Our calendar is already starting to fill up with events taking place throughout the summer – and May is no exception. We’ve done our research and shortlisted a handful we think you ought to consider adding to the mix for the month ahead. Check out the first cropping of top events taking place in Vancouver, and start planning…

2014 DOXA Documentary Film Festival
May 2nd to 11th
The DOXA Festival ventures deep into the unknown to seek out new forms of nonfiction and to discover glorious new forms of cinema caught on the wing and documented in the wild. From mountain gorillas to cartoon ponies and the men who love them, wild boars, roller derby grrrls, young agrarians, and stick insects, these documentaries capture everything in their natural habitats. With more than 90 films and 78 screenings, don’t miss it!

BC Distilled
May 10th; 6pm until 9pm
The BC Distilled at the CBC Studios, Studio One is set to go down. Sample your way around the night’s event tasting the brews courtesy of 17 local micro-distilleries; whiskey, gin and other spirits are on the docket. Tickets are $49.99 and available online.

BC Spot Prawn Festival
May 10th
This festival is back on May 10th at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t miss scoring tickets to this year’s 8th annual festival featuring cooking demonstrations by six top Vancouver chefs, live music, freshly caught spot prawns available for purchase, a popular prawn boil feast, and plenty more tasty reasons to partake in this signature evening.

GO Fest
May 16th to 19th
GO Fest is ready to celebrate the long weekend with its inaugural festival that takes place in Whistler from May 16th to 19th. This outdoor event taps into all types of entertainment and activities that’ll give you an adrenalin-rush. Check out the mountain-bike park, try your hand at Ultimate Frisbee, do some DiscGO Golf, or get wet at the Great Slush Cup.

Vancouver Craft Beer Week
May 30th to June 7th
The Craft Beer Week is back for its 5th year with this year’s event having been remixed to a hip-hop inspired theme for 2014. Catch 21 events over eight days, starting with Prevail of Swollen Members, DJ Flipout, and the Hip Hop Karaoke All Stars for the opening night festivities. Nine days of beer featuring more than 60 breweries… what’s not to like?!