Hong Kong Fair

The Vancouver Hong Kong Fair is a cultural celebration in North Vancouver. The event features exhibitions, market vendors, food, live entertainment and more.

In 2024 the Vancouver Hong Kong Fair is on May 5th. That’s the same weekend as Royal Canadian Circus shows in Surrey, the West Coast Wedding Show in Burnaby, and Cinco de Mayo events at various places. There are also concerts with the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, Laudate Singers and EnChor Choir at different venues in Vancouver. In the Fraser Valley there is Chilliwack Party in the Park as well as events like the Abbotsford Tulip Festival, Harrison Tulip Festival and Sweet Spring at Greendale Acres.

To learn about what else is happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see our May Calendar of Events. To learn about the Vancouver Hong Kong Fair, continue reading.

Vancouver Hong Kong Fair at the Shipyards

The Vancouver Hong Kong Fair is an annual event that’s been running since 2022. It claims to be the largest Hong Konger cultural celebration in the whole country! The fair is presented by HK House which is a community organization run by volunteers. They support Hong Kong culture while educating and bringing people together.

Last year’s fair happened at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster. This year’s fair is at a different location, at the Shipyards on the North Shore, allowing it to be an even bigger event. There are things to do both indoors and outdoors in 2024. Free festivities include cultural exhibitions, performances, games and interactive activities. There’s also a ticketed market with close to 70 stalls. The event is a wonderful place to learn about the culture of Hong Kong and taste traditional Hong Kong and other Chinese foods.

When and Where

The third annual Vancouver Hong Kong Fair takes place in 2024 on Sunday, May 5th (which is also Cinco de Mayo). Festivities run from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm.

The event is held at the Shipyards in North Vancouver. The venue is located at 125 Victory Ship Way in Lower Lonsdale. It’s at the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue just a 5-minute walk from the Lonsdale Quay Public Market and the SeaBus terminal. The Shipyards is a beautiful place by the waterfront that’s easily accessible using public transit.

TIP: Also right at the Shipyards is the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier and Reckless Shipyards. The first is a really nice hotel. If you want to make your visit to the Hong Kong Fair into a mini staycation, the Pinnacle at the Pier is a great spot to stay. Reckless Shipyards, meanwhile, is an e-bike shop. If you want to buy an e-bike, or rent a pair for the afternoon, Reckless Shipyards is a great place to do that.

Hong Kong Fair Admission Details

General admission to the Vancouver Hong Kong Fair is free. However, tickets are still required. They can be reserved online for free. When you get to the fair, you’ll need to check in and receive an entry stamp.

Meanwhile, access to the cultural market costs $3 per person. Market tickets are available online for one-hour timeslots. They can also be purchased on site, but it’s best to book your tickets in advance to guarantee entry.

What to Expect

The Vancouver Hong Kong Fair is full of things to see and do. This year’s fair is the biggest one so far. Expect to see people of all ages walking around The Shipyards. There are food vendors selling Hong Kong street snacks and meals. There are areas with storytelling and classic games like mahjong. The event also offers a photo exhibition and immersive experiences about the region’s traditions.

People can enjoy live music and other performing arts on the fair’s outdoor stage. The market will be a busy part of the event as well. It features dozens of booths by Hong Kongers selling all sorts of products. The market is a good way to support local brands and businesses.