Carnaval del Sol

Carnaval del Sol is a Latin festival that features food, music and cultural activities in Vancouver. It’s one of a number of Latin-themed events in July.

In 2025 the main festival happened on July 11th, 12th and 13th. Dates for the festival in 2026 are to be confirmed.

In addition to the big Carnaval del Sol Latin festival on the weekend, there are other fun related activities on other dates in July too. This past year, for example, there was a Soccer Tournament in Vancouver (on July 12th and 13th) and the Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta in Richmond (on July 17th).

The Opening Night for Carnaval del Sol was at Jonathan Rogers Park in Vancouver on Friday, July 11th. It featured a Vallenato Concert with Alejandro Palacio. Tickets cost $25. That same evening, there was a Colombian Parranda Fiesta After Party at the Rain Ultraclub in Gastown. Tickets for it cost $35.

The main Carnaval del Sol event took place at Jonathan Rogers Park on the Saturday and Sunday of July 12th and 13th. Admission cost $15 for adults for one day or $25 for both days. VIP passes were also available for $40 or $70. Children under the age of 12 and seniors ages 65+ had free entry. The festival featured over 120 music, dance and cultural performances across 10 stages.

Visit carnavaldelsol.ca for the Latin festival’s official website.

This article contains the following information about Carnaval del Sol:

Carnaval del Sol Latin Festival

Carnaval del Sol (CSOL) is one of Vancouver’s most successful and fun events. It’s also the largest Latin festival in all of the Pacific Northwest.

At the festival there is a Main Stage where bands play and dance groups perform. There is also a Kids’ Plaza, Food Plaza, Artisans Plaza, Beer Plaza, VIP Plaza, Family Plaza, Sports Plaza, Seniors Plaza and other areas. The festival is an amazing in-person event with lots of live music, cultural performances and family-friendly fun.

Visit the official Carnaval del Sol website to learn more.

When and Where is Carnaval del Sol?

In 2025 Carnaval del Sol ran on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of July 11th, 12th and 13th. The main festivities are usually held at Jonathan Rogers Park. The venue’s address is 110 West 7th Avenue which is between Cambie and Main Street.

The opening night act, Alejandro Paclacio Concert started at 5:00 pm on the Friday. On the Saturday and Sunday the festivities began at 11:00 am.

Carnaval del Sol at Jonathan Rogers Park — CSOL at Jonathan Rogers Park

How Much Does it Cost?

Admission to the festival depends on your age, when you buy your tickets, and which tickets you buy.

Tickets for the opening night event on the Friday typically start at $25 each. Tickets for the after party on the same night cost about $35 per person.

Admission to the main festivities on the Saturday and Sunday are free for children ages 11 and under as well as for seniors ages 66 and up. General admission for everyone else costs about $15 for each day or $25 for both days when booked online.

VIP tickets for Saturday and Sunday are also available for about $40 when booked online, or $70 for both days. This type of ticket comes with the following perks:

One complementary drink
Access to the VIP Plaza which has a premium view of the Main Stage
VIP washrooms
Fast-pass line privileges

Visit carnavaldelsol.ca for full details about the Carnaval del Sol.

Opening Night on the Friday

There were two CSOL Opening Night events in 2025. Both were for adults (ages 19+) only.

The first event was Alejandro Palacio in Concert. It began at 6:00 pm at Jonathan Rogers Park. The event included a pre-show dance lesson followed by live music with Alejandro Palacio and his band. Food was available for purchase too. Click CSOL Opening Night for more details.

Later that night, there was a special Carnaval del Sol After Party at 10:30 pm. It was held at Rain Ultraclub at 66 Water Street in Vancouver. The event was a big Latin party with live music, guest performances, DJ tunes and lots of drinks.

See the carnavaldelsol.ca website for more details.

Carnaval del Sol Opening Night Party — Opening Night Party on West 7th Avenue

Plazas at Carnaval del Sol

There are around 10 different plazas at Carnaval del Sol on the Saturday and Sunday of the main event. They include Plaza del Sol, VIP Plaza, Family Plaza, Kids’ Plaza, Artisans Plaza, Seniors Plaza, Food Plaza, Beer Plaza, and more.

Plaza del Sol Main Stage (in 2025)

Over the course of the weekend expect over 100 artists to sing, dance and entertain. The Plaza del Sol Main Stage was where the festival’s main performances took place in 2025. (Note: Times and other details were subject to change.)

On Saturday, July 6th, 2025

11:30 am – Salsa Class by Salseo
12:30 pm – Caroline Zumba
2:00 pm – Andean Opening Ceremony
2:30 pm – DanceMotion
3:30 pm – Los Entangados
5:00 pm – Los Grandes
6:30 pm – Boogat
8:00 pm – Fito Blanko
9:30 pm – Wasakaka

In addition to the above, at other times there was music with TeeDJ.

Rumba Calzada at Carnaval del Sol — Rumba Calzada (in 2022)

On Sunday, July 13th, 2025

11:30 am – Salsa Class by Salseo
12:15 pm – MAARTE
3:00 pm – Lusillia
4:30 pm – Caleb Hart with Sonic Alley
6:00 pm – Tren Al Sur
7:30 pm – Benny Ibarra
9:00 pm – Sambacouver

In addition to the above, at other times there was music with TeeDJ.

Beer Plaza

This is the place to enjoy drinks from Granville Island Brewing. The venue also features food as well as music from various DJs and musicians.

The Beer Plaza is a popular place to hang out, especially in years when the weather is hot and sunny. The entertainment lineup in this area in 2025 is below. (Note: Times and other details were subject to change.)

On Saturday, July 12th, 2025

12:00 pm – Day Club (until 3:00 pm)
3:00 pm – Baila con Aby Tropical
3:30 pm – DJ Alexander (until 5:00 pm)
5:00 pm – DJ Two Monkey & Baila Con Aby Reggeaton
5:30 pm – Empanadas Illegales
6:45 pm – Foleada
8:00 pm – El Club del Despecho

On Sunday, July 13th, 2025

On the Sunday in the Beer Plaza, between 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm, the music was with DJ Jay Ville, DJ Tony Escobar, DJ Pino DJ Chava, DJ Two Monkeys, DJ EVM, DJ Nikki Kush, DJ Hera, DJ Mint and DJ Asukha, all at various times throughout the day.

Family Plaza

The Family Plaza is normally the second largest plaza of Carnaval del Sol. This is where you can see music, dancing, comedy, theatre and more. There’s usually a photo booth as well. There are colourful and engaging activities for all ages in this area every year.

The entertainment schedule for the Family Plaza from 2025 is below. (Note: Times and other details were subject to change.)

On Saturday, July 12th, 2025

12:30 pm – Casa Meshiko
2:00 pm – Collectivo Yolol
3:00 pm – Alma Raiz
3:30 pm – Roots Peruvian Folk Dance
5:30 pm – Mariachi Tabasco
6:30 pm – Cumbale from Colombia
7:15 pm – Tritone Tropical music

On Sunday, July 13th, 2025

12:00 pm – Pasion Venezuela
12:30 pm – Elegancia Cubana
2:00 pm – AmarElas
3:00 pm – Alma Raiz
3:30 pm – Brejera
5:30 pm – Matices del Sur
6:30 pm – Alegria Soy
7:15 pm – Kutapira

VIP Plaza

This is where people who buy VIP tickets get to hang out when they want. The area boasts some shade, private washrooms, complimentary refreshments, seating, and a nice view of the Big Stage.

Chiquitzin Kids’ Plaza

The Chiquitzin Kids’ Plaza features a variety of child-friendly activities. There are art workshops, puppet shows, storytelling sessions and dance lessons. In 2025 there was also a talent show for kids ages 6 to 13 years old.

Below was the schedule of activities for the Chiquitzin Kids’ Plaza in 2025. It was the same on both days.

11:00 am – Welcome: Feet & Hands that Dance to the Latin and Andean Rhythm
12:00 pm – Puppet Show
1:00 pm – The Ribbon Dance Activity
2:00 pm – Chat about the impact of music on kids
2:30 pm – The Kids Take the Stage Show!
3:00 pm – Ball tricks
4:30 pm – The Kids Take the Stage Show!
5:00 pm – Magic Show
5:30 pm – Dancing Time

Seniors Plaza

This area is designed for seniors. It has a good view of the main stage, lots of shade and refreshing drinks. There are also typically activities that appeal to older people, like Rana, Chezz, Parques and more.

The 2025 schedule for this plaza is below. It was the same on both days.

1:00 pm – Exploring Public Transport by Best
3:00 pm – Zumba for Seniors by South Granville Seniors Centre
4:00 pm – Brain Games by South Granville Seniors Centre
5:00 pm – Chair Yoga For Seniors
6:00 pm – Art & Crafts for seniors

Artisans Plaza

The Artisans Plaza is where you can find vendors selling all sorts of Latin American products. You can expect to see everything from spices and treats to jewellery and art in this section. It is a great place to discover and support local businesses.

Food Plaza

Don’t go to Carnaval del Sol with a full stomach! Go hungry so you can enjoy all the delicious Latin American foods. There were over 30 traditional dishes to try at the 2025 festival.

Other Latin American Experience Events

In addition to the main Carnaval del Sol event on the weekend of July 11th to 13th in 2025, other related activities happened in July as part of Carnaval del Sol’s larger Latin American Experience series of events.

Below is a list of some of the events that happened this past year. In past year there has also been a Flamenco, Tango & Wine Night, but not in 2025 (or at least not in July). Visit the Carnaval del Sol website for the full list of events and more information about each.

(Note: With all of these events, times and other details were subject to change.)

Soccer Tournament

(Saturday, July 12th and Sunday, July 13th, 2025)

The Mini World Cup on the Street is a fun and social 6 vs. 6 soccer tournament.

This year’s event happened at Jonathan Rogers Park at Columbia Street and West 8th Avenue in Vancouver. Friends were able to make their own teams of around nine players. Admission was $220 per team.

See the carnavaldelsol.ca website to register your team and for more details about this event.

Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta

(Sunday, July 17th, 2025)

The Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta is a full day of kid-friendly activities at Thompson Community Park which is located at 5011 Granville Avenue in Richmond. The activities typically run from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm.

Admission to the Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta is by donation. There are workshops, arts and crafts for children, face painting, and more. Entertainment includes a magic show, storytelling sessions and kids performing on stage.

Click Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta to learn more about this event.

Background to Carnaval del Sol

Carnaval del Sol is produced by Latincouver, a Latin American organization in Vancouver which brings together Latin Americans from all countries as well as Latin enthusiasts living in Canada.

The first Carnaval del Sol event was in 2009 at Vancouver’s Hellenic Community Centre and it was attended by just 500 people. For a few years since then the event has taken place on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver, and then for the last few years at Concord Pacific Place.

Today, Carnaval del Sol attracts up to 100,000 attendees each year and is one of the Lower Mainland’s largest and most vibrant festivals.

Click Latincouver for more information on the great organization behind the event, or click Carnaval del Sol for more information about the carnival.

Click Latin American Experience for information about other related events happening in the same month as Carnaval del Sol.

If you love this kind of festival, another similar event is the Caribbean Days Festival in late July, not to mention all the many other great festivals listed on Vancouver’s Best Places’ calendar of Festivals and Events.

Click Carnaval del Sol for the event’s official website.

Vancouver’s Latin Restaurants

Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city with people from all over the world including from all parts of Latin America. In fact, Metro Vancouver is home to close to 40,000 residents of Latin American and Caribbean origin, and they love their food!

Looking for some of the region’s best restaurants? Then check out Vancouver’s best Latin American and Mexican Restaurants.