, diabolos and other acrobatic feats.
Kelly Haines Ventriloquist- A fun and engaging ventriloquist performance for children and families
Main stage at Terry Fox Hometown Square: 1:00 to 8:30 p.m. - Enjoy an afternoon and evening of live music and community celebration on the Main Stage, featuring local favourites, high-energy performances, classic hits and a welcome from Mayor and Council.
Steve Halfnights - A crowd-pleasing performer bringing live music and energy to the Main Stage.
The Matinee- A dynamic live band performing upbeat favourites and popular hits.
Canyon Riders- A high-energy country-rock band bringing classic sounds and strong stage presence.
Dear Prudence- A Beatles tribute act closing out the evening with well-loved classics.
Families can also take part in the Little Sprockets bike course, visit the Emergency Preparedness Fair and Family Quiet Zone, connect with PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives and the PoCo Arts Council, and enjoy many other activities throughout the day.
Parking, Road Closures and Detours
Significant road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect in downtown Port Coquitlam on Saturday, May 9, starting at 7:00 a.m. and lasting until 7:30 p.m. Please note that "Closed" means no vehicle access.
7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Wilson Avenue Closed – Between Mary Hill Road and Kingsway Avenue. Medical building access will be maintained.
7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Leigh Square Place east of Shaughnessy Street Closed.
7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: McAllister Avenue Closed – Between Shaughnessy Street and Donald Street.
9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: McAllister Avenue Closed – West of Shaughnessy Street to the laneway.
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Shaughnessy Street (Pitt River Road to Atkins Avenue) - Closed for parade assembly and dispersal. No street parking from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Rindall Avenue, Central Avenue, Hawthorne Avenue, Welcher Avenue, Tyner Avenue Closed for parade assembly and dispersal.
9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Shaughnessy Street, from Wilson Avenue to the underpass, Elgin Avenue, Mary Hill Road, Hawthorne Avenue to Tyner Avenue, and Wilson Avenue between Mary Hill Road and Shaughnessy Street closed during the parade.
Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes such as the Coast Meridian Overpass, Lougheed Highway, Reeve Street and Pitt River Road.
To support a safe event for participants, vendors and visitors, the City will have enhanced security measures in place, including controlled access points, additional security staff, truck blockades and portable vehicle barriers throughout the event area.
Getting to May Days
Attendees are encouraged to use transit, walk, cycle or take advantage of the free round-trip shuttle service to downtown Port Coquitlam.
A free bike park will be available at Rowland Park, 2240 Wilson Avenue. An attendant will be on site during event hours, and cyclists are asked to bring their own bike locks. Bikes and personal belongings remain the responsibility of the owner.
Shuttles will run every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from the following pick-up locations:
Minnekhada Middle School
James Park Elementary School
École Mary Hill Elementary School
Castle Park Elementary School
Shuttle buses will drop off event-goers at the parking lot of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) on Kingsway Avenue, between Kelly Avenue and Wilson Avenue. Strollers are allowed on the shuttle buses and should be folded and placed in the luggage area. Accessible shuttle buses will be available at both the north and south side pick-up locations. Please visit the website for further details: portcoquitlam.ca/mayday.
The City of Port Coquitlam extends its appreciation to the following sponsors for their generous financial contributions to the May Days celebration:
Silver Sponsor:
Radio/TV Sponsor:
Media Sponsors:
Bronze Sponsor:
Community Sponsors:
Aspira Astoria Retirement Living
In-Kind Sponsor
Full event details, including road closures and parking and shuttle information are available at portcoquitlam.ca/maydays.
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