Vancouver has all kinds of festivals and events during the year, from music festivals to free outdoor concerts to international fireworks competitions.

Events happening this time of year include the Shipyards Night Market, Pride Night at Britannia Mine, the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, Father’s Day Run/Walk for Prostate Cancer, Langley Community Day, Lynn Valley Days, Bard on the Beach, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. In June there is also Father’s Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day and so much more!

See below for details about all of the above events and hundreds more.

Vancouver Events and Festivals

Below is a list of Metro Vancouver’s best festivals and events each year.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

JUNE 2025 Festivals and Events

The following list of June events is divided into four groups. First are events on holidays and special occasions and the second list includes food, drink and cultural events. The third group features sporting events and the fourth is made up of general festivals and events. Finally, the last group is of music and performing arts-related events.

Holiday-Related Events and Special Celebrations in June

• Surrey Car Free Day – a new car free day event with vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities in Newton. (June 7, 2025)
• Father’s Day – a day for recognizing dads on the third Sunday of June (so on June 15 in 2025).
• Fraser Valley Classic Car Show – a car show in Chilliwack. (June 8, 2025)
• National Indigenous Peoples Day – celebrations include events in various places around the Lower Mainland (on or around June 21 in 2025).
• Pride Night at Britannia Mine – the copper mine museum celebrated the 2SLGBTQ+ community with Old Town, New Queens. (June 14, 2025)
• Surrey Pride Festival – multiple Pride Month celebrations including an event at Surrey Civic Plaza. (TBC)
• Indigenous People’s Month Celebrations in Fort Langley – a free First Nations-themed event at the Fort Langley Historic Site in Langley. (In mid-June.)

Food, Drink and Cultural Events in June

• ScotFestBC: The BC Highland Games – a Scottish festival at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. (June 20 & 21, 2025)
• Greek Day on Broadway – an all-day street festival on Broadway Avenue in Kitsilano. (June 22, 2025)
• Italian Day on the Drive – a celebration of everything Italian on Commercial Drive. (June 8, 2025)
• BC Cider Festival – an event full of cider samples at the Shipyards in North Vancouver. (TBC, but possibly not happening this year.)
• Pinoy Festival – a Philippine festival at Swangard Stadium. (TBC)
• Planted Expo Vancouver – a consumer trade show featuring vegan edible and lifestyle businesses at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (Not happening in 2025.)
• Scandinavian Midsummer Festival – a festival at the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby. (June 21 & 22, 2025)
• Squamish Beer Festival – a craft beer festival at the at the Loggers Sports Ground in Squamish. (June 20 & 21, 2025)
• Surrey Greek Food Festival – a small community event featuring Greek food and entertainment at 13181-96th Avenue in Surrey. (June 6-15, 2025)
• 5X Festival – a musical celebration of South Asian arts at various venues. (TBC)
• Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival – a series of events featuring music, dance and other activities showcasing Taiwanese culture on the Canada Day Long Weekend. (In late June and early July most years, but on July 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 & 26 in 2025.)
• Vancouver Turkic Festival – a free cultural event with live music and market vendors at North Vancouver’s Shipbuilders’ Square. (June 15, 2025)
• Welcoming the Sun – an event celebrating Indigenous culture at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston Village. (TBC)
• West Vancouver Community Cultural Festival – a community festival at Ambleside Park. (June 6 & 7, 2025)

Sports and Sports-Related Events in June

• 5K Foam Fest Vancouver – a non-competitive obstacle course event with bubbles and foam at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. (June 14, 2025)
• Longest Day Road Race – a running event at UBC that raises money for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. (June 13, 2025)
• Rotary Ride for Rescue – a fundraising event benefiting North Shore Rescue where people ride their bikes up Cypress Mountain. (June 14, 2025)
• GearUp4CF – a fundraising cycling event between Surrey and Abbotsford in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. (June 21, 2025)
• Vancouver Half Marathon – a 21-km run from UBC to Stanley Park. (June 22, 2025)
• Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat races in False Creek. (June 20 to 22, 2025)
• Go By Bike Week – a week where people are encouraged to commute by bicycle. (May 31 to June 6, 2025)
• Seek the Peak – an annual running race from Ambleside Park to the top of Grouse Mountain and back down. (June 14, 2025)
• Father’s Day Run/Walk for Prostate Cancer – a fundraising event at Burnaby Lake Park. (June 15, 2025)
• Canada Cup – Surrey hosts the Canadian International Softball Championships at various venues. (In some years it starts in June. In 2025, however, it runs from July 4 to 13.)

General Festivals and Events in June

• BC Provincial Mine Rescue & First Aid Competition – a competition that’s free for the general public to see at Britannia Mine Museum. (June 6 & 7, 2025)
• The Big Bounce Canada – an event in Vancouver with massive inflatables including bouncy castles and obstacle courses. (June 28 to July 6, 2025)
• Cloverdale Market Days – an outdoor market in Surrey that runs once a month from late spring until early fall. (June 21, 2025)
• Doors Open Richmond – art studios, farms, historic sites and other places in Richmond host free open houses for a couple of days in the spring. (June 7 & 8, 2025)
• Fair in the Square – a community event featuring free food and entertainment at Victory Square in Vancouver. (June 8, 2025)
• Foodstock – a festival benefiting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and featuring live music, local beers and food vendors in Burnaby. (Not happening this year.)
• Hats off Day – a street festival and parade in Burnaby on the first Saturday of the month. (June 7, 2025)
• Langley Community Day – an event with food trucks, artisan vendors and family-friendly activities at Douglas Park. (June 14, 2025)
• Lynn Valley Days – a community festival in the Lynn Valley district of North Vancouver. (June 21, 2025)
• North Delta Family Day – a community festival and parade in Delta. (TBC)
• Old Car Sunday in the Park – a free car show at Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission. (June 15, 2025)
• Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – a market featuring vintage, antique and collectible goods. (May 31 & June 1, 2025)
• Pitt Meadows Day – a family-friendly event with a parade, live music and artisan vendors. (June 7, 2025)
• Playland – amusement rides and midway games at the PNE fairgrounds. (From June until the start of the PNE Fair in August.)
• Sasquatch Days – a small festival in Harrison Hot Springs with war canoe races, First Nations cultural performances and a salmon BBQ. (June 28 & 29, 2025)
• Strathcona Blocks Party – a street festival in Vancouver featuring local vendors, a beer garden and family-friendly games and activities. (June 14, 2025)
• Surrey Fest Downtown – a community festival with live entertainment at Surrey’s Holland Park. (In mid-June)
• Teddy Bear Picnic & Parade – a family-friendly event at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park. (Not happening in 2025.)
• Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a fun festival for kids at Granville Island. (From late May to early June.)
• Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo – an event in New Westminster for fans of retro games. There are gaming stations, vendor booths, video game tournaments and more. (June 14, 2025)
• Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – a market featuring vintage, antique and collectible goods at Tradex in Abbotsford. (TBC)
• Granville Island Block Party – a free Public Disco event with music, market vendors and other family-friendly activities. (TBC)

Art & Performing Arts Events in June

• Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival at Vanier Park. (From June until September.)
• Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings (when it’s sunny).
• Cirque du Soleil – the Canadian circus company presents Crystal on ice at the Pacific Coliseum. (June 4 to 8, 2025)
• Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival – a music festival on the Sunshine Coast. (June 7 to 15, 2025)
• 5X Festival – a series of internationally-focused events centred around the dance and music of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. (TBC)
• Silent Movie Mondays – Vancouver Civic Theatres presents a screening of The Gold Rush with live music at the Orpheum Theatre. (June 2, 2025.)
• Pender Harbour Blues Festival – a music festival on the Sunshine Coast. (June 6 to 8, 2025)
• Talking Stick Festival – an Indigenous performing arts festival. (TBC)
• Prisma Festival – a music festival in Powell River on the Sunshine Coast. (June 16 to 28, 2025)
• Vancouver International Jazz Festival – a music festival with concerts at various venues. (June 20 to July 1, 2025)
• West of Main Art Walk – an art exhibition and tour of artists’ studios at various venues in Vancouver. (May 31 & June 1, 2025)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s June Calendar or, for a visual look at the Lower Mainland this time of year, click Vancouver in June Video.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

JULY 2025 Festivals and Events

The following list is divided into six categories. The first category includes holiday-related festivities as well as cultural events. The second list features music festivals and the third group of events fall under the performing arts category. Sporting events make up the fourth category and food & drink-related events are in the fifth. The last list features other general events.

Holidays and Cultural Festivals in July

• Bastille Day – a festival celebrating the beginning of the French Revolution at the Shipyards in North Vancouver. (Around July 14th in 2025.)
• Canada Day Festivities – held on July 1st every year at various locations throughout the region, including in downtown Vancouver at Canada Place, in Cloverdale in Surrey, in Richmond at the Steveston Salmon Festival, and at the Canada Day at the Shipyards festivities in North Vancouver (on July 1, 2025).
• Caribbean Days Festival – a festival in Coquitlam put on by the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC. (In late July.)
• Carnaval del Sol – a large Latin American festival in Vancouver. (In early July.)
• European Festival – a festival celebrating European culture. In 2024 it happens as EuroFest at Country Fest in Maple Ridge. (In late July.)
• Fiji Festival – a free cultural celebration at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium. (TBC)
• Golden Spike Days – a multi-day community festival in Port Moody on the Canada Day Long Weekend. (On the Canada Day Long Weekend.)
• Indian Summer Festival – a multi-arts festival featuring South Asian, Canadian and Indigenous artists. (In mid-July.)
• Philippine Days – a cultural festival hosted by the local Filipino community in North Vancouver. (In early July.)
• Squamish Nation Youth Pow Wow – a First Nations powwow and cultural celebration on the North Shore. (In mid-July.)
• Surrey Fusion Festival – a celebration of food, music and culture at Holland Park. (In mid to late July.)
• Surrey Latin Festival – an event with Latin American food, music and cultural activities in Surrey. (In mid-July.)
• Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival – a series of events featuring music, dance and other activities showcasing Taiwanese culture on the Canada Day Long Weekend and early July. (From late June until early July.)
• Vancouver Chinatown Festival – a small cultural festival in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (In mid-July.)
• Whey-ah-Wichen Canoe Festival – an Indigenous canoe racing event hosted by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation at Cates Park. (July 4 to 6, 2025)

Music Festivals and Events in July

• Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings.
• Flamenco, Tango and Wine Night – a dance-themed event featuring Latin and Spanish dances as part of the Carnaval del Sol Latin festival. (In mid-July.)
• Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival – an arts and music festival in Fort Langley. (In late July.)
• FVDED in the Park – a music festival featuring Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic and Rap music artists at Holland Park in Surrey. (In early July.)
• Khatsahlano Street Party – a street festival on West 4th Avenue. (In early July.)
• Symphony at Sunset – a free concert at Sunset Beach hosted by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. (In early July.)
• Mission Folk Music Festival – a music festival in Mission. (In late July.)
• Music on the Wharf – outdoor summer concerts on the Port Haney Wharf. (On various dates.)
• Opera in the Park – a free concert at Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park featuring the Vancouver Opera. (In mid-July.)
• The Cup – a fancy horse racing event at Hastings Racecourse. (TBC)
• Public Disco x SLAB Party – an adults-only event with music and open artist studios at Vancouver’s City Centre Artist Lodge. (TBC)
• Red Truck Concert Series – multiple concerts at Red Truck Brewery at 295 East 1st Avenue in Vancouver. (July 19, 2025)
• Sounds of Summer Music Series – FREE outdoor concerts in different Surrey parks. (On Wednesday evenings.)
• Squamish Constellation Festival – a large music festival in Squamish. (TBC)
• Symphony in the Park – a free performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby. (In mid-July.)
• TD Uptown Live Street Party – an Indie music festival in New Westminster. (In late July.)
• Vancouver Summer Festival – a series of classical concerts and movies. (From late July to early August.)
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival – a major folk music festival. It takes place at Jericho Beach. (In mid-July.)
  
• Vancouver International Jazz Festival – a major music festival with both free and ticketed events from late June until the first weekend in July. (From late June until the first weekend in July.)

Art and Performing Arts Events in July

• Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival featuring Twelfth Night and other plays. (From June until September.)
• Art Downtown – an event where local artists create, display and sell their art in downtown Vancouver. (July 17, 2025)
• Bard Fireworks Nights – Shakespearean plays, a BBQ dinner, live entertainment and fireworks at Bard on the Beach during the Celebration of Light fireworks competition. (July 19 & 26, 2025)
• Harrison Festival of the Arts – a festival featuring an art market and performing arts performances in Harrison Hot Springs. (In mid-July.)
• Steveston Grand Prix of Art – a painting challenge and exhibition with market vendors, live music and more in Richmond. (Not happening in 2025.)
• Theatre Under the Stars – a pair of musical theatre productions show at the outdoor theatre in Stanley Park. (In July and August.)
• Talking Stick Festival – an Indigenous performing arts festival. (TBC)

Sporting Events in July

• Gastown Grand Prix – a cycling race in the heart of the old town. (In early to mid-July.)
• Rotary Ride for Hearing – a cycling event that raises funds to help people who are deaf and hard of hearing. (In early July.)
• Canada Cup – Surrey hosts the Canadian International Softball Championships at various venues. (In late June and early July.)
• World Naked Bike Ride – a cycling event where participants ride in the nude around downtown Vancouver in protest of car culture and the oil industry. (In early July.)
• Tour de Concord – a bike festival with cycling races, live music, food trucks and other activities at Concord Pacific Place. (In early July.)
• FIFA World Cup – Vancouver hosts a number of games during the World Cup soccer tournament (but not until July 2026).

Food and Drink Events in July

• Brewery and the Beast – an outdoor food and drinks festival at Concord Pacific Place. (July 27, 2025)
• Chilliwack Ribfest – a community event featuring rib vendors, food trucks and live entertainment in Chilliwack. (July 25-27, 2025)
• Port Moody Ribfest – a 3-day event in Port Moody with BBQ rib competitions and live music on the second-to-last weekend in July. (July 18-20, 2025)
• Greek Summerfest – a festival celebrating Greek food, culture and music at St. Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church at 4641 Boundary Road. (In mid-July.)
• Vancouver Craft Beer Festival – a craft beer event with live music at the PNE Fairgrounds. (In early July.)
• Punchbowl Festival – drinks, tacos and music at the PNE Forum. (In late July.)

Other Events and Festivals in July

• Abbotsford Agrifair – an agricultural fair at Exhibition Park in Abbotsford. (On the BC Day Long Weekend.)
• Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival – a large flower display at Lakeland Flowers. (TBC)
• Aldergrove Fair Days – midway games, live music and other family-friendly activities in Aldergrove. (In mid-July.)
• Big Bounce Canada – an event in Vancouver with massive inflatables including bouncy castles and obstacle courses. (June 28 to July 6, 2025)
• Boundary Bay Airshow – a free event at the Boundary Bay Airport in Delta. (In mid-July.)
• Celebration of Light – a fireworks competition in English Bay. (On the last two Saturdays and last Wednesday before BC Day.)
• Cloverdale Market Days – an outdoor market in Surrey that runs once a month from late spring until early fall. (July 26, 2025)
• Golden Spike Days – a community festival in Port Moody. (On the Canada Day Long Weekend.)
• Chilliwack Pride Festival – an LGBTQ+ event in downtown Chilliwack. (In August some years, but sometimes in July, with 2025 details to be confirmed.)
• Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Country Fest – a community festival in Maple Ridge. (In late July.)
• New West Car Free Day – a pedestrian-only event with live music and family-friendly activities along Columbia Street. (TBC)
• On Your Block Festival – an event with music, food trucks and family-friendly activities in New Westminster. (TBC)
• Osprey Festival – an event celebrating nature and the life of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Chief Dan George in North Vancouver. (TBC)
• Playland – amusement rides and midway games at the PNE. (On various dates in early and mid-July.)
• Steveston Salmon Festival – a Canada Day event in Richmond’s Steveston Village.
• Vancouver Pride Festival – a parade and multiple other activities celebrating Vancouver’s LGBTTQ community. (From late July to early August.)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s July Calendar.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

AUGUST 2025 Festivals and Events

The following August festivals and events are grouped into seven categories, including BC Day long weekend events (in the beginning of the month), music-related festivals, Pride events, sports-related events and cultural festivals. The remaining categories are general festivals & events and food-centric events.

Holiday Weekend Events in August

• BC Day – a statutory holiday on the first Monday in August (so August 4th in 2025).
• Brigade Days at Fort Langley – three days of celebrations featuring folk in period costume over the BC Day Long Weekend (on August 2 to 4 in 2025).
• Tsawwassen Sun Festival – a softball tournament over the BC Day Long Weekend that includes a parade and antique car show on the Holiday Monday in Tsawwassen. (August 2 to 4, 2025.)
• Powell Street Festival – a two-day festival celebrating Japanese-Canadian culture in downtown Vancouver on the BC Day Long Weekend. (August 2 & 3, 2025.)
• Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival – a 2-day music and cultural festival at the Maple Ridge Fairgrounds on the BC Day Long Weekend. (August 2 & 3, 2025.)
• Pride Block Party – an adults-only Pride celebration by Public Disco with dance music, food trucks and more in Vancouver. (TBC)
• Chilliwack Corn Festival – sweet corn dishes, live music and corn-related activities at Greendale Acres. (In early August, but TBC for 2025.)
• Vancouver Street Dance Festival – a big dance competition in Vancouver that also features workshops. (Not happening in 2025, nor likely in future years either.)

Music, Art & Performing Arts-Related Events in August

• Ambleside Music Festival – a rock festival at West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park. (TBC)
• Art Downtown – an event where local artists create, display and sell their art in downtown Vancouver. (August 7 & 14, 2025)
• Arts Alive Festival – a community arts festival in Langley in mid-August. (TBC)
• Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival featuring Twelfth Night and other plays. (From mid-June until mid to late September.)
• Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings when it’s sunny.
• Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival – a music festival at Deer Lake in Burnaby. (In mid-August.)
• Chilliwack Mural Festival – murals and mural-related activities in downtown Chilliwack. (In mid-August.)
• Harmony Arts Festival – a free multi-day event with live music, outdoor movies and art in West Vancouver. (August 1 to 10, 2025.)
• Monsoon Arts Festival – an Indian-themed music and arts festival in Vancouver and Surrey. (In mid-August, but TBC for 2025.)
• Monstercat Compound – a block party with live music, art and video games in Vancouver. (Sometimes in late August, but TBC for 2025.)
• Music on Main Summer Concerts – a series of free concerts at Mount Pleasant Park. (TBC)
• Music on the Wharf – outdoor summer concerts on the Port Haney Wharf. (TBC)
• Rogue Fest – 3-day outdoor music festival on the Sunshine Coast. (TBC)
• Salmon Sessions Salmon Festival – a fundraising event to raise money for a local fish hatchery at Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club in Surrey. (In late August.)
• Sounds of Summer Music Series – free outdoor concerts in different Surrey parks on Wednesday evenings.
• Symphony in the Park – a free live music at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford. (In mid-August.)
• Theatre Under the Stars – a pair of musical theatre productions show at the outdoor theatre in Stanley Park. (From early July until late August.)
• Vancouver Summer Festival – a series of classical concerts at a number of different venues in Vancouver. (From late July until early August.)
• Vancouver Mural Festival – an art festival that usually includes the Mount Pleasant Street Party. (Not happening in 2025, or future years either.)

Vancouver Pride Events in August

• Happyland – an evening event with an LGBTQ+ theme at Playland with live entertainment and amusement rides. (In early August.)
• Vancouver Pride Festival – a parade and multiple other activities celebrating Vancouver’s LGBTTQ community. (From late July until early August.)
• VanPrideFest – a free event celebrating the LGBTQIA2+ community at Concord Community Park. (In early August.)
• Vancouver Pride Parade – a major parade celebrating LGBTQ+ community. (August 3, 2025.)
• Really Gay History Tours – walking tours that explore Vancouver’s West End and the city’s 2SLGBTQIA+ history. (On various days in the month including most Sundays.)
• Chilliwack Pride Festival – an LGBTQ+ event in downtown Chilliwack. (TBC)
• New West Pride Week – a series of events including a street party celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in New Westminster. (In mid-August.)

Sports-Related Events in August

• Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival – a parade, bed races, ax-throwing contests and other logger competitions in Squamish. (On the BC Day long weekend, so likely on July 31st to August 3 in 2025.)
• KitsFest – a sports festival on the beach at Kitsilano featuring yoga, tennis, volleyball, water polo, basketball and other sports, as well as lots of DJ music. (In mid-August.)
• Steveston Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat racing in Steveston Village. (In late August.)
• Tour de Cure – a cycling fundraiser supporting the BC Cancer Foundation. (In late August.)

Cultural Festivals and Events in August

• African Descent Festival – a multicultural event celebrating African music, food and culture in Vancouver. (In mid-August.)
• Light Up Chinatown Festival – a celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in Vancouver with free and family-friendly activities. (In late August.)
• Korean Cultural Heritage Festival – a free festival celebrating Korean food, music and culture at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. (In early August.)
• Philippine Days – a cultural festival hosted by the local Filipino community in Burnaby. (In late August.)
• Colombian Independence Picnic – a small free community festival in Central Park in Burnaby. (In mid-August.)
• World of Love Multicultural Carnival – a free festival at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. (In late August.)

General Festivals & Events in August

• Abbotsford Airshow – Western Canada’s largest airshow. (Likely on August 8 to 10 in 2025.)
• Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival – a large flower display at Lakeland Flowers. (TBC)
• Brewhalla Festival New Westminster – an event with beer and live music at Queens Park. (Not happening in 2025.)
• Chilliwack Corn Maze – a world-famous corn maze with family-friendly activities at Greendale Acres. (On various dates between August and October.)
• Cloverdale Market Days – an outdoor market in Surrey that runs once a month from late spring until early fall. (August 23, 2025)
• The Chilliwack Fair and Rodeo – an annual fair and rodeo in Chilliwack. (In mid-August.)
• Chilliwack Flight Fest – a free airshow at the Chilliwack Airport. (In mid-August.)
• Cruise the Shore – a charity event that features plenty of vintage cars to check out. (August 23 & 24, 2025.)
• Elevate Fashion Festival – a one-day event with designers, models, music and more hosted by the Vancouver Independent Fashion Flair at a hotel in Vancouver. (In mid-August.)
• Summer Music & Fireworks Festival – formerly called the Farewell to Summer Fireworks Festival, this is a free community event with market vendors, live entertainment and fireworks in New Westminster. (August 23, 2025)
• Granville Street Block Party – a free event with live music, market vendors and more in the street near Robson Square. (In late August.)
• Harrison Sunflower Festival – thousands of sunflowers and dahlias at a farm in Agassiz. (TBC)
• Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – Vancouver’s annual fair with concerts, amusement rides, and family-friendly entertainment. (From August 16 to September 1, 2025.)
• Pet-a-Palooza – a free “Day of the Dog” street party in Yaletown. (In late August.)
• Playland – amusement rides and midway games at the PNE fairgrounds. (Until August 15 in 2025.)
• Pleasant Day Festival – a new street festival on Main Street with music, food trucks and other entertainment. (August 9, 2025.)
• Poco Car Show – a free community event featuring over 200 classic vehicles in downtown Port Coquitlam. (In mid-August.)
• Port Moody Car Free Day – a community street party in Port Moody. (In mid-August.)
• Pride on the Pier – an LGBTQ+ event at the Shipyards in North Vancouver. (TBC)
• Richmond Maritime Festival – a festival in Steveston Village. (In late August.)
• Richmond Sunflower Festival – at Richmond Country Farms in August and September. (TBC)
• Squamish Arts Festival – a multi-day event with art, music, and performing arts shows in Squamish. (TBC)
• Sunset Cinema – free outdoor movies outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (Once a week in August.)
• White Rock Sea Festival – a parade, fireworks and family-friendly activities (August 1-3, 2025.)

Food and Drink-Related Events in August

• Brewhalla Port Moody – an event featuring craft beer and live music in Port Moody. (Not happening in 2025.)
• Clover Valley Beer Festival – at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey. (TBC, but not likely happening in 2025.)
• Dîner en Blanc – the 11th annual outdoor dinner where thousands of participants dress in white and bring their own chairs, table, food, cutlery and dishware. (TBC)
• Dished Food Truck Fest – a Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival event outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. (TBC)
• BC Dumpling Festival – a food-themed festival that includes live entertainment and cultural activities in Coquitlam. (In mid-August.)
• Ribfest Langley – a BBQ rib and live entertainment event hosted by area Rotary clubs at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley. (In mid-August.)
• Shipyards Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden on Friday evenings in North Vancouver. (From mid-May until mid-September.)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s August Calendar.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

SEPTEMBER 2025 Festivals and Events

Below is a list of festivals and events that typically happening in the Lower Mainland in the month of September.

Holiday-Related Events in September

• Bands on the Beach – two days of free music at Harrison Hot Springs (usually on the September Long Weekend).
• Labour Day – a statutory holiday on the first Monday of the month (September 1, 2025).
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a holiday and time for people to remember and reflect on the history of Canada’s residential school system (on September 30, 2025).
• Nikkei Matsuri – a Japanese festival in Burnaby (on the Labour Day Weekend.
• Taiwanfest – a festival taking place along Granville Street on the Labour Day long weekend. (August 30 to September 1, 2025.)
• Victory Square Block Party – a free event with live music in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side on the Labour Day Long Weekend. (TBC)

Music, Comedy & Performing Arts Events in September

• Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival featuring Twelfth Night and other plays. (From June until September in 2025.)
• Barnside Harvest Festival – a music festival at Paterson Park in Ladner. (In mid-September.)
• BC Culture Days – a series of events celebrating Canadian arts and culture at various venues across British Columbia. (From late September until mid-October.)
• Circo Osorio Circus – a family-friendly circus with shows in various Lower Mainland communities. (TBC)
• Shipyards Festival – a free music festival and street party in the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood of North Vancouver. (TBC)
• Vancouver Fringe Festival – a live theatre festival in Vancouver from early to mid-September. (In early to mid-September.)
• The Vancouver International Film Festival – a prestigious film festival. (From late September until early October.)
• Vancouver International Flamenco Festival – a dance festival featuring flamenco performances and workshops. (From mid to late September.)
• White Rock Buskers & Comedy Fest – street performers and comedy acts in White Rock. (It sometimes happens in September, but in recent years in May or June instead. 2025 details are to be confirmed.)
• Great Canadian Comedy Festival – a festival showcasing standup comics in Stanley Park. (September 12 to 14, 2025)

Sports & Fitness-Related Events in September

• GranFondo Whistler Bike Race – a bike race in Whistler. (September 6, 2025)
• Bike the Night – a cycling event where thousands of people ride through the streets of Vancouver at night (in early September). (TBC)
• Sunset Festival – a festival that takes place at Stanley Park after the SeaWheeze Half Marathon on the same day. (TBC)
• Terry Fox Runs – fundraising walks and running races at various venues around the Lower Mainland and across Canada. (In mid-September)
• Big Pirate Run – a family-friendly, pirate-themed run around the Steveston Village area in richmond. (September 21, 2025)

Cultural Events in September

• Fire Dragon Festival – a new event that celebrates Chinatown’s history with fun activities at different spots in the neighbourhood (in late September). (TBC)
• Vancouver Thai Festival – a free cultural festival in downtown Vancouver that’s returning for the first time in five years. It features plenty of food and live performances. (TBC)
• Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – taste tea and mooncakes, check out beautiful lantern displays, create your own poetry and more in this Chinese cultural festival at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden. (TBC)
• Carnavalito on the Road – a celebration of Latin Culture with music, dancing and food at Douglas Park in Langley. (TBC)
• Polish Festival Vancouver – a cultural event in North Vancouver at the Shipyards. (In early September.)
• Harvest Haus – an Oktoberfest-themed event at the PNE in Vancouver. (Usually in early or mid-October.)
• Stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow – an Indigenous cultural event with drumming, dancing and other activities at the Langley Events Centre. (In mid-September.)

Garden, Nature and Environmental Events in September

• Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival – a large flower display at Lakeland Flowers. (From July until early September.)
• Harrison Sunflower Festival – thousands of sunflowers and dahlias at a farm in Agassiz (from late August until mid-September.)
• Chilliwack Garlic Festival – artisan vendors, live music and other activities at Fantasy Farms. (TBC)
• Coho Festival – a salmon-themed event on the North Shore. (TBC)
• Country Celebration of Nature – a nature-themed event at Langley’s Campbell Valley Park (in mid-September normally). (TBC)
• Everything Electric Canada – a home energy and electric vehicle show at the Vancouver Convention Centre (and formerly called Fully Charged LIVE). (In early September.)
• Richmond Sunflower Festival – a flower festival at Richmond Country Farms in August and September. (TBC)
• RiverFest – a community festival in New Westminster. (In late September.)

Fall & Halloween-Related Events in September

• Fall at the Farm – a corn maze, pumpkin patch in the forest and family-friendly activities at Maan Farms in Abbotsford.
• Harrison Pumpkin Festival – a pumpkin patch-style event at a farm in Agassiz. (TBC)
• Dreadworks Haunted House – a new and unique Halloween attraction at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey. (TBC)
• Oktoberfest at Austria Vancouver Club – an event with Austrian food, music and drinks in Richmond. (TBC)

Other Festivals and Events in September

• Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival – a community fair with a parade, midway and other activities. (TBC)
• Car Free Days – celebrations in Vancouver on Commercial Drive, Main Street and Denman Street on various dates in September.
• Cloverdale Market Days – an outdoor market in Surrey that runs once a month from late spring until early fall. (September 13, 2025)
• Copper & Fire Art Event – an annual art celebration featuring materials “of the earth” at Britannia Mine Museum. (In mid-September, but TBC for 2025.)
• Douglas Day at Fort Langley – an event celebrating the day when Sir James Douglas proclaimed British Columbia to be a colony in 1858. (Some time in the fall, with 2025 details to be confirmed.)
• Downtown Block Party – a free event at the Bentall Centre featuring music, market vendors and kids activities. (TBC)
• Flats Fest – a free community event with live entertainment, food trucks, artisan vendors and other activities in Vancouver. (In early September.)
• Fraser Valley Distillery & Beer Festival – an adults-only event with samples of beer and other drinks, along with live music and food at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. (TBC)
• Horsepower 4 Horsepower – a fundraiser with dozens of luxury cars to admire at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse. (TBC)
• Maple Ridge Car Free Day & Our Neck of the Woods – a free community event in Maple Ridge. (TBC)
• North Vancouver Car Free Day – a street party on Carrie Cates Road. (In mid-September as part of the Shipyards Festival.)
• Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – Vancouver’s annual fair with concerts, amusement rides, and family-friendly entertainment. (From August 16 to September 1, 2025.)
• Port Coquitlam Car Free Day – a free street party on McAllister Avenue. (In mid-September.)
• Recovery Day BC – a street party in New Westminster in mid-September. (TBC)
• Savour Summer Festival – a free community event at River District Vancouver. (TBC)
• Shipyards Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden on Friday evenings in North Vancouver. (From mid-May to mid-September.)
• Snowbird RV Show – a large recreational vehicle trade show at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford. (In mid to late September.)
• Taste of Abby – a food festival celebrating the harvest season and local food in Abbotsford. (In mid September.)
• Vancouver Health Show – a health and wellbeing consumer trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (In late September or early October.)
• Whistler Village Beer Festival – celebrating everything to do with craft beer up at Whistler (in mid-September).

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s September Calendar.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

OCTOBER 2025 Festivals and Events

The following October festivals and events are divided into four categories. The first list focuses on Halloween-related events and activities in the Lower Mainland and the second includes events that are primarily about food or drinks. Next, the third list features trade shows and markets, and the final list includes other miscellaneous events that are also taking place in October.

Halloween Events and Activities in October

• Celebrate the Night – a family-friendly Halloween event with fireworks in Maple Ridge on the weekend before Halloween. (In late October.)
• Central Spark – a free Halloween celebration with carnival games, an outdoor maze and a fireworks display at Burnaby’s Central Park. (In late October.)
• Haunted Village – a Halloween attraction at the Burnaby Village Museum. (From mid to late October.)
• Fright Nights at the PNE – haunted houses, rides and other Halloween attractions at Vancouver’s Playland (on select dates from between early October and Halloween).
• Harvest Days – family-friendly autumn activities at VanDusen Garden on select dates. (On most weekends in October)
• Halloween Events – haunted houses and various other Halloween-related events in October.
• Nightmare Before Christmas Market – a Halloween-themed market featuring dozens of makers and artists in Vancouver. (In mid-October.)
• Harrison Pumpkin Festival – a pumpkin patch-style event at a farm in Agassiz. (TBC)
• Peteys Pumpkin Patch – family-friendly activities at Fantasy Farms in Chilliwack. (From late September until the end of October.)
• Dreadworks Haunted House – a Halloween attraction at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey. (From late September until the beginning of November.)
• Lost Souls of Gastown – a guided walking tour in Gastown that’s especially popular around Halloween. (Daily in October as well as at other times of the year too.)
• Night for All Souls – an event honoring the dead at Vancouver’s Mountain View Cemetery. (In late October.)
• Parade of Lost Souls – a parade and Halloween-ish celebrations around Commercial Drive. (In late October.)
• Richmond Halloween Fireworks – a free family-friendly event with fireworks at Minoru Park in Richmond on the evening of Halloween in 2025.
• Pumpkins After Dark – a Halloween-themed event featuring Jack-o-lanterns and light displays in Burnaby. (On various dates throughout the month.)
• Witchilano Paddle – a fun event in Vancouver where participants paddleboard from Kitsilano Beach to Granville Island while dressed up as witches. (In early October.)
• Barclay Manor – a haunted house in Vancouver’s West End. (In late October.)
• Vancouver Halloween Expo – a Halloween and anime-themed trade show. (It didn’t happen last year and to be determined for 2025.)
• Vancouver Halloween Parade – a parade along Howe Street and Granville between Drake and Smithe. (TBC)
• Big Halloween Run – a Halloween-themed run along the seawall in False Creek. (In late October.).

Food and Drink-Related Events in October

• Apple Festival – a fundraising festival featuring live entertainment and 50,000 lbs of apples for sale at the UBC Botanical Garden. (In mid-October.)
• Brewhalla Chilliwack – an event featuring craft beer and live music in Chilliwack. (Not happening in 2025.)
• Feast: Asian Dining Festival – a promotional event involving restaurants in Richmond offering special menus. (TBC, but likely not happening.)
• Fort Langley Cranberry Festival – a family-oriented event celebrating the cranberry harvest. This is Fort Langley’s biggest event of the year, attracting over 50,000 people annually. (October 13, 2025)
• Oktoberfest – festive German beer celebrations take place at various places during the month including the following venues:
  • Oktoberfest at Austria Vancouver Club – an Oktoberfest event at the Austrian club in Richmond.
  • Harvest Haus – at the PNE in Vancouver.
• Taste of Yaletown – special menus at participating restaurants in Yaletown (in mid to late October). (TBC)
• Ugly Potato Day – an event at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds where farmers bring produce that doesn’t look perfect for people to help themselves too. (In mid-October.)

Consumer Trade Shows and Markets in October

• Vancouver Fall Home Show – at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (In late September and/or early October.)
• Vancouver Health Show – a health and wellbeing consumer trade show at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (In late September and/or early October.)
• West Coast Women’s Show – a trade show in Abbotsford at the TRADEX Centre. (TBC)
• Vancouver Comic & Toy Show – an event featuring comic books, comic art and collectible toys at the PNE Forum. (October 25 & 26, 2025)
• Day of the Dead Latin Market – a Latin American Heritage Month event at Granville Island. (In late October.)
• Fraser Valley Wedding Festival – a show for wedding planning with all sorts of vendors in Abbotsford. (TBC)

Other Festivals and Events in October

• BC Culture Days – a series of events celebrating Canadian arts and culture at various venues across British Columbia.
• Circo Osorio Circus – a family-friendly circus with shows in various Lower Mainland communities. (2025 dates are to be confirmed.)
• Diwali Fest – a South Asian festival with events in Vancouver, Coquitlam and Surrey (with 2024 dates to be confirmed).
• DTES Heart of the City Festival – a multi-day festival showcasing visual arts, music and cultural sharing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. (From late October to early November.)
• Harvest Days – an autumn-themed activities at VanDusen Botanical Garden on a number of select days between early and late October.
• Latin American Heritage Month – a variety of events celebrating Latin culture in Vancouver. (From mid-October until November 2 in 2025.)
• Cirque du Soleil – world-famous circus performances at Concord Pacific Place. (TBC)
• Thanksgiving – a national holiday on the weekend of the second Monday in October. (October 13, 2025)
• Rubber Ducky Race – 5 km, 7 Mile and Half Marathon running races around Burnaby Lake. (In mid-October.)
• Vancouver Fashion Week – the fall edition of the long-running fashion festival with events at David Lam Hall. (TBC)
• Vancouver Improv Festival – theatre-sports-style performances at the Cultch in Vancouver. (In early October.)
• Vancouver International Film Festival – a prestigious film festival. (From late September until early October.)
• Vancouver Opera – the opera Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi is at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (October 25 & 30 and November 2, 2025.)
• Go By Bike Week – a week where people are encouraged to commute by bicycle. (TBC)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s October Calendar.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

NOVEMBER 2025 Festivals and Events

The November festivals and events below are grouped into three categories. The first group contains places where you can enjoy holiday illuminations to begin the Christmas season. The second group of events are Christmas markets that usually start up in November, and the last category is made up of non-Christmas festivals and events.

Christmas Lights and Festivals in November

• Bear Creek Light Festival – illuminations, lanterns and family-friendly activities at Surrey’s Bear Creek Park. (In early to mid-November.)
• Canyon Lights – Christmas lights and decorations at Capilano Suspension Bridge. (From mid-November until mid to late January.)
• Christmas Glow – a Christmas attraction in Langley. (From late November until late December.)
• Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden – Christmas lights at the botanical garden from late November until the beginning of January.
• Heritage Christmas – Christmas decorations and activities at Burnaby Village Museum. (From late November until early January.)
• Lights at Lafarge – Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake has holiday illuminations starting in late November.
• Lights of Hope Celebration – Christmas lights and fireworks displays at St. Paul’s Hospital (in mid-November).
• Lumiere Vancouver – a small festival with Christmas lights and live entertainment. (In early November.)
• Surrey Tree Lighting Festival – the official tree lighting and free festivities in the Plaza at City Hall in Surrey. (In late November.)
• Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting – live music and the official lighting of Vancouver’s Christmas tree at Robson Square. (In late November or early December.)
• White Rock Festival of Lights – Christmas lights and illuminations along White Rock’s waterfront from early December to February of the following year.
• Winter Jubilee – a free Christmas-themed event in downtown Abbotsford featuring live music, Santa, market vendors and more. (In mid-November.)
• Christmas Tea Lights – holiday illuminations, GloDome dining experiences, boat rides and more at Camp Howdy. (On select dates from mid-November to mid-December.)
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a Christmas celebration at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey with lights, live music, market vendors and other activities. (On select dates between late November and just before Christmas.)
• Bright Nights – Christmas lights and miniature train rides in Stanley Park. (From late November until early January.)
• WinterFest at MOS – the Museum of Surrey is decorated with Christmas trees. There’s also a kick-off event with special activities on the first day. (From late November until mid to late December.)

Other Events and Festivals in November

• Vancouver Opera – the opera Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi is at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (October 25 & 30 and November 2, 2025.)
• Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week (VNSCBW) – a series of beer-related events at various venues in North Vancouver. (In early November.)
• VNSCBW Launch Party – the opening event for Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week takes place at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. (In early November.)
• Dreadworks Haunted House – a new and unique Halloween attraction at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey. (Late September until the beginning of November, although TBC for 2025.)
• All Dressed in White Bridal Show – a wedding fair in Coquitlam at the Westwood Plateau Golf Course. (TBC)
• BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are encouraged to buy local and support small, local businesses (from late November until early December).
• Black Friday – the day after American Thanksgiving when stores offer special discounts and Christmas-shopping season unofficially begins (on November 29, 2024).
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company performs at Concord Pacific Place. (TBC)
• Chutzpah Festival – a Jewish performing arts festival. (In early November.)
• Disney On Ice – the family-friendly show is at the Pacific Coliseum. (TBC)
• Douglas Day at Fort Langley – an event celebrating the day when Sir James Douglas proclaimed British Columbia to be a colony in 1858. (It sometimes happens in November. In 2024, however, it was in September.)
• DTES Heart of the City Festival – a festival showcasing visual arts, music and culture in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (In late October and early November.)
• Eastside Culture Crawl – an event showcasing the work of hundreds of artists in Vancouver. (In mid-November.)
• Hopscotch Festival – a series of events featuring food, beers, whisky and other spirits. (In late November.)
• Latin American Heritage Month – a variety of events celebrating Latin culture in Vancouver. (From early October until November 2 in 2025.)
• Modulus Festival – a music festival hosted by Music on Main in Vancouver. (In early November.)
• Remembrance Day – ceremonies at various locations around the Lower Mainland (on November 11th every year).
• STAND Festival – a performing arts festival featuring the works of new immigrant and refugee artists. (In the first half of November.)
• Boundary Bay Marathon – runs at Boundary Bay Park’s Centennial Beach. (On November 3, 2024)
• The Vancouver Playhouse – the comedy Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue shows at the theatre in downtown Vancouver. (November 12-16, 2024.)
• Vancouver Turkish Film Festival – films and related events in downtown Vancouver. (In late November.)
• Vancouver Historic Half – a 5K, 10K and half marathon around Stanley Park’s seawall. (In late November.)
• Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week – events showcasing Indigenous designers and models from Canada. (In mid to late November.)
• Vancouver Train Expo – a model train exhibition at the Pacific National Exhibition. (In early November.)

Christmas Markets in November

• Candytown – an outdoor Christmas market on Mainland Street in Yaletown. (It usually happens in late November, but sometimes in early December.)
• Circle Craft Market – one of Vancouver’s largest and most impressive Christmas craft fairs takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (Around mid-November.)
• Vancouver Christmas Market – an outdoor German-themed market at Jack Poole Plaza. (From mid-November to December 24, 2025.)
• North Delta Artisan & Gift Market – an artisan market at Sunshine Hills Elementary School in Delta. (In mid-November.)
• West End Holiday Craft Fair – a Christmas craft market at the West End Community Centre in Vancouver. (In late November.)
• West Coast Christmas Show – a massive holiday market at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. (In mid-November.)
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a free holiday market with live music, food, drinks, vendors and a European theme. (From November 29 to December 24 in 2024.)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s November Calendar.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

DECEMBER 2025 Festivals and Events

The following December festivals and events are divided into five categories. The first list contains Christmas-themed performing arts events. The second has other Christmas events and the third list contains special Christmas attractions at popular tourist destinations. Fourth is a list of holiday markets. The final category is made up of December festivals and events that are unrelated to Christmas.

Christmas Performing Arts Productions in December

• The Nutcracker – the classic Christmas production by Goh Ballet shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (In mid-December.)
• Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir – Christmas concerts show at various venues.
• A Traditional Christmas Concert – performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at various venues.
• Christmas with Chor Leoni – the men’s choir performs its series of holiday concerts at various venues.
• Singing Christmas Tree – a series of Christmas concert performances featuring an 80+ member choir singing from a giant Christmas Tree at Broadway Church in Vancouver (on various dates in December).

Christmas Events in December

• Carol Ships Shoreline Celebration – a Christmas event with a bonfire, live music and a parade of boats lit up with holiday illuminations (in mid-December usually, but TBC in 2025).
• Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade – a free Christmas parade in downtown Chilliwack with Santa Claus and more. (In early December.)
• Maple Ridge Christmas Festival – a community event at Memorial Peace Park that’s followed by a parade. (In early December.)
• Mission Candlelight Parade – downtown Mission has a big night-time Christmas parade in early December. (In early December.)
• New Westminster Santa Claus Parade – a Christmas-themed parade along Columbia Street. (It hasn’t happened for a number of years, so probably not happening in 2025, but TBC.)
• Surrey Santa Claus Parade & Big Rigs for Kids – a family-friendly event with decorated big-rig trucks, carols and other activities in Surrey. (In early December.)
• Vancouver Santa Claus Parade – family-friendly activities and a parade in downtown Vancouver. (It hasn’t happened for a number of years, so probably not happening in 2025, but TBC.)
• Squamish Holiday Parade – a Christmas parade in downtown Squamish. (In early December.)
• Shipyards Christmas Festival – the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree and other family-friendly activities in North Vancouver. (In early December.)
• Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting – live music and the official lighting of Vancouver’s Christmas tree at Robson Square. (In either late November or early December.)
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a Christmas celebration at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey with lights, live music, market vendors and other activities. (On select dates between late November and just before Christmas.)
• Christmas Tea Lights – holiday illuminations, GloDome dining experiences, boat rides and more at Camp Howdy. (On select dates between mid-November and just before Christmas.)
• Light Up the Harbour – a free event presented by the Vancouver Maritime Museum featuring holiday lights, Christmas carolling and hot chocolate at Heritage Harbour. (In early December.)
• Wassail & Bonfire Night – live music and a massive bonfire as part of the Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Vancouver. (Likely on December 20 in 2025.)
• Destination Downtown – a winter celebration with live entertainment and other activities at various locations in downtown Vancouver. (On select dates between late November and just before Christmas.)

Christmas Attractions in December

• Bright Lights – Christmas illuminations and miniature train rides at Stanley Park (from late November until the beginning of January).
• Canyon Lights – Christmas lights and decorations at Capilano Suspension Bridge. (Runs from mid to late November until around the third week in January.)
• Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and displays at the waterfront (for the month of December).
• Christmas Glow – a Christmas attraction in Langley (from late November until early January).
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – decorated Christmas trees in West Vancouver with free concerts on Saturdays up until Christmas (throughout the month of December).
• Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden – Christmas lights at the botanical garden. (From late November until early January.)
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum – holiday lights and family-friendly activities at the outdoor museum. (From late November until the beginning of January.)
• The Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at the Park & Tilford Gardens in North Vancouver. (For most of December.)
• Holiday Lights at Granville Island – Christmas lights and illuminations are on display for the month of December.
• Martini Town Merry & Bright – a new Christmas attraction at a film studio in Langley (Throughout the month of December.)
• Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain – ice skating, sleigh rides and other holiday activities at the North Shore ski hill. (From late November until late December.)
• PNE Winter Fair – a Christmas attraction at the Pacific National Exhibition. (On select dates in December until just before Christmas.)
• Squamish at Dusk – light displays and decorations at Rose Park in Squamish. (From late November until early December, but to be confirmed for 2024.)
• White Rock Festival of Lights – Christmas lights and illuminations along White Rock’s waterfront. (From early December until early January.)
• WinterFest at MOS – the Museum of Surrey is decorated with Christmas trees over the holiday season. (On select dates between mid-November and just before Christmas.)

Christmas Markets in December

• Vancouver Christmas Market – an outdoor German-themed market at Jack Poole Plaza. (From mid-November until December 24 in 2025.)
• Coquitlam Christmas Night Market – an artisan market by Lafarge Lake in early December. (In early December.)
• Kensington Winter Holiday Craft Fair – a Christmas craft market at the Kensington Community Centre in Vancouver. (In early December.)
• New West Holiday Market – an outdoor artisan market in New Westminster. (In early December.)
• Shipyards Christmas Artisan Market – an artisan market at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver. (In mid-December.)
• Make It Vancouver – a market full of handmade items at the PNE Forum in Vancouver. (In mid-December.)
• All About Christmas Gifts Expo – a giant Christmas market at Chilliwack Heritage Park. (In early or mid-December.)
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a free holiday market with live music, food, drinks, vendors and a European theme. (From late November and just before Christmas.)

Other Festivals and Events in December

• BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are reminded about the importance of buying local and supporting small, local retailers and restaurants. (From the end of November until early December.)
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company has a show at Concord Pacific Place. (TBC)
• Project EveryBODY – an event celebrating and showcasing persons and artists with disabilities in Vancouver. The event features music, comedy, food and a film. (In early December.)
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations – special events celebrating the arrival of 2026 happen at various venues on December 31, 2025.)
• Winter Solstice Lantern Festival – an annual community event with lantern-making workshops, fire performances and outdoor processions at various locations. (On December 21, 2025.)
• Vancouver Int’l Black Film Festival – screenings, workshops and other events showcasing Black films. (In mid-December.)
• Contact Winter Music Festival – a 2-day electronic music festival at BC Place Stadium. (At the end of December.)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s December Calendar or, for a visual look at the Lower Mainland this time of year, click Vancouver in December Video.

s

Below is a list of Metro Vancouver’s best festivals and events each year.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

JANUARY 2026 Festivals and Events

The following list is divided into three categories. The first features general festivals and events and the second includes ones that are Christmas-themed. Lunar New Year events are in the third list.

General Festivals & Events in January

• Vive les Voyageurs – a celebration of French-Canadian culture at Fort Langley. (In mid to late January some years, but in April last year.)
• Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants (from mid-January to early February.)
• Polar Bear Swims – icy cold dips in the ocean to celebrate the New Year at English Bay, North Vancouver’s Deep Cove, Fort Langley, Port Moody, Delta, Squamish and White Rock (on January 1, 2026).
• PuSh Festival – performing arts shows at various locations (from mid-January until early February.)
• Robbie Burns Day – a day when people celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national poet. (On January 25, 2026).
• Street Food City – food trucks outside the Vancouver Art Gallery as part of the Dine Out Vancouver Festival. (In late January.)
• Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town (from mid-January until February 14, 2026).
• Vancouver Motorcycle Show – a trade show featuring motorbikes and motorcycle equipment in Abbotsford. (In mid-January.)
• Whisky Global – an upscale whisky-tasting event with live music, premium whiskies and high-end cars. (TBC)
• Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – one of the largest LGBTQ ski weeks on the continent. (In late January.)
• White Rock Polar Plunge – a polar bear-themed swimming event in the ocean at White Rock Beach. (January 1, 2026)
• Chilliwack Home, Leisure & Outdoor Living Expo – a large renovations and home decor trade show-themed event in the Fraser Valley. (TBC)
• Vancouver Boat Show – at both BC Place Stadium and Granville. (From late January until early February.)

Christmas-Themed Events in January

• Canyon Lights – Christmas lights at night at Capilano Suspension Bridge. (From mid-November until around mid-January.)
• Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden – Christmas lights at the botanical garden. (From late November to early January.)
• Heritage Christmas – a free attraction at Burnaby Village Museum. (From late November until the beginning of January.)
• Lights at Lafarge – Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake has holiday illuminations all month and until the middle of February.
• White Rock Festival of Lights – Christmas lights and illuminations along White Rock’s waterfront (from late November until sometime in January or February).

Lunar New Year Events in January

• Lunar New Year – a cultural holiday celebrating the Lunar New Year with various events throughout the Lower Mainland. (It happens in February in some years. In 2025, however, it’s on February 17.)
• Chinese New Year Parade – a major parade in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (Likely on February 22, 2026, but with exact details to be confirmed.)
• Lunarfest Vancouver – a series of events celebrating the Lunar New Year at the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, and other venues.
• Lunar New Year at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen – the Chinese classical garden hosts a special Chinese New Year event.
• International Village Mall – the shopping centre in Chinatown has art exhibits, workshops, demonstrations and market vendors.

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s January Calendar or, for a visual look at the Lower Mainland this time of year, click Vancouver in January Video.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

FEBRUARY 2026 Festivals and Events

The following list is divided into five categories. The first features events that are special occasion-themed (i.e., related to Valentine’s Day and the Family Day Long Weekend). Cultural and food-related events are second, and the third features shows and entertainment.

The fourth category below is for trade shows and the last category is for other types of festivals and events.

Holidays and Special Occasion-Related Events in February

• Family Day – a statutory holiday on the third Monday of February each year. A variety of events take place on the long weekend. (On February 16 in 2026.)
• Valentine’s Day – a day for chocolate, buying flowers and dining out (on February 14, 2026).

Food, Drink and Cultural Events in February

• A Taste of the Valley – a food, drink and artisan market where you can taste before you buy, discover new drinks and explore local artisan products in Chilliwack. (In early February.)
• Brazilian Carnaval – a full day of celebrating Brazilian music and culture in Gastown. (TBC)
• Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants. (From late January until early February.)
• Hoobiyee – celebrations of the Nisga’a First Nation’s New Year with traditional storytelling, singing and dancing at the PNE Forum. ( In late February or early March.)
• Talking Stick Festival – an Indigenous performing arts festival. (It sometimes runs in February. 2026 details, however, are to be confirmed.)
• Vancouver International Wine Festival – one of North America’s largest, oldest and most prestigious wine shows. (It sometimes happens in February. Its dates for 2026, however, are March 7 to 15.)
• Whisky Global – an upscale whisky-tasting event with live music, premium whiskies and high-end cars. (In takes place in January or February. Details for 2026 are TBC.)

Shows & Entertainment in February

• Entertainment Night – a talent show-style fundraising event hosted by the Interact Club at Windsor Secondary School in North Vancouver. (TBC)
• PuSh Festival – performing arts shows at various locations. (From late January until early February.)
• Just for Laughs Comedy Fest – stand-up, improv and other funny shows in Vancouver. (In mid-February.)
• Vancouver Opera – the opera Così Fan Tutte by Mozart is at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (February 7, 12 & 15, 2026.)

Consumer Trade Shows in February

• All Dressed in White Bridal Show – a wedding fair in Surrey at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel. (TBC)
• West Coast Wedding Show – a bridal show at the Hilton Hotel in Burnaby. (TBC)
• The Wellness Show – a consumer trade show about health and fitness at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (In early February.)
• Earlybird RV Show – a recreational vehicle trade show in Abbotsford. (TBC)
• FAN EXPO Vancouver – a convention for people who like superheroes, comic books and Japanese anime. (In mid-February.)
• Maple Ridge Rock & Gem Show – an event showcasing gemstones, jewellery and stone carvings in Maple Ridge. (TBC)
• Pet Lover Show – a trade show for dogs, cats and other household animals and their owners. (It hasn’t happened for a number of years. TBC for 2026.)
• Vancouver Boat Show – at both BC Place Stadium and Granville. (In late January and/or early February.)
• Fraser Valley Home @ Garden Expo – a large renovations and home decor trade show in Abbotsford. (TBC)

Other Festivals & Events in February

• Canada Rugby Sevens – a fast-paced international rugby tournament at BC Place Stadium. (In mid to late February.)
• Fort Langley Historic Half Marathon – running races in Fort Langley. (TBC)
• Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special beverage offerings around town. (From mid-January to February 14, 2026.)
• Lights at Lafarge – Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake has holiday illuminations from late November until sometime in February.
• 24 Hours of Winter – a two-day winter sports event at Grouse Mountain (in mid to late February). (TBC for 2026.)

For more, see Metro Vancouver’s February Calendar.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

MARCH 2026 Festivals and Events

The following list is divided into five categories. The first group features performing arts events. This is followed by a list of St. Patrick’s Day-related events. Next are running & sports-related activities as well as multicultural festivals. Finally, there is also a list of general events that take place in March.

Visual, Music and Performing Arts Events in March

• Shen Yun – the American-based Chinese production performs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (In some years it’s in March and in some years April.)
• Vancouver International Dance Festival – a series of special dance performances at various venues. (On various dates throughout the month.)
• Spring Break Up Country Music Festival – a music festival in Abbotsford. (Likely not happening, but TBC.)
• Hoobiyee – celebrations of the Nisga’a First Nation’s New Year with traditional storytelling, singing and dancing at the PNE Forum. (TBC)
• Coastal First Nations Dance Festival – by the Dancers of Damelahamid at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster. (TBC)
• Chutzpah Plus Festival – the spring edition of the Jewish performing arts festival. (TBC)

St. Patrick’s Day-Related Events in March

• CelticFest Vancouver – a festival celebrating everything Celtic. (In mid-March.)
• Shamrock ‘n Race – running races around Burnaby Lake Regional Park. (Around March 17.)
• St. Patrick’s Day – an Irish holiday that’s celebrated throughout the week at various venues around town. (On March 17, 2026.)
• St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run – a running race in Stanley Park benefiting Diabetes Canada. (Around March 17.)
• Shamrock the Block – a free outdoor celebration in Gastown with live music, dance performances, beer gardens and more. (Likely on March 17, 2026, but TBC.)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s March Calendar.

Running and Sports-Related Events in March

• Vancouver Chocolate Run – a running event hosted by Try Events at Stanley Park. (In early March.)
• Big 80’s Run – a family-friendly running event at Central Park in Burnaby. (TBC)
• Shamrock ‘n Race – 5K, 7 Mile and half marathon running events at Burnaby Lake. (Around March 17.)
• BC Bike Show – a trade show featuring all kinds of bikes, bicycles and cycling equipment at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (In early March.)
• BC Sportsmen’s Show – the province’s biggest event for fishing, hunting, boating and other outdoor activities at Tradex in Abbotsford. (TBC)

Multicultural Festivals & Events in March

• Festival du Bois – BC’s largest francophone festival, held annually in Coquitlam. (In early March.)
• Persian New Year Events – events celebrating Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri take place in Coquitlam, North Vancouver and West Vancouver. (In mid-March.)
• Persian New Year Fire Festival – at Ambleside in West Vancouver. (In mid-March.)
• Nowruz Celebrations at Capilano Mall – a free event celebrating the Persian New Year in North Vancouver. (TBC)

Other Festivals & Events in March

• Brewski Fest – a one-day event featuring free beer samples for adults with Cypress Mountain day ticket and season passes. (In mid-March.)
• Carnival at Lansdowne Centre – the mall in Richmond has amusement rides and midway games in its parking lot. (TBC)
• International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate women around the world. (March 8 every year.)
• Mini Mud Monsters – special workshops at the Britannia Mine Museum’s Terra Lab on Sundays to Thursdays during Spring Break. (TBC)
• Monster Jam at the PNE – an event featuring monster trucks in races and stunt competitions at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum. (TBC)
• Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show – an event showcasing adventure-style travel opportunities and equipment at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (In early March.)
• Sea to Sky Model Train and Hobby Show – an event with model trains, real locomotives and activities for all ages at the Railway Museum of BC. (TBC)
• Spring Break – two weeks of public-school holidays (in the second half of March).
• Vancouver Auto Show – at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (In mid-March.)
• BC Home & Garden Show – a trade show at BC Place Stadium. (TBC)
• Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – a variety of events celebrating spring and cherry blossoms. (From late March until late April.)
• The Big Picnic – a cherry blossom-themed event at David Lam Park. (TBC)
• BC Gin Festival – a series of gin-themed tasting events in Vancouver. (March 26 to 29, 2025)
• Vancouver International Wine Festival – one of North America’s largest, oldest and most prestigious wine shows. (March 7 to 15, 2026)
• BC Beer & Beverage Festival – a beer-themed event at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford. (Not likely happening, but TBC.)

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

APRIL 2026 Festivals and Events

The following lists of April festivals and events are  divided into five categories. The first features events that are related to holidays and special occasions, like Easter Weekend, Earth Day and Vaisakhi. The second group features food & drink-related events, the third includes sporting events, and the fourth includes general festivals and events. The fifth list is of events related to cherry blossoms.

Holidays and Special Occasion-Related Events in April

• Easter – a weekend of egg hunts and other holiday celebrations. (From April 3 to 6th, 2026.)
• Easter at Britannia Mine – celebrations at the museum include scavenger hunts, underground tours and demonstrations over the Easter long weekend. (TBC)
• Easter at Greendale Acres – baby farm animals, egg hunting, the Easter Bunny and other activities at the farm in Chilliwack. (TBC)
• Hoppy Heights – an Easter-themed event at Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. (TBC)
• Bunnies & Booze – an Easter-themed event for adults at Maan Farms in Abbotsford. (TBC)
• Easter at Taves Farm – family-friendly activities at the farm in Abbotsford. (TBC)
• Baby Animal Easter Days – a child-friendly event at Maan Farms in Abbotsford. (TBC)
• Petey’s Easter Eggstravaganza – family-friendly activities at Fantasy Farms in Chilliwack. (TBC)
• Night of Illumination – adults-only Easter egg hunt events at Fantasy Farms. (TBC)
• Big Easter Run – a running event at Jericho Beach. (April 18, 2026)
• Earth Day – a day to celebrate the planet and acknowledge our need to take care of it (on April 22 every year).
• Party for the Planet – free Earth Day celebrations in Surrey. (TBC)
• Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade – East Indian cultural festivities that attract up to 300,000 participants. (TBC)
• Surrey Vaisakhi Parade – a massive East Indian festival and parade in Surrey. (TBC)

Foods and Drink-Related Events in April

• Food Truck Fest at UBC – an event hosted by the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival with 20+ food trucks, live music and artisan vendors at UBC. (TBC)
• Chilliwack Party in the Park – food trucks, artisan vendors and other activities at Central Community Park in Chilliwack. (TBC)
• BC Distilled – a series of events showcasing BC craft spirits and distilleries. (It didn’t happen in 2025. Details for 2026 are TBC.)
• Brewhalla North Vancouver – a craft beer festival-style event at the Shipyards. (TBC)
• Trail of Coffee – a coffee trade show for the general public at the Shipyards in North Vancouver. The event includes, workshops, talks, coffee tastings, live music and other activities. (It didn’t happen in 2025. Details for 2026 are TBC.)
• Coquitlam Community Fest – food trucks, artisan vendors and music at Town Centre Park. (It didn’t happen in 2025. Details for 2026 are TBC.)
• Food Truck Wars – a major food truck festival with live music, a beer garden and artisan vendors at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey. (TBC)

Sports and Sports-Related Events in April

• Vancouver Sun Run – a 10-km race that attracts as many as 40,000 participants. (April 26, 2026)
• Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival – an annual 10-day event at Whistler. (TBC)

Festivals and Events in April

• 420 Vancouver – a marijuana-themed event with market vendors at Sunset Beach on April 20 (although whether it happens in 2026 is to be determined).
• BrickCan Public Lego Exhibition – public viewings of LEGO displays as part of a multi-day Adult LEGO Fan Convention at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond. (TBC)
• Chilliwack Plowing Match – a farm and tractor-themed event featuring competitions, live music, and a pancake breakfast at Greendale Acres in the Fraser Valley. (In early April.)
• Coast City Country Festival – a new country music festival with concerts at both the Commodore Ballroom and BC Place Stadium. (TBC, but likely not happening.)
• International Pillow Fight Day – celebrated by hundreds of people and flying feathers outside the Vancouver Art Gallery in early April. (TBC, but likely not happening.)
• Vancouver International Universities Fair – an NACAC event showcasing over 100 Canadian and international universities at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (TBC)
• Richmond Community Block Party – a food truck event with market vendors and live music at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (Not happening in 2026.)
• Shen Yun – the American-based Chinese production performs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (In some years it’s in March and in some years in April. Its dates for 2026 are TBC.)
• Sky’s No Limit: Girls Fly Too – a free event in Abbotsford when the general public can climb on board airplanes and women and girls have the opportunity to go on a short free flight. (TBC)
• Vancouver Comic and Toy Show – a trade show featuring superhero comic books, art and collectible toys. (TBC)
• Vancouver Fashion Week – the spring edition of the long-running fashion festival with events at David Lam Hall. (TBC)
• TED – the annual world TED Conference. (In mid-April.)
• Vancouver Opera – the Italian opera La Bohème is at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (April 25, 26 & and 30 and May 2 & 3 in 2026.)

Flowers & Cherry Blossom-Related Events in April

• Abbotsford Tulip Festival – a large flower festival at a farm in the Fraser Valley (in April and May).
• Botanica Tulip Festival – a flower festival in Chilliwack with 1.5 million tulips to check out over the season (in April and May).
• Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring 20 acres of tulips in Chilliwack. (Note: This event is now called the Harrison Tulip Festival and it happens in Agassiz.)
• Harrison Tulip Festival – stunning mountain views and 10 million tulip bulbs in Agassiz (near the beautiful resort town of Harrison Hot Springs).
• Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival – a Japanese-style event at Gary Point Park in Richmond. (TBC)
• Sweet Spring at Greendale Acres – family-friendly activities and flowers to admire at a farm in Chilliwack. (TBC)
• Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – a variety of events celebrating spring and cherry blossoms. (From late March until late April.)
• The Big Picnic – a cherry blossom-themed event at David Lam Park. (TBC)
• Sakura Days Japan Fair – a Japanese spring festival celebrated at VanDusen Botanical Garden. (In mid-April.)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s April Calendar or, for a visual look at the Lower Mainland this time of year, click Vancouver in April Video.

To jump to a specific month, click on any of the following:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

MAY 2026 Festivals and Events

The following list of May events is divided into four groups. The first group is of community fairs and festivals that focus on food and drinks. Next, the second includes performing arts events, shows and exhibitions.

The third list contains general festivals and events, and the final group features events that are related to holidays and cultural occasions, like Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Victoria Day weekend and others.

Fairs and Food-Related Festivals in May

• Hong Kong Fair – a cultural celebration with exhibitions, games, market vendors and more in North Vancouver. (TBC)
• Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair – amusement rides and rodeo shows in Surrey. (May 15 to 18, 2026)
• Brewhalla Fort Langley – a craft beer festival at Fort Langley Park. (Likely on May 16, 2026, but to be confirmed.)
• Fort Langley May Day Fair & Parade – a community festival and parade in Fort Langley. (May 18, 2026)
• Ladner May Days – a community event in Ladner’s Memorial Park with live bands, a parade, petting zoo, amusement rides, pancake breakfast and fastball tournament. (In late May.)
• Port Coquitlam May Days – an annual festival with live entertainment, a community parade and other activities. (In early May.)
• Search for the Perfect Pint – a fundraising, craft beer-tasting event in Port Moody. (TBC)
• Spot Prawn Festival – an event celebrating the start of BC’s spot prawn harvesting season at Fishermen’s Wharf in False Creek. (In late May.)

Shows, Markets, Exhibitions and Performing Arts Events in May

• All British Field Meet – a car show at VanDusen Garden featuring over 500 British-built vehicles over the May long weekend. (May 16, 2026)
• West of Main Art Walk – an art exhibition and tour of artists’ studios at various venues in Vancouver. (In late May.)
• Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – a market featuring vintage, antique and collectible goods. (TBC)
• Jurassic Quest – exhibitions featuring giant dinosaur models and other exhibits at the Vancouver Convention Centre and Abbotsford’s Tradex Centre (TBC).
• Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings (when it’s sunny).
• DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival taking place at various venues. (In early May.)
• Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble Concerts – the group hosts a couple of concerts at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden in Vancouver. (TBC)
• Foundation House Music Gatherings – a series of electronic dance music concerts and events. (TBC)
• Royal Canadian International Circus – a touring circus with performances in Richmond and Surrey. (In early to mid-May.)
• Vancouver Opera – the Italian opera Madama Butterfly is at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (April 26 & and 27 and May 1, 3 and 4 in 2026.)
• Fort Langley Cuban Jazz Dance Party –  a fundraising event for the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival at Fort Langley Community Hall. (TBC)

General Festivals and Events in May

• Botanica Tulip Festival – a flower festival in Chilliwack with over a million tulips to check out over the season. (TBC)
• Big Jungle Run – a family-friendly running event around Burnaby Lake. (TBC)
• Brookswood Community Car Show – a fundraising event featuring classic cars at a school in Langley. (TBC)
• Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring 20 acres of tulips in Chilliwack. (Note: This event is now called the Harrison Tulip Festival and it happens in Agassiz.)
• CityFest – a youth-focused event and the Lower Mainland’s largest skate competition in North Vancouver. (In early May.)
• Cloverdale Market Days – an outdoor market in Surrey that runs once a month from late spring until early fall. (TBC)
• Day Out With Thomas – an event at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish with Thomas the Train. (It usually happens in late May and/or early June. In 2025, however, the Buddy & Friends Kids’ Festival happened in its place on May 3 & 4. Dates and other details in 2026 are to be confirmed.)
• Engine 374 Celebrations – a community event celebrating the arrival of the first train in Vancouver over 130 years ago. (May 17, 2026)
• Fleet Week – Canadian Navy ships are at North Vancouver’s Burrard Dry Dock Pier. There are public tours, inflatable boat rides and interactive displays. (In early May some years, but to be confirmed in 2026.)
• Harrison Tulip Festival – stunning mountain views and over 12 million tulip bulbs in Agassiz (near the beautiful resort town of Harrison Hot Springs).
• Hyack Multicultural Festival & Parade – a community event that includes a parade and street party in New Westminster. (Likely on May 24, 2026, but with exact details to be confirmed.)
• Koningsdag – an event in North Vancouver celebrating the birthday of the Dutch King. (In late April or early May.))
• Jurassic World Live Tour – a dinosaur-themed show at the Pacific Coliseum. (TBC)
• More Than A Movie – a Kids Up Front Vancouver event featuring a movie, miniature golf, live performances and other activities at BC Place. (In early May.)
• Shipyards Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden on Friday evenings in North Vancouver. (From May until September)
• Surrey International Children’s Festival – now called Surrey SPARK Stages, this event happens at the Surrey Arts Centre at Bear Creek Park. (In late May.)
• Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – a comic-themed trade show with workshops, presentations, games and other activities at Vancouver’s Roundhouse Community Centre. (TBC)
• The Vancouver Children’s Festival – a fun festival for kids at Granville Island. (In late May.)
• Vancouver Marathon – a Boston-qualifying marathon starting in Queen Elizabeth Park and finishing in downtown Vancouver. (Likely on May 3, 2026, but with exact details to be confirmed.)
• Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History – fundraising events benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Canada in Pitt Meadows and New Westminster. (In late May.)
• West Coast Wedding Show – a consumer wedding show for people wanting to meet wedding service providers and plan their big day at the Hilton Hotel in Burnaby. (Dates for the next show are to be confirmed.)
• White Rock Buskers & Comedy Fest – street performers and comedy acts in White Rock. (TBC)
• Whistler Children’s Festival – a festival focused on kids at the resort town. (In mid-May.)

Holidays and Cultural-Related Events in May

• BC Polish Festival – a cultural event in Port Coquitlam. (In late May.)
• Cinco de Mayo – Mexican holiday celebrations on and around May 5 each year.
• ExplorASIAN Festival – a festival celebrating Asian music, art and culture in Vancouver (throughout the month of May).
• Mother’s Day – a special day for mothers and for letting them know how much we love them on May 10 in 2026.
• Royal Victorian Party – old-fashioned celebrations at Stewart Farm in Surrey on the Victoria Day weekend. (TBC)
• Hawaiian Luau – a day celebrating Hawaiian history and culture at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. (TBC)
• Mother’s Day Powwow – traditional dancers, drummers and market vendors at Vancouver’s Trout Lake Community Centre over the Mother’s Day weekend. (Likely on May 8-10, 2026, but with exact details to be confirmed.)
• TJ Fest – a community festival at the Tian Jin Temple in Burnaby. (In early May.)
• Victoria Day – the statutory holiday on the May Long Weekend when various events take place around town. (May 18, 2026)

For more, check out Metro Vancouver’s May Calendar or, for a visual look at the Lower Mainland this time of year, click Vancouver in May Video.