Lanterns in Chinatown

The Vancouver Fire Dragon Festival is a fun day of activities and live performances as well as the chance to learn more about Chinese cultural traditions.

The Fire Dragon Festival in Downtown Vancouver

The Vancouver Fire Dragon Festival had its inaugural celebrations in 2021 (which is when most of the photos in this post were taken). The festival was initially a three-day event. Now, in 2026, it’s just a one-day event on September 19th.

The legend of the Fire Dragon originated in Hong Kong in the 19th century and the Fire Dragon Dance has become a centrepiece of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival which is one of the country’s biggest holidays. Fire Dragons constructed for the festival there are massive and take entire teams of people to maneuver.

An authentic Fire Dragon was created by those living in Vancouver’s Chinatown in the 1970s but it soon fell into disuse. It wasn’t until more recently when a dedicated Fire Dragon Festival brought out the tradition in full force in the city. At the festival you can expect to see cultural performances and free workshops.

Fire Dragon Festival Lantern Gate in Chinatown

Where and When

In 2026 the Vancouver Fire Dragon Festival takes place on Saturday, September 19th. Activities run from 2:00 to 9:00 pm at Chinatown Memorial Square, located at 135-137 Keefer Street in Vancouver.

What to Expect

There are a variety of activities and workshops to take in over the course of the day. One-hour lantern workshops run between 2:00 and 6:00 pm with artists Sunny Chiu and Gal Lee. Advanced registration for these are required and all materials are provided.

From 6:00 to 7:00 pm the Vancouver Tsung Tsin Hakka Association presents a Qilin dance demonstration and workshop. The traditional art form is based on the mythical creature with movements similar to cats and tigers. During the same 6:00 to 7:00 pm time slot, Chau Luen Athletics hosts a lion dance and workshop too. Both of these activities are open to everyone.

Concluding the September 19th activities is the Mid-Autumn Altar. Held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, it’s a way to honour ancestors and cultural differences in the community. During this time, flower petals and fruit are available as non-denominational offerings. Guests can also take home incense and mugwort.

Fire Dragon Festival Musician