Burnaby Blooms
Burnaby’s favourite springtime celebrations returns in 2026 as the City welcomes Burnaby Blooms. Join us on Sunday, May 3 at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Deer Lake Park.
Enjoy entertainment, roving performers, eco-artist installations, an artisan market, family activities, free talks and tours, plant sales, community groups, food trucks and more!
Burnaby Blooms promotes the long-term sustainability and the ecological health of our community in a fun and creative environment. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for hours of fun at the City's favourite spring festival.
Free admission and entertainment. The event is designed to happen rain or shine.
Schedule
| Artist | Artwork |
|---|---|
| Lexi Richards | Dancing Ladies |
| Taryn Demers | Floral Spinning Lady and Sheep |
| Vicki Siu | The Fungal Bloom |
| Siobhan D' Souza/Nickie Lewis | Goddess Moon & Goddess Sun |
| Ken Lam | Reclaimed wood carving demonstrations and poetry |
| Melanie Lazelle | Urban Bloom/Coral Garden Vibrant, large-scale installations that transform public spaces into fantastical landscapes of glowing flora and marine life. Through towering inflatable flowers and curious oceanic shapes, these displays use striking colour and nighttime illumination to share vital stories about BC’s biodiversity and the health of our oceans. |
| Rachel Lytzki | Squoggleworld Experience a vibrant, oversized cardboard universe filled with chunky shapes and ball activities. This open-ended playground lets children’s imaginations run wild. Built almost entirely from recycled cardboard, it inspires families to see the magical potential of everyday materials and create their own imaginative worlds at home. |
| Still Moon Arts Society | Neighbourhood Crows: Art in Motion and Beavers Beavering Experience a unique collaboration by the artists and local community members! Watch crows come to life through immersive choreography and hand-crafted costumes. Plus, keep an eye out for mischievous, busy beavers spreading playful antics and whimsical chaos across the grounds. |
| Sylvie Roussel-Janssens | Plastic Bag Princess A cheeky reference to the famous Robert Munsh book “The Paper Bag Princess,” Plastic Bag Princess is made entirely of recycled plastic. Sculpted from recycled welded wire, plastic tarp, reusable shopping bags, coffee bags, plastic food containers and embroidered details. |
| Jami Reimer | Hum A multidisciplinary work in collaboration with Sarah Ens, Loreto Espinoza and Anna Bigland-Pritchard. Accompanied by a live electroacoustic score, the piece explores BC's vibrant Anna's hummingbird ̶ an extraordinary bird that braves the West Coast winters, while other species migrate south. |
| Joy Baker | Colour How You Feel A large-scale participatory installation where visitors contribute to a mural divided into sections labeled with feelings rather than numbers. Participants select colours intuitively to express how they feel in the moment, adding one mark to a collective artwork that visually reflects the community’s emotional landscape. The mural celebrates creativity, self-expression and collaboration, creating a joyful and engaging experience for all ages. |
| Stevan Oostenbrug | And Let the Light Fade + Dowsing for Light Set within a tent, the installation features three eco-dyed sound sculptures alongside a cordage-making activity. Exploring grief, healing and land connection, these light-sensitive works reject traditional religious dogmas. Using natural pigments and plant materials, the installation celebrates spiritual reciprocity, environmental truth, decay and regeneration. |
| Madeleine Chaffee | Petal Pumpers An interactive inflatable sculpture of a wilted, fantastical flower that blooms through communal effort. Surrounded by three hand pumps, this otherworldly plant requires passersby of all ages to work together. As participants pump, they watch the giant blossom rise, unfurl and grow in real time. |
| Jennifer Lara Rodriguez, Nishi Praveen, Monserrat Mora | Petals Encast An installation and workshop featuring open wooden cubes scattered through Deer Lake Park. Inside each rigid frame, translucent vegan bio-sheets encapsulate dried flower petals. While these cubes look random, viewing them from a specific vantage point aligns the fragments to reveal a single, native composite flower. |
| Tiffany Yang and Jane Dunne | Always Rooting for Each Other The sculptures tell a story of West Coast urban wildlife families: Douglas squirrels, raccoons, skunks and the magical world of fungi and the vital relationship nurse trees. Nurse logs fosters a very important relationship with mycorrhizae, a fungus that grows with the roots of seedlings in a symbiotic manner. Together, the installation tells a secret story of the lifecycle of the West Coast rainforest. |
| Joshua Ralph | Threaded Pluralities Sourced from Deer Lake, suspended sticks drift among ivy-woven crows, tracing their nightly commute. This installation illuminates the fleeting beauty of shared ecologies and ancient histories, honouring the delicate connections between those who call this landscape home and the wild creatures just passing through. |
Free! Register at the west lawn workshop tent.
| Workshop/Description | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Seed bomb making | 11 am–4 pm | West lawn |
| Wool felted flowers with Makemobile | 11 am–4 pm | West lawn |
| New! Join LoriAnn Bird, author of Revered Roots Ancestral Teachings and Wisdom of Wild, Edible and Medicinal Plants, in this free illustration workshop. Gather to share stories and sit with our plant relatives to create illustrations and learn about the amazing gifts that plants offer us. Paper and supplies will be provided. | Noon–1 pm | West lawn |
| New! Join Spelexílh Anjeanette Dawson, a celebrated Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) weaver and educator, for an immersive look into the ancient art of Coast Salish wool weaving. In this workshop, you’ll learn traditional techniques like two-strand twining, while hearing the powerful history of how this sacred practice was revived for future generations. | Noon–1 pm | West lawn |
Free! Register at the south plaza info tent*.
| Talks/Tours | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New! Youth Birding Walk at Deer Lake Melissa Hafting |
11 am–1 pm |
A fun, free morning walk designed for teens aged 12–18! Search for 50 spring bird species (no experience required). Dress for the weather and bring a snack—we will provide loaner binoculars! |
| New! Seek and Discover Nature Utta Gagel & Aruna Khan Cariboo Heights Preservation Society |
11:30 am–1 pm |
Take part in a nature quest to find as many species along the Deer Lake trails. Learn how to use the free Seek by iNaturalist app (available on iOS and Android) to complete your first challenge. This powerful app helps you identify plants, animals, insects and fungi, making nature exploration accessible and fun for everyone (ages 8+). Download the free Seek app to your smartphone before arriving. Distance: 3.5 km |
| Plants Across the Museum | Noon–1 pm | Explore the diverse flora of Burnaby Village Museum on a guided walk uncovering plant identification, traditional cultural uses and the site’s rich ecological history. Meet at Gate 6 by the carousel. |
| New! Learn About the Plants of Deer Lake: For Beginners Marcela J Villaca |
12:15–12:45 pm |
A fun 30-minute adventure at Deer Lake Park! Curious families and plant beginners will discover amazing local plants, learn how nature inspires art and see how plants keep our earth healthy. Explorers of all ages can even take home special plant colouring sheets to keep the fun going! Distance: 1.5 km |
| New! Bird Migration and Wetlands Tour Neill Vanhinsberg |
1–2 pm | A bird walk around the marshes and wooded areas of Deer Lake, look for spring migrants and other resident and nesting birds. Explore the close relationship between bird migration and the timing of trees and blossoms opening. Indigenous Peoples have long known the importance of wetlands and we will look into how wetland health can affect us. Distance: 3.5 km Elevation gain: 15 m Terrain: pavement, gravel paths and lakeshore boardwalk |
| Thyme to Ask | 1–2 pm | Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, join us at the Burnaby Village Museum for expert tips to inspire your next planting project. Stop by to connect with a knowledgeable gardener and get all your “green and growing” questions answered! Meet at the Love Farmhouse Gardens. |
| Indigenous Photography Walking Tour: History of Deer Lake John Priessl & Laurie Beeman |
1:45–2:45 pm | Join John and Laurie to learn about our fascinating local Indigenous history, bird and raptor hotspots, 'Hummingbird Alley', a secret garden and more at Deer Lake Park! All ages welcome, but talk will be aimed at ages 8 years to adult. Bring binoculars if you have them. Distance: 3.5 km Elevation gain: 15 m Terrain: pavement, gravel paths and lakeshore boardwalk |
| Gardening for Bats Danielle Dagenais |
2–3:45 pm | Bats are incredible creatures—essential to our environment yet often misunderstood and unfairly feared. With many local bat populations in decline, these nighttime heroes need our help more than ever. Did you know your garden can become a vital sanctuary for bats? Discover fascinating bat facts and learn how your passion for gardening can directly support these amazing animals. *Register at Tent 4. |
| Medicinal Plant Tour of Deer Lake LoriAnn Bird |
2:15–3:15 pm | Wander the shoreline and reawaken your senses with sensory samples and rediscover our timeless role as guardians of the earth. Together, reignite our responsibility to protect, nourish and live in harmony with our beautiful, interconnected living world. Distance: 3.5 km Elevation gain: 15 m Terrain: pavement, gravel paths and lakeshore boardwalk |
Free!
| Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Raku firing demonstration | 11 am–3 pm | East lawn – Kiln |
| Create a mini creature with The Wizards Makery | 11 am–4 pm | Shadbolt – Room 102 |
| Reptile rescue centre | 11 am–4 pm | Shadbolt – Room 102 |
| Felting bar with FELT a la main with LOVE | 11 am–4 pm | Shadbolt – Room 102 |
| Butoh Dance by Salome Nieto and Figure Drawing with Eleanor Hannan | 11 am–4 pm | Shadbolt – Atrium |
| Free face painting | 11 am–4 pm | West lawn |
| BAG on a BIKE | 11 am–4 pm | South lawn |
| Free photobooth | 11 am–4 pm | South lawn |
| Free Henna art | 11 am–4 pm | South lawn |
| Wooden tic tac toe | 11 am–4 pm | South plaza and lawn |
| Create a suncatcher | 11 am–4 pm | South plaza and lawn |
| Plant a seed | 11 am–4 pm | South plaza and lawn |
| Decorate a reusable cloth bag | 11 am–4 pm | South plaza and lawn |
| Make a pressed flower card | 11 am–4 pm | South plaza and lawn |
| Painted bisque-fired clay flowers | 11 am–4 pm | South plaza and lawn |
| Performer | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Baba Yaga and the Black Flower – Vancouver Puppet Theatre | 11–11:30 am | South plaza |
| The Boytles ̶ Beatles tribute | 11:45 am–12:30 pm | South plaza |
| Ventriloquist Kellie Haines | 1–1:45 pm | South plaza |
| Fusion Folk Trio featuring Ginalina | 2:15–3 pm | South plaza |
| Robin Layne and the Rhythm Makers | 3:15–4 pm | South plaza |
| Danielle and Michele | 12:30–1 pm, 1:30–2 pm, 2:30–3 pm | Roving |
| Circus Fungus | 1–1:30 pm, 2–2:30 pm, 3–3:30 pm | Roving |
| Performer | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Curran | 11–11:45 am | East plaza |
| Boris Favre and Allan Dionne | 12:30–1:30 pm | East plaza |
| Wilson Gibbons Duo | 2:30–3:15 pm | East plaza |
| Music with Mayor Hurley | 3:30–4 pm | East plaza |
| Norine Braun | 12:30–1:45 pm | Fishing Dock |
| Lache Cercel and Roma Jazz Duo | 2:30–3:15 pm | Fishing Dock |
| Girl A Girl B | 3:30–4 pm | Fishing Dock |
| Caden Knudson | 1:30–2:15 pm, 2:45–3:15 pm | Burnaby Village Museum |
Sales take place 11 am–4 pm in the east plaza and inside Shadbolt Centre.
Artisan Market takes place 11 am–4 pm in Studio 100 inside Shadbolt Centre.
Community booths are active 11 am–4 pm in the south plaza.
Questions and answers
Due to ongoing construction, parking at the Shadbolt Centre upper and underground lots will be unavailable. Public parking is limited in the vicinity. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transit, carpool, rideshare or cycle. There is also a drop-off zone located across from the Burnaby Village Museum carousel entrance on Deer Lake Ave. Please refer to our public parking map for more information.
Designated accessible parking for guests with a valid SPARC pass is available at the Shadbolt surface parking lot (space permitting).
Yes. The pathway from the accessible parking area to the main festival lawn is a minimum of 16 ft (5 m) wide, featuring flat concrete with minimal sloping.
TransLink routes (Buses #144, #110, #123 and #133) stop right outside Deer Lake Park with frequent connections to nearby SkyTrain stations. Plan your trip at translink.ca.
Yes! Free bike valet will be available on the grass surface by the Burnaby Art Gallery’s Barn (by Deer Lake Ave) for secure storage of bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and strollers. You may leave helmets and panniers attached. Standard bike racks are also available onsite; please do not lock bikes to fences or signposts.
Portable washrooms—including accessible units—and hand sanitization stations are available throughout the festival site. Accessible toilets feature flat entrances, reinforced grab bars and self-closing doors are located inside the Shadbolt Centre.
You are welcome to pack a picnic or purchase food from our onsite food truck lineup!
- Aloha Poke
- Crema Ice Cream
- Encore's Express
- Gordo's Concession
- Groovin’ Grill
- Juicy Green Express
- TNT Wraps
Yes. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles. There are two designated bottle-filling stations on site.
For medical services, please visit our first aid tent. If you misplace or find an item, please visit the Burnaby Blooms Information Tent.
This event draws a very large crowd to the park. Visitors are encouraged to leave their pets at home. Service animals with proper identification are permitted.
No, there is no smoking or vaping (including tobacco and cannabis products) permitted in Deer Lake Park. Learn more about smoke-free Burnaby.
For public safety, please leave the following items at home:
- alcohol and drugs
- glassware and knives of any kind (please prepare picnic food at home)
- tents, tarps or beach umbrellas
- barbeques, open flames or fireworks
- frisbees, sports balls and drones
- musical instruments and laser pointers
- flags, banners or signs on sticks
- weapons or offensive objects of any kind
We love our volunteers! To view current opportunities and submit an application, please visit the City of Burnaby’s volunteer portal.
If you are interested in vending at future City festivals, please email [email protected] with a list of previous event experience, photos of your setup and a menu with pricing.