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Festivals and Events in Vancouver

The PNE Fair

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

Upcoming activities include Maple Ridge Happenings, Monstercat Compound, the PNE Fair and various other events.

In August there is also Playland, Bard on the Beach, Theatre Under the Stars and more.

 

Vancouver Events and Festivals in 2022

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

 

 

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

 

 

August in Vancouver

AUGUST 2022 Festivals and Events

 

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

 

Holiday Weekend Events in August

  • BC Day – a statutory holiday on the first Monday in August (so August 1st in 2022).
  • Brigade Days at Fort Langley – three days of celebrations featuring folk in period costume over the BC Day Long Weekend (on July 30 to August 1 in 2022).
  • 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. (TBC)
  • Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival – a parade and multiple other activities celebrating Vancouver’s LGBTTQ community. (From mid-July until early August.)

 

Music and Performing Arts-Related Events in August

  • Ambleside Music Festival – a rock festival at West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park. (August 12-14, 2022)
  • Arts Alive Festival – a community arts festival in Langley on August 20 in 2022.
  • Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival runs from mid-June until late September in 2022.
  • 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. (August 6, 2022)
  • Cultus Lake Nightslide Concerts – an evening of water sliding and live music at Cultus Lake Waterpark in the Fraser Valley (usually in July and August). (TBC)
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free multi-day event with live music, outdoor movies and art in West Vancouver (from July 29 until August 7 in 2022).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – an East Indian-themed music and arts festival in Vancouver and Surrey. (TBC)
  • Monstercat Compound – a block party with live music, art and video games in Vancouver. (August 20, 2022)
  • Music on Main Summer Concerts – a series of free concerts at Mount Pleasant Park on August 9 to 12 in 2022.
  • Rogue Fest – 3-day outdoor music festival on the Sunshine Coast. (August 19 to 21, 2022)
  • 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. (August 12, 2022)
  • Theatre Under the Stars – a pair of musical theatre productions show at the outdoor theatre in Stanley Park. (Runs until August 27 in 2022.)
  • Vancouver Bach Festival – a series of classical concerts at a number of different venues in Vancouver (from July 26 to August 6 in 2022).
  • Vancouver Mural Festival – an art festival that usually includes the Mount Pleasant Street Party (from August 4 to 14 in 2022).

 

Fitness and Sport-Related Events in August

 

Cultural Festivals and Events in August

  • Korean Cultural Heritage Festival – a free festival celebrating Korean food, music and culture at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby (in early August). (TBC)
  • Pakistan Festival – a free cultural event at Tsawwassen Mills Mall in South Delta (usually in mid-August). (TBC)
  • Pinoy Fiesta – a Philippine festival at Memorial South Park in Vancouver (often held in late August). (TBC)
  • Richmond World Festival – a free multicultural event at Minoru Park in Richmond (at the end of August). (Not happening in 2022.)

 

2022 Ribfest Langley

 

General Festivals and Events in August

  • Abbotsford Airshow – Western Canada’s largest airshow. (August 5-7, 2022)
  • Abbotsford Sunflower Festival – an event with sunflowers, a corn maze and kid-friendly activities at Maan Farms (from early August to mid-September).
  • The Chilliwack Fair and Rodeo – an annual fair and rodeo in Chilliwack. (August 4-7, 2022)
  • Chilliwack Flight Fest – a free airshow at the Chilliwack Airport in late August. (TBC)
  • Chilliwack Sunflower Festival – thousands of sunflowers and dahlias at a farm in Chilliwack (from early August until September).
  • KiteClash – the Canadian Freestyle Kiteboarding Championships in Squamish. (TBC, but likely not happening.)
  • Lavenderland – a lavender flower-themed farm in Richmond (from June until September).
  • New West Car Free Day – a pedestrian-only event with live music and family-friendly activities along Columbia Street. (August 6, 2022)
  • Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – Vancouver’s annual fair with concerts, amusement rides, and family-friendly entertainment. (August 20 to September 5, 2022).
  • Pet-a-Palooza – a free “Day of the Dog” street party in Yaletown. (August 28, 2022)
  • Playland – amusement rides and midway games at the PNE fairgrounds (until August 19 in 2022).
  • Port Moody Car Free Day – a community street party in Port Moody. (Not likely happening in 2022.)
  • Richmond Maritime Festival – a festival in Steveston Village. (It normally happens in July. Its dates this yea, however, are August 20 & 21).)
  • Richmond Sunflower Festival – at Richmond Country Farms in August and September. (TBC)
  • Savour Summer Festival – a free event at River District Vancouver (on various dates in the summer, details TBC in 2022).
  • Squamish Arts Festival – a multi-day event with art, music, and performing arts shows in Squamish. (August 8 to 20 in 2022.)
  • White Rock Sea Festival – fireworks and family-friendly activities. (July 30 & 31, 2022)

 

Sunset Cinema in 2022

 

Food and Drink-Related Events in August

  • Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest – a massive food truck street festival on Columbia Street in New Westminster. (Taking place as New West Car Free Day on August 6, 2022.)
  • Clover Valley Beer Festival – at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey (returning in August 2023).
  • Dîner en Blanc – the 10th annual outdoor dinner where thousands of participants dress in white and bring their own chairs, table, food, cutlery and dishware (on August 18, 2022).
  • Dumpling Festival – a food-themed festival that includes live entertainment and cultural activities in Coquitlam. (August 13, 2022)
  • Ribfest Langley – a BBQ rib and live entertainment event hosted by area Rotary clubs at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley. (August 12-14, 2022)
  • Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver. (Not happening in 2022.)

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

 

 

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

 

 

September in Vancouver

SEPTEMBER 2022 Festivals and Events

 

The following September festivals and events are split into four groups. The first group highlights things to do on the Labour Day long weekend, while the second section includes film, music and performing arts festivals that happen at different times of the month.

The third category of festivals and events below is a list of three fitness-related things to do, and the fourth category is a general section of other events that usually take place this month.

 

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 5, 2022).
  • 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, 2022).
  • Nikkei Matsuri – a Japanese festival in Burnaby (on the Labour Day Weekend). (September 3 & 4, 2022)
  • Taiwanfest – a festival taking place along Granville Street on the Labour Day long weekend. (TBC)
  • Victory Square Block Party – a free event with live music in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side on the Labour Day Long Weekend (with 2022 details TBC).

 

Performing Arts Events in September

 

Sports & Fitness-Related Events in September

  • BC GranFondo Whistler Bike Race – a bike race in Whistler. (Happening on September 10 in 2022).
  • Bike the Night – a cycling event where thousands of people ride through the streets of Vancouver at night (in early September). (TBC)
  • SeaWheeze Half Marathon – a running race that’s followed by a large festival-style after-party at Stanley Park (from mid to late 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.

 

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)
  • 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)
  • Polish Festival – a cultural event in North Vancouver (in early September). (TBC)
  • Harvest Haus – at the PNE in Vancouver (usually in mid-October, but taking place September 30 & October 1 in 2022).

 

Garden, Nature and Environmental Events in September

 

General Festivals and Events in September

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

 

 

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

 

 

October in Vancouver

OCTOBER 2022 Festivals and Events

 

The following October festivals and events are divided into three categories. The first list focuses on Halloween-related events and activities in the Lower Mainland. The second group of events includes those that are primarily about food or drinks, and the final list includes other 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.
  • Eerie Illusions – a Halloween attraction at the Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Fright Night at the PNE – haunted houses, rides and other Halloween attractions at Vancouver’s Playland (early until late October). (TBC)
  • Glow at the Garden – a Halloween event with Jack O’Lanterns and illuminations at VanDusen Garden (in the second half of October normally). (TBC)
  • Halloween Events – haunted houses and various other Halloween-related events (from early to late October).
  • Night for All Souls – an event honoring the dead at Vancouver’s Mountain View Cemetery (in late October normally, but TBC in 2022).
  • 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. (TBC)
  • Vancouver Halloween Expo – a Halloween and anime-themed trade show. (October 7-9, 2022)
  • Vancouver Halloween Parade – a parade along Howe Street and Granville between Drake and Smithe. (October 9, 2022)

 

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 most years, but TBC in 2022).
  • Feast: Asian Dining Festival – a promotional event involving restaurants in Richmond offering special menus (mid-October until mid-November). (TBC)
  • 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 8, 2022)
  • Harrison Beer Fest – a two-day celebration of craft beers and everything Octoberfest in Harrison Hot Springs (in late October). (TBC)
  • Oktoberfest – festive German beer celebrations take place at various places during the month including the following venues:
    • Oktoberfest Vancouver – at the Vancouver Alpen Club (first three weekends of October, status TBC for 2022).
    • Harvest Haus – at the PNE in Vancouver (usually in mid-October, but taking place September 30 & October 1 in 2022).
  • Taste of Yaletown – special menus at participating restaurants in Yaletown (in mid to late October). (TBC)
  • Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week – a series of beer-related events at various venues in North Vancouver (in early to mid-October normally).

 

Trade Shows in October

 

Other Festivals and Events in October

  • BC Culture Days – a series of events celebrating Canadian arts and culture at various venues across British Columbia (until October 16 in 2022).
  • Circo Osorio Circus – a family-friendly circus with shows in Abbotsford, Surrey, Tsawwassen, Richmond and Coquitlam (between September 8 and October 16, 2022).
  • Cloverfest – an Oktoberfest event in Cloverdale. (2022 details are to be confirmed.)
  • Diwali Fest – an East Indian festival with events in Vancouver and Surrey. (October 15 & 23, 2022)
  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a multi-day festival showcasing visual arts, music and cultural sharing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. (October 26 to November 6 in 2022.)
  • 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.
  • Thanksgiving – a national holiday on the weekend of the second Monday in October (October 10, 2022).
  • Surrey Fusion Festival – billed as “the ultimate celebration of music, food and culture” and taking place at Holland Park. (Normally in late July, but happened from September to October in 2021.) (TBC)
  • Vancouver International Film Festival – a prestigious film festival (from September 29 to October 9 in 2022).

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

 

 

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

 

 

November in Vancouver

NOVEMBER 2022 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 (usually in the first half of November). (TBC)
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and miniature train rides in Stanley Park (from late November until the beginning of January).
  • Canyon Lights – Christmas lights and decorations at Capilano Suspension Bridge. (Runs from November 19 in 2022 until January 22 in 2023.)
  • Christmas Glow – a Christmas attraction in Langley (usually from late November until early January). (TBC)
  • Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden – Christmas lights at the botanical garden (from late November to early January).
  • Heritage Christmas – Christmas decorations and activities at Burnaby Village Museum. (From November 26, 2022, until January 2, 2023.).
  • Lights of Hope Celebration – Christmas lights and fireworks displays at St. Paul’s Hospital (usually in mid-November).
  • Light Up The Village – a Christmas-themed event at West Vancouver’s Park Royal Mall (in late November, but TBC for 2022).
  • Lumagica Surrey – Christmas illuminations and family-friendly activities in Cloverdale. (Opens on November 18 in 2022.)
  • Lumiere Vancouver – a small festival with Christmas lights and live entertainment (from mid-November until the end of the month). (TBC)
  • Shipyards Christmas Festival – the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree and other family-friendly activities in North Vancouver (in late November).
  • Surrey Holiday Lights – a Christmas attraction outside Surrey City Hall (from late November until early January). (TBC for 2022.)
  • 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). (TBC)
  • White Rock Festival of Lights – Christmas lights and illuminations along White Rock’s waterfront (from November to February of the following year). (TBC)

 

Other Events and Festivals in November

  • BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are encouraged to buy local and support small, local businesses (from late November until early December). (TBC)
  • Beyond King Tut – an immersive exhibition about the famous Egyptian king, Tutankhamun, at the Vancouver Convention Centre (between November 4, 2022, and the beginning of 2023).
  • Black Friday – the day after American Thanksgiving when stores offer special discounts and Christmas-shopping season unofficially begins (on November 25, 2022).
  • Chutzpah Festival – a Jewish performing arts festival (from November 3 to 24 in 2022).
  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a festival showcasing visual arts, music and culture in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. (Runs until November 6 in 2022.)
  • Eastside Culture Crawl – an event showcasing the work of hundreds of artists in Vancouver. (November 17-20, 2022)
  • Feast: Asian Dining Festival – a promotional event involving restaurants in Richmond (from mid-October until mid-November). (TBC)
  • Hopscotch Festival – a series of events featuring food, beers, whisky and other spirits (in late November). (TBC)
  • Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – vintage, antique and collectible goods for sale at Tradex in Abbotsford. (To be confirmed for November of 2022. It is, however, scheduled for September 10 and 11.)
  • Pet Lover Show – a trade show for dogs, cats and other household animals and their owners in Abbotsford. (It’s normally in mid-February, but on November 5 & 6 in 2022.)
  • Remembrance Day – ceremonies at various locations around the Lower Mainland (on November 11th every year).
  • Boundary Bay Marathon – runs at Boundary Bay Park’s Centennial Beach (in early November). (It sometimes happens in April. In 2022, however, its date is November 6.)
  • Vancouver Historic Half – a 5K, 10K and half marathon around Stanley Park’s seawall. (November 27, 2022)
  • Vancouver Train Expo – a model train exhibition at the Pacific National Exhibition. (November 5 & 6, 2022)

 

Christmas Markets in November

  • Candytown – an outdoor Christmas market on Mainland Street in Yaletown (late November usually, but TBC for 2022).
  • Circle Craft Market – one of Vancouver’s largest and most impressive Christmas craft fairs takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (November 9-13, 2022)
  • Vancouver Christmas Market – an outdoor German-themed market at Jack Poole Plaza (from mid-November until late December). (TBC)

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

 

 

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

 

 

December in Vancouver

DECEMBER 2022 Festivals and Events

 

The following December festivals and events are divided into three categories. The first list contains Christmas events and the second list contains special Christmas attractions at popular tourist destinations. The final category is made up of December festivals and events that are unrelated to Christmas.

 

Christmas Events in December

  • PNE WinterLights – a Christmas attraction at the Pacific National Exhibition (for the month of 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 2022).
  • Maple Ridge Christmas Festival – a community event at Memorial Peace Park that’s followed by a parade (in early December).
  • New Westminster Santa Claus Parade – a Christmas-themed parade along Columbia Street (in mid-December most years).
  • 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, but TBC in 2022).
  • Surrey Santa Claus Parade & Big Rigs for Kids – a family-friendly event with decorated big-rig trucks, carols and other activities in Surrey.
  • Vancouver Santa Claus Parade – family-friendly activities and a parade in downtown Vancouver. (It’s usually on the first Sunday of the month, but TBC in 2022).
  • Yule Duel: Caroling for a Cause – multiple local choirs sing in downtown Vancouver to raise money for charity (in early December normally, but TBC in 2022).

 

Christmas Attractions in December

 

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).
  • Beyond King Tut – an immersive exhibition about the famous Egyptian king, Tutankhamun, at the Vancouver Convention Centre (between November 4, 2022, and the beginning of 2023).
  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations – free fireworks and concerts in Vancouver’s False Creek area (on December 31).
  • Winter Solstice Lantern Festival – an annual community event with lantern-making workshops, fire performances and outdoor processions at various locations (on December 21 most years, but TBC for 2022).
  • 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.

 

 

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 in Vancouver

JANUARY 2023 Festivals and Events

 

The following list is divided into two categories. The first features general festivals and events and the second includes ones that are Christmas-themed.

 

General Festivals & Events in January

  • Beyond King Tut – an immersive exhibition about the famous Egyptian king, Tutankhamun, at the Vancouver Convention Centre (between November 4, 2022, and the beginning of 2023).
  • Lunar New Year – a cultural holiday celebrating the Lunar New Year with various events throughout the Lower Mainland (on January 22, 2023).
  • Chinese New Year Parade – a major parade in Vancouver’s Chinatown (in February most years, but TBC for 2023).
  • Lunarfest Vancouver – a series of events celebrating the Lunar New Year at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, and other venues. (2023 dates to be confirmed.)
  • Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants (with 2023 dates to be confirmed).
  • 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 and White Rock (on January 1, 2023).
  • PuSh Festival – performing arts shows at various locations (from late January until early February).
  • Robbie Burns Day – a day when people celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national poet (on January 25, 2023).
  • Street Food City – food trucks outside the Vancouver Art Gallery as part of the Dine Out Vancouver Festival (with 2023 dates to be confirmed.)
  • Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town (from mid-January until February 14, 2023).
  • Vancouver Motorcycle Show – a trade show featuring motorbikes and motorcycle equipment in Abbotsford (from January 20 to 22, 2023.)
  • Whisky Global – an upscale whisky-tasting event with live music, premium whiskies and high-end cars at Rocky Mountaineer Station. (It usually happens in late January. In 2022, however, its dates were April 8 and 9.)
  • Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – one of the largest LGBTQ ski weeks on the continent. (From January 22 to 29 in 2023.)
  • White Rock Polar Plunge – a polar bear-themed swimming event in the ocean at White Rock Beach. (January 1, 2023)

 

Christmas-Themed Events in January

  • Canyon Lights – at Capilano Suspension Bridge (from late November until mid to late January).
  • Christmas Glow – a Christmas attraction in Langley (from late November until early January).
  • Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden (from the end of November until the beginning of January).
  • Heritage Christmas – a free attraction at Burnaby Village Museum. (From November 26, 2022, until January 2, 2023.).
  • White Rock Festival of Lights – Christmas lights and illuminations along White Rock’s waterfront (from late November until sometime in January or February).

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

FEBRUARY 2023 Festivals and Events

 

The following list is divided into four categories. The first features events that are special occasion-themed (so related to Valentine’s Day and the Family Day Long Weekend). The second group includes events that are cultural and food-related, and the third list is of shows and entertainment. Finally, the last category listed is of 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 20 in 2023.)
  • Valentine’s Day – a day for chocolate, buying flowers and dining out (on February 14, 2023).
  • White Rock Festival of Lights – Christmas lights and illuminations along White Rock’s waterfront (from November 2022 to February 2023, but with exact details to be confirmed).

 

Food, Drink and Cultural Events in February

  • Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants. (Usually for two or three weeks in January and/or February, but with 2023 details to be confirmed).
  • Hoobiyee – celebrations of the Nisga’a First Nation’s New Year with traditional storytelling, singing and dancing at the PNE Forum (usually in late February, but TBC in 2023).
  • Coastal First Nations Dance Festival – by the Dancers of Damelahamid at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster and/or Museum of Anthropology at UBC (in late February and/or in the beginning of March most years). (TBC)
  • Talking Stick Festival – an Indigenous performing arts festival. (It normally runs from mid to late February. In 2022, however, it went from June 12 to July 3.)
  • Vancouver International Wine Festival – one of North America’s largest, oldest and most prestigious wine shows (with 2023 dates to be confirmed).

 

Shows & Entertainment in February

  • Entertainment Night – a talent show-style fundraising event hosted by the Interact Club at Windsor Secondary School in North Vancouver. (Likely on February 23, 2022, but with exact details to be confirmed.)
  • PuSh Festival – performing arts shows at various locations. (It usually runs from late January until early February, but with 2023 details to be confirmed).
  • Just for Laughs Comedy Fest – stand-up, improv and other funny shows in Vancouver. (TBC)

 

Other Festivals & Events in February

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

MARCH 2023 Festivals and Events

 

The following list is divided into three categories. The first group features performing arts events and the second is a list of general events that take place in March. The third group is of St. Patrick’s Day festivals and events.

 

Visual and Performing Arts Events in March

  • Sonic Boom Festival – a festival featuring contemporary classical music by BC composers.
  • Vancouver International Dance Festival – a series of special dance performances at various venues. (It normally runs for about three weeks beginning in early March.)
  • Shen Yun – the American-based Chinese production performs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (TBC)
  • Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company visits Concord Pacific Place most years. (TBC)

 

Festivals & Events in March

  • BC Bike Show – a trade show featuring all kinds of bikes, bicycles and cycling equipment at the Vancouver Convention Centre (in early March).
  • Brewski Fest – a one-day event featuring free beer samples for adults with Cypress Mountain day ticket and season passes (in late March). (TBC)
  • Festival du Bois – BC’s largest francophone festival, held annually in Coquitlam in early March. (It often happens in March. In 2022, however, its dates were April 1 to 3.)
  • 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. (TBC)
  • Persian New Year Fire Festival – at Ambleside in West Vancouver (in mid-March).
  • PlayDome – amusement rides and midway games at the indoor carnival at BC Place Stadium (in mid to late March). (TBC)
  • Spring Break – two weeks of public school holidays (in the second half of March).
  • Vancouver Auto Show – at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (It’s normally in late March.)
  • Vancouver International Wine Festival – one of North America’s largest, oldest and most prestigious wine shows. (It normally happens from late February until the beginning of March.)
  • Walk In Her Shoes – an event to raise money and awareness about CARE Canada and its work to help women and children in developing countries (in early March).

 

St. Patrick’s Day-Related Events in March

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

 

 

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

 

 

April

APRIL 2023 Festivals and Events

 

The following list of April festivals and events is divided into three categories. The first list features events that are related to holidays and special occasions, like Easter weekend, Earth Day and Vaisakhi. The second group features sporting events and the third includes general festivals and events. The fourth 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 7 to 10, 2023).
  • Easter at Taves Farm – family-friendly activities on the long weekend in Abbotsford.
  • Peteys Easter Event – family-friendly Easter activities at Fantasy Farms in Chilliwack.
  • 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. (It normally happens in mid to late April.))
  • Surrey Vaisakhi Parade – a massive East Indian festival and parade in Surrey (in late April).
  • Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade – East Indian cultural festivities that attract up to 300,000 participants (in mid-April). (TBC)

 

Sports and Sports-Related Events in April

  • Vancouver Sun Run – a 10-km race that attracts as many as 40,000 participants (in late April).
  • Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival – an annual 10-day event at Whistler. (It normally happens from mid to late April. It was cancelled, however, for 2022. 2023 details are to be confirmed.)

 

Festivals and Events in April

  • 420 Vancouver – a marijuana-themed event with market vendors at Sunset Beach (on April 20, 2023).
  • BC Distilled – a series of events showcasing BC craft spirits and distilleries. (TBC)
  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring 20 acres of tulips in Chilliwack (in early April to early May).
  • Classic & Custom Car Show – an indoor car show at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. (TBC)
  • Festival du Bois – BC’s largest francophone festival, held annually in Coquitlam (sometime between late February and early April).
  • Harrison Uncorked – a wine festival at Harrison Hot Springs (in mid-April). (TBC)
  • International Pillow Fight Day – celebrated by hundreds of people and flying feathers outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (in early April). (TBC)
  • Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – a market featuring vintage, antique and collectible goods at Tradex in Abbotsford. (TBC)
  • Richmond Community Block Party – a food truck event with market vendors and live music at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond. (TBC)
  • TED – the annual world TED Conference. (Possibly April 17 to 21, 2023, but with exact dates to be confirmed.)
  • Vancouver International Wine Festival – one of North America’s largest, oldest and most prestigious wine shows. (TBC)
  • Vancouver Opera Festival – a series of opera productions (from late April until early May). (TBC)
  • Whisky Global – an upscale whisky-tasting event with live music, premium whiskies and high-end cars at Rocky Mountaineer Station. (It normally happens in January, but took place in April in 2022. 2023 details are to be confirmed.)

 

Cherry Blossom-Related Events in 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.

 

 

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May

MAY 2023 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

 

Shows, Exhibitions and Performing Arts Events in May

 

General Festivals and Events in May

  • Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring 20 acres of tulips in Chilliwack (from mid-April until the beginning of May).
  • CityFest – a youth-focused event and the Lower Mainland’s largest skate competition in North Vancouver (likely on May 6 in 2023, but with details to be confirmed).
  • Engine 374 Celebrations – a community event celebrating the arrival of the first train in Vancouver over 130 years ago. (TBC)
  • Hyack Festival – a community event that includes a parade and street party in New Westminster in late May.
  • 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 (in mid-May).
  • The Vancouver Children’s Festival – a fun festival for kids at Granville Island (from late May until early June).
  • Vancouver Marathon – a Boston-qualifying marathon starting in Queen Elizabeth Park and finishing in downtown Vancouver (in early May).
  • Whistler Go Fest – the ski resort’s “Great Outdoor Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts in late May. (TBC)

 

Holidays and Cultural-Related Events in May

  • British Columbia Polish Festival – a cultural event in Port Coquitlam (likely on May 28 in 2023, but with exact details to be confirmed).
  • Cinco de Mayo – Mexican holiday celebrations on and around May 5 each year.
  • European Festival – a festival celebrating European culture (usually in late May). (TBC)
  • 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 14 in 2023.
  • Pull of the Net: A Multicultural Celebration – a free event showcasing the region’s diversity and performing arts organizations in Steveston Village (in early May). (TBC)
  • Royal Victorian Party – old-fashioned celebrations at Stewart Farm in Surrey on the Victoria Day weekend (in mid-May most years). (TBC)
  • TJ Fest – a community festival at the Tian Jin Temple in Burnaby (in mid-May).
  • Vancouver Turkic Festival – a free cultural event with live music and market vendors at North Vancouver’s Shipbuilders’ Square (in late May). (TBC)
  • Victoria Day – the statutory holiday on the May Long Weekend when various events take place around town (on May 22, 2023).

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.

 

 

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June in Vancouver

JUNE 2023 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

 

Food, Drink and Cultural Events in June

 

Sports and Sports-Related Events in June

 

General Festivals and Events in June

  • Fair in the Square – a community event featuring free food and entertainment at Victory Square in Vancouver (in mid-June).
  • Hats off Day – a street festival in Burnaby on a Saturday in early to mid-June every year.
  • Langley Community Day – an event with food trucks, artisan vendors and family-friendly activities at Douglas Park (in mid-June).
  • Lavenderland – a lavender flower-themed attraction in Richmond (from mid-June to September).
  • Lynn Valley Day – a community festival in the Lynn Valley district of North Vancouver (in either June or July).
  • North Delta Family Day – a community festival and parade in Delta (usually in mid-June). (TBC)
  • Pitt Meadows Day – a family-friendly event with a parade, live music, artisan vendors and fireworks (in early June).
  • Playland – amusement rides and midway games at the PNE fairgrounds.
  • Point Grey Fiesta – a community festival with a parade, live entertainment and carnival rides (in mid-June).
  • Sasquatch Days – a small festival in Harrison Hot Springs with war canoe races, First Nations cultural performances and a salmon BBQ. (June 17 & 18, 2023)
  • Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver on Friday evenings. (Likely not happening in 2023.)
  • 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 in mid-June.
  • Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a fun festival for kids at Granville Island (from late May until the beginning of June).
  • West Coast Women’s Show – at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford (in October most years, but possibly in June too).
  • West Vancouver Bridge Festival – a community festival at Ambleside Park (in early June).

 

Performing Arts Events and Festivals in June

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.

 

 

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

 

 

July in Vancouver

JULY 2023 Festivals and Events

 

The following list is divided into five 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. Cycling races and related events make up the fourth category, while other general events are included in the final category.

 

Holidays and Cultural Festivals in July

 

Music Festivals and Events in July

 

Performing Arts Festivals and Events in July

 

Sporting Events in July

 

Food and Drink Events in July

  • Maple Ridge Food Truck Festival – food trucks, live music and market vendors in Maple Ridge on Canada Day. (TBC)
  • Port Moody Ribfest – a 3-day event in Port Moody with BBQ rib competitions and live music (on in mid-July).
  • 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 mid-July).

 

Other Events and Festivals in July

 

Other Events in July

  • Playland – amusement rides and midway games at the PNE.
  • Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver. (Likely not happening in 2023.)

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