Chinese New Year Parade on Keefer Street

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

Events this time of year include the Dine Out Vancouver Festival, LunarFest Vancouver and PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

Vancouver Events and Festivals in 2023

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 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 January 14, 2023).
Vive les Voyageurs – a celebration of French-Canadian culture at Fort Langley. (January 21 & 22, 2022).
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants (from January 20 to February 5 in 2023).
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 January 19 until February 5 in 2023).
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 (from January 21 to 29 in 2023. )
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. (Cancelled for 2023, but happening from January 19 to 21 in 2024.)
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. In 2023 it takes place on February 3 & 4.)
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)
Chilliwack Home, Leisure & Outdoor Living Expo – a large renovations and home decor trade show-themed event in the Fraser Valley. (Not happening in 2023.)

Lunar New Year Events in January

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 (on January 22 in 2023).
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 on January 21 & 22 in 2023.
International Village Mall – the shopping centre in Chinatown has art exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, market vendors and live rabbits on January 21 & 22 in 2023.

Christmas-Themed Events in January

Canyon Lights – at Capilano Suspension Bridge (from late November until mid to late 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.)
Lights at Lafarge – Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake has holiday illuminations all month and until the middle of February in 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:

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

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. (February 10 & 11, 2023)
Brazilian Carnival – a night of celebrating Brazilian music and culture at the Enso Event Centre in Vancouver. (February 25, 2023)
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants. (From January 20 to February 5 in 2023.)
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.)
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, it was in April. In 2023 it takes place on February 3 & 4.)

Shows & Entertainment in February

Entertainment Night – a talent show-style fundraising event hosted by the Interact Club at Windsor Secondary School in North Vancouver. (Usually in February, but possibly in April this year and with exact details to be confirmed.)
PuSh Festival – performing arts shows at various locations (from January 19 until February 5 in 2023).
Just for Laughs Comedy Fest – stand-up, improv and other funny shows in Vancouver. (February 16 to 25, 2023)
Vancouver International Dance Festival – a series of special dance performances at various venues. (February 27 to March 25, 2023)

Other Festivals & Events in February

Beyond Van Gogh – an immersive art exhibition showcasing the works of Vincent Van Gogh at the Cloverdale Agriplex in Surrey. (From February 1 until March 5 in 2023.)
Earlybird RV Show – a recreational vehicle trade show in Abbotsford. (February 16 to 19, 2023)
FAN EXPO Vancouver – a convention for people who like superheroes, comic books and Japanese anime. (February 18 to 20, 2023.)
Fort Langley Historic Half Marathon – running races in Fort Langley. (February 19, 2023)
Maple Ridge Rock & Gem Show – an event showcasing gem stones, jewellery and stone carvings in Pitt Meadows. (February 25 & 26, 2023)
Pet Lover Show – a trade show for dogs, cats and other household animals and their owners. (It’s normally in February or March in Abbotsford. In 2022, however, it was in Vancouver in November. 2023 dates, location and other details are to be confirmed.)
SYNCRA City – a touring multisensory light and music experience in Vancouver (February 14 to March 12, 2023).
Vancouver Boat Show – at both BC Place Stadium and Granville. (February 1 to 5, 2023)
Vancouver Comic and Toy Show – a trade show featuring superhero comic books, art and collectible toys. (It sometimes happens in February. This year though, it takes place on April 1 & 2, 2023).
VMF Winter Arts – a festival with free entertainment and interactive art displays. (February 16 to 26, 2023)
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special beverage offerings around town. (January 14 to February 14, 2023)
Western Golf Expo – a golf trade show at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. (February 24 & 25, 2023)
Lights at Lafarge – Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake has holiday illuminations all month and until the middle of February in 2023.
Winter Wander – a Saturday when you can visit the Museum of Vancouver, MacMillan Space Centre and Maritime Museum all for just $5. (It’s usually in early February, but to be confirmed for 2023).
24 Hours of Winter – a two-day winter sports event at Grouse Mountain (in mid to late February). (TBC for 2023.)
Fraser Valley Home @ Garden Expo – a large renovations and home decor trade show in Abbotsford. (Not happening in 2022.)

For more, see Metro Vancouver’s February Calendar.

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

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. (March 15 to 19, 2023)
Vancouver International Dance Festival – a series of special dance performances at various venues. (February 27 to March 25, 2023)
Shen Yun – the American-based Chinese production performs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (March 21-26, 2023)
SYNCRA City – a touring multisensory light and music experience in Vancouver (February 14 to March 12, 2023).

Festivals & Events in March

Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. – a superheroes-themed attraction at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby. (March 3 until May 28 in 2023.)
BC Bike Show – a trade show featuring all kinds of bikes, bicycles and cycling equipment at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (March 4 to 5, 2023).
Beyond Van Gogh – an immersive art exhibition showcasing the works of Vincent Van Gogh at the Cloverdale Agriplex in Surrey. (From February 1 until March 5 in 2023.)
Brewski Fest – a one-day event featuring free beer samples for adults with Cypress Mountain day ticket and season passes (in late March). (TBC)
Canada Rugby Sevens – a face-paced international rugby tournament at BC Place Stadium. (March 3 to 5, 2023)
Festival du Bois – BC’s largest francophone festival, held annually in Coquitlam. (March 24 to 26 in 2023)
Food Truck Wars in Langley – a food trucks, artisan vendors and live entertainment at the KPU campus. (March 31 and April 1 & 2 in 2023)
Monster Jam at the PNE – an event featuring monster trucks in races and stunt competitions at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum. (March 17-19, 2023)
Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show – an event showcasing adventure-style travel opportunities and equipment at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (March 4 to 5, 2023)
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, but cancelled for 2023.)
BC Home and Garden Show – a trade show at BC Place Stadium. (March 16-19, 2023)
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

CelticFest Vancouver – a festival celebrating everything Celtic (in mid-March).
St. Patrick’s Day – an Irish holiday that’s celebrated throughout the week at various venues around town (on March 17, 2023).
St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run – a running race in Stanley Park benefiting Diabetes Canada. (March 11, 2023).

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

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).
Food Truck Wars in Langley – a food trucks, artisan vendors and live entertainment at the KPU campus. (March 31 and April 1 & 2 in 2023)
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)
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. – a superheroes-themed attraction at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby. (March 3 until May 28 in 2023.)
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)
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. (April 29 to 30, 2023)
Vancouver Comic and Toy Show – a trade show featuring superhero comic books, art and collectible toys. (April 1 & 2, 2023).
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. (April 22 to 30 in 2023).
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

Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival – a Japanese-style event at Gary Point Park in Richmond in early April.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – a variety of events celebrating spring and cherry blossoms (for most of the month of April).
- Cherry Jam Concert – a free series of performances outside the Burrard Street SkyTrain Station (in early April). (TBC)
- Sakura Days Japan Fair – a Japanese spring festival celebrated at VanDusen Botanical Garden as part of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (in early 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:

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

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – amusement rides and rodeo shows in Surrey. (May 19 to 22, 2023)
Fort Langley Beer & Food Festival – a craft beer festival at Fort Langley Park (TBC).
Fort Langley May Day Fair and Parade – a community festival and parade in Fort Langley. (May 22, 2023.)
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. (May 26-28 in 2023.)
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 mid to late May.

Shows, 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 20, 2023)
Art Vancouver – and international art show at the Vancouver Convention Centre. (TBC)
West of Main Art Walk – an art exhibition and tour of artists’ studios at various venues in Vancouver (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 (with 2023 dates to be confirmed).
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. – a superheroes-themed attraction at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby. (March 3 until May 28 in 2023.)
Brican 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).
Royal Canadian International Circus – a touring circus with performances in Richmond and Surrey. (TBC)
Vancouver Opera – the Flying Dutchman opera by Wagner shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (between April 29 and May 7 in 2023.)

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.
Jurassic World Live Tour – a dinosaur-themed show at the Pacific Coliseum (on May 19-28, 2023).
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.

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

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

Car Free Days – celebrations on Denman Street and Main Street over the Father’s Day weekend. (TBC)
Surrey Car Free Day – a new car free day event with vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities in Newton.
Father’s Day – a day for recognizing dads on the third Sunday of June (so on June 18th in 2023).
Maple Ridge Car Free Day – a car free day event that takes place on Father’s Day and has been combined with the Maple Ridge Food Truck Festival since 2019 (in mid-June).
Fraser Valley Classic Car Show – a car show in Chilliwack (in mid-June).
National Indigenous Peoples Day – celebrations include events in various places around the Lower Mainland (on or around June 21 in 2023).

Food, Drink and Cultural Events in June

ScotFest and BC Highland Games – a Scottish festival at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. (June 16-18, 2023)
Greek Day on Broadway – an all-day street festival on Broadway Avenue in Kitsilano in late June.
Italian Day on the Drive – a celebration of everything Italian on Commercial Drive (in mid-June).
Maple Ridge Food Truck Festival – food trucks, live music and market vendors in Maple Ridge. (It’s normally in June, on the Father’s Day weekend as part of the Maple Ridge Car Free Day event). (TBC)
Philippine Days – a cultural festival hosted by the local Filipino community at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver (usually in early June). (TBC)
Scandinavian in Midsummer Festival – a festival at the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby in late June).
Squamish Beer Festival – at the O’Siyam Pavilion in Squamish in late June.
Surrey Greek Food Festival – a small community event featuring Greek food and entertainment at 13181-96th Avenue in Surrey (usually in early to mid-June).
5X Festival – a musical celebration of South Asian arts at The Beaumont Studios in Vancouver.

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 (on June 17th in 2023.)
Rotary Ride for Rescue – a fundraising event benefiting North Shore Rescue where people ride their bikes up Cypress Mountain (in mid-June)
Scotiabank Half Marathon – a 21-km run from UBC to .Stanley Park (in late June).
Seek the Peak – a race to beat breast cancer from Ambleside Park to Grouse Mountain. (TBC)
Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat races in False Creek (in late June).
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 late June).

General Festivals and Events in June

Breakout Festival – a twice-a-year Hip-Hop music festival at the PNE. (TBC for 2023)
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

Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival from early June until mid or late September.
Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings (when it’s sunny).
Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival – a music festival on the Sunshine Coast (in late June).
5X Festival – a series of internationally-focused events centred around the dance and music of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. (TBC)
Pender Harbour Blues Festival – a music festival on the Sunshine Coast (in early June.
Talking Stick Festival – an Indigenous performing arts festival (with 2023 dates and details to be confirmed).
Prisma Festival – a music festival in Powell River on the Sunshine Coast (with 2023 dates and details to be confirmed).
Vancouver International Jazz Festival – a music festival running from late June to early July. (From late June until July 2 in 2023.)

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:

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

Bastille Day – a festival celebrating the beginning of the French Revolution (on July 14th, 15th or 16th in 2023, with exact details to be confirmed).
Canada Day Festivities – held on July 1st every year at various locations throughout the region, including in downtown Vancouver (with Fireworks in Burrard Inlet), in Cloverdale in Surrey, in Steveston Village at the Steveston Salmon Festival, and at the Canada Day at Waterfront Park festivities in North Vancouver (on July 1, 2023).
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).
Colombian Independence Picnic – a small free community festival in Central Park that’s open to the public most years. (TBC).
Surrey Fusion Festival – a celebration of food, music and culture at Holland Park (in late July).
Golden Spike Days – a multi-day community festival in Port Moody on the Canada Day Long Weekend.
Indian Summer Festival – a multi-arts festival featuring South Asian, Canadian and Indigenous artists on mid-July).
Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival – a 2-day music and cultural festival at the Maple Ridge Fairgrounds on the BC Day Long Weekend.
Squamish Nation Youth Powwow – a First Nations powwow and cultural celebration on the North Shore (usually in mid-July). (TBC)
Surrey Fusion Festival – a multicultural event at Holland Park 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.
Vancouver Chinatown Festival – a small cultural festival in Vancouver’s Chinatown (in mid-July.)
Vancouver Thai Festival – a free festival celebrating Thai music, culture and food in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. (TBC)

Music Festivals and Events in July

Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings.
Cultus Lake Nightslide Concerts – an evening of water sliding and live music at Cultus Lake Waterpark. (TBC)
Flamenco, Tango and Wine Night – a dance-themed event featuring Latin and Spanish dances as part of the Carnaval del Sol Latin festival. (TBC)
Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival – an arts and music festival in Fort Langley (from July 20 to 23, 2023).
FVDED in the Park – a music festival featuring Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic and Rap music artists at Holland Park in Surrey. (TBC)
Khatsahlano Street Party – a street festival on West 4th Avenue (in early July).
Mission Folk Music Festival – a music festival in Mission (in mid to late July).
The Cup – a fancy horse racing event at Hastings Racecourse. (Note: This event used to be called the Deighton Cup.) (In mid-July.)
Red Truck Concert Series – multiple concerts at Red Truck Brewery at 295 East 1st Avenue in Vancouver. (TBC)
Sounds of Summer Music Series – FREE outdoor concerts in different Surrey parks on Wednesday evenings. (TBC)
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). (TBC)
Uptown Live Street Party – an Indie music festival in New Westminster (in mid-July).
Vancouver Bach Festival – a series of classical concerts and movies (from late July to early August).
The 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.)

Performing Arts Festivals and Events in July

Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival from mid-June until late September (from early June until late September).
Harrison Festival of the Arts – a festival featuring an art market and performing arts performances in Harrison Hot Springs (in mid-July).
Royal Canadian International Circus – a touring circus with performances in Richmond and Surrey. (TBC)
Theatre Under the Stars – a pair of musical theatre productions show at the outdoor theatre in Stanley Park (between early July and late August).
Talking Stick Festival – an Indigenous performing arts festival. (TBC)

Sporting Events in July

Formula E – electric-power car racing in the streets of Vancouver. (CANCELLED)
Gastown Grand Prix – a cycling race in the heart of the old town in mid-July. (TBC)
Giro di Burnaby – a cycling race through the streets of Burnaby. (TBC)
New West Grand Prix – a cycling race in New Westminster. (TBC)
PoCo Grand Prix – cycling races in Port Coquitlam. (TBC)
Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival – a parade, bed races, ax-throwing contests and other logger competitions in Squamish. (On the BC Day Long Weekend).
Tour de Delta – cycling races in Delta. (TBC)
Tour de White Rock – cycling races and festivities in White Rock. (TBC)

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 the second-to-last weekend in July. (July 21 to 23, 2023).
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

Abbotsford Agrifair – an agricultural fair at Exhibition Park in Abbotsford (on the BC Day Long Weekend.)
Airport Day – a community event at the Pitt Meadows Airport (in early July). (TBC)
Aldergrove Fair Days – a parade and other family-friendly activities in Aldergrove (in mid-July).
Car Free Day – a street party on Commercial Drive (in mid-July). (TBC)
Golden Spike Days – a community festival in Port Moody on the Canada Day Long Weekend.
Honda Celebration of Light – a fireworks competition in English Bay on the last two Saturdays and last Wednesday before BC Day. (July 29, August 3 and August 5 in 2023.)
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Country Fest – a festival in Maple Ridge on two days in late July.
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)
Richmond Maritime Festival – a festival in Steveston Village. (TBC)
Savour Summer Festival – a free event at River District Vancouver. (TBC)
Steveston Salmon Festival – a Canada Day event in Richmond’s Steveston Village. (TBC)
Sunset Beach Festival – a free event celebrating the LGBTQIA2+ community at Sunset Beach. (TBC)
Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival – a parade and multiple other activities celebrating Vancouver’s LGBTTQ community (in late July).
Whistler Children’s Festival – a festival focused on kids at the resort town. (In the past it has happened in July, but in 2022 it was in May. 2023 details are to be confirmed.)

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.

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

August in Vancouver

AUGUST 2023 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 7th in 2023).
Brigade Days at Fort Langley – three days of celebrations featuring folk in period costume over the BC Day Long Weekend (likely on August 5 to 7 in 2023).
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. (TBC)
Arts Alive Festival – a community arts festival in Langley in mid-August.
Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival runs from mid-June until late September in 2023.
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 early August.
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. (August 4 to 13, 2023).
Kaleidoscope Arts Festival – at one or more parks in Coquitlam with free admission and live concerts (in mid-August).
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 (in mid-August).
Music on Main Summer Concerts – a series of free concerts at Mount Pleasant Park. (TBC)
Rogue Fest – 3-day outdoor music festival on the Sunshine Coast. (TBC)
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. (TBC)
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 Bach Festival – a series of classical concerts at a number of different venues in Vancouver. (TBC)
Vancouver Mural Festival – an art festival that usually includes the Mount Pleasant Street Party (in early August).

Fitness and Sport-Related Events in August

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 early August.)
SeaWheeze Half Marathon – a running race that sometimes happens in August. (TBC)
Steveston Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat racing in Steveston Village (in mid to late 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). (It didn’t happen in 2022. TBC for 2023.)
Powell Street Festival – a two-day festival celebrating Japanese-Canadian culture in downtown Vancouver on the BC Day Long Weekend. (August 5 & 6, 2023)

General Festivals and Events in August

Abbotsford Airshow – Western Canada’s largest airshow (in early August).
Abbotsford Sunflower Festival – an event with sunflowers, a corn maze and kid-friendly activities at Maan Farms. (TBC).
New West Car Free Day – a street party along Columbia Street in New Westminster. (TBC)
The Chilliwack Fair and Rodeo – an annual fair and rodeo in Chilliwack (in early August).
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. (TBC)
Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – Vancouver’s annual fair with concerts, amusement rides, and family-friendly entertainment. (Likely from August 19 to September 4, 2023).
Pet-a-Palooza – a free “Day of the Dog” street party in Yaletown. (TBC)
Playland – amusement rides and midway games at the PNE fairgrounds (until August 18 in 2023).
Port Moody Car Free Day – a community street party in Port Moody. (TBC)
Richmond Maritime Festival – a festival in Steveston Village. (It sometimes happens in July. It was in August last year, however. 2023 details are to be confirmed.)
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 – fireworks and family-friendly activities in late July).

Food and Drink-Related Events in August

Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest – a massive food truck street festival on Columbia Street in New Westminster. (It took place as New West Car Free Day in August last year. 2023 details are to be confirmed.)
Clover Valley Beer Festival – at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey. (TBC).
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 (in mid-August).
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 Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver. (Not happening in 2023, but to be confirmed.)

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

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

September in Vancouver

SEPTEMBER 2023 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 4, 2023).
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, 2023).
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. (TBC)
Victory Square Block Party – a free event with live music in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side on the Labour Day Long Weekend. (TBC)
Pumpkins After Dark – a Halloween-themed event featuring Jack-o-lanterns and light displays in Burnaby. (TBC)

Performing Arts Events in September

Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival from mid-June until late September. (From early June until mid to late 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.)
Breakout Festival – a twice-a-year Hip-Hop music festival at the PNE. (TBC)
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 (in mid-September).
Skookum Festival – a music, art and food festival at Stanley Park. (TBC)
Vancouver Fringe Festival – a live theatre festival in Vancouver from early to mid-September. (In early to mid-September.)
Vancouver International Improv Festival – theatre-sports-style performances at Granville Island theatres. (TBC)
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. (On various dates throughout the month.)
Westward Music Festival – a multi-genre music festival with concerts at various locations and a street party in Yaletown. (TBC)
White Rock Buskers & Comedy Fest – street performers and comedy acts in White Rock. (In early to mid-September.)

Sports & Fitness-Related Events in September

GranFondo Whistler Bike Race – a bike race in Whistler. (Happening on September 9 in 2023).
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)
Vancouver Polish Festival – a cultural event in North Vancouver (on the Labour Day Long Weekend in early September).
Harvest Haus – an Oktoberfest-themed event at the PNE in Vancouver. (Usually in early or mid-October.)

Garden, Nature and Environmental Events in September

BCIT’s EVolution Festival of Learning – a major electric vehicle-themed event at the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT). (TBC)
Chilliwack Sunflower Festival – thousands of flowers at a farm in Chilliwack (usually from early August until early September).
Coho Festival – a salmon-themed event on the North Shore. (Likely on September 10, 2023, but to be confirmed.)
Country Celebration of Nature – a nature-themed event at Langley’s Campbell Valley Park (in mid-September normally). (TBC)
Richmond Sunflower Festival – a flower festival at Richmond Country Farms in August and September.
Riverfest – a community festival in New Westminster (in mid-September most years).

General Festivals and Events in September

Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival – a community fair with a parade, midway and other activities. (TBC)
North Vancouver Car Free Day – a street party on Carrie Cates Road. (TBC)
Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – Vancouver’s annual fair with concerts, amusement rides, and family-friendly entertainment. (Likely from August 19 to September 4, 2023, but with exact details to be confirmed.)
Paws for a Cause – a fundraising event involving hundreds of dogs and benefiting the BCSPCA. (TBC)
Playland – amusement rides and midway games at the PNE grounds on weekends. (TBC)
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)
Snowbird RV Show – a large recreational vehicle trade show at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford. (TBC)
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:

October in Vancouver

OCTOBER 2023 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.
Don’t Flinch – a haunted house attraction at Vancouver’s FOMO Gallery. (TBC)
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). (It used to happen prior to COVID, but not since. 2023 details are to be confirmed.)
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 2023).
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)
Pumpkins After Dark – a Halloween-themed event featuring Jack-o-lanterns and light displays in Burnaby. (TBC)
Vancouver Halloween Expo – a Halloween and anime-themed trade show. (TBC)
Vancouver Halloween Parade – a parade along Howe Street and Granville between Drake and Smithe. (TBC)

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 2023).
Brewhalla Beer & Music Festivals – a series of festivals featuring craft beer (with 2023 dates and details to be confirmed).
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 7, 2023)
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 2023).
- Harvest Haus – at the PNE in Vancouver (usually in mid-October, but with 2023 dates to be confirmed).
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. (2023 dates are to be confirmed.)

Trade Shows in October

Vancouver Fall Home Show – at the Vancouver Convention Centre in mid-October.
Snowbird RV Show – a large recreational vehicle trade show at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford. (TBC)
West Coast Women’s Show – a trade show in Abbotsford at the TRADEX Centre. (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 (over a number of days in October).
Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company presents its Kooza show at Concord Pacific Place. (October 21 until December 31 in 2023)
Circo Osorio Circus – a family-friendly circus with shows in Abbotsford, Surrey, Tsawwassen, Richmond and Coquitlam. (2023 dates to be confirmed.)
Diwali Fest – an East Indian festival with events in Vancouver and Surrey. (2023 dates and details are 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. (TBC)
Latin American Heritage Month – a variety of events celebrating Latin culture in Vancouver. (From mid-October until November 2 in 2023.)
Thanksgiving – a national holiday on the weekend of the second Monday in October. (October 9, 2023)
Rubber Ducky Race – 5 km, 7 Mile and Half Marathon running races around Burnaby Lake (in mid-October).
Vancouver International Film Festival – a prestigious film festival (with 2023 dates to be confirmed).

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

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

November in Vancouver

NOVEMBER 2023 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. (Runs 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. (In it usually runs from late November until the beginning of January.)
Heritage Christmas – Christmas decorations and activities at Burnaby Village Museum. (From late November until the beginning of 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).
Light Up The Village – a Christmas-themed event at West Vancouver’s Park Royal Mall (in late November, but TBC for 2023).
Lumagica Surrey – Christmas illuminations and family-friendly activities in Cloverdale. (Beginning for the season in mid-November.)
Lumiere Vancouver – a small festival with Christmas lights and live entertainment (from mid until late November).
Shipyards Christmas Festival – the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree and other family-friendly activities in North Vancouver (in late November or early December).
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).
White Rock Festival of Lights – Christmas lights and illuminations along White Rock’s waterfront (from November to February of the following year). (TBC)
Bright Nights – Christmas lights and miniature train rides in Stanley Park. (From late November or early December until the beginning of January.)

Other Events and Festivals in November

Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week – a series of beer-related events at various venues in North Vancouver. (Sometime between mid-October and the end of 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).
Black Friday – the day after American Thanksgiving when stores offer special discounts and Christmas-shopping season unofficially begins (on November 24, 2023).
Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company presents its Kooza show at Concord Pacific Place. (October 21 until December 31 in 2023)
Chutzpah Festival – a Jewish performing arts festival (with 2023 details to be confirmed).
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. (On November 19 every year.)
DTES Heart of the City Festival – a festival showcasing visual arts, music and culture in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. (2023 dates are to be confirmed.)
Eastside Culture Crawl – an event showcasing the work of hundreds of artists in Vancouver. (In mid-November.)
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).
Latin American Heritage Month – a variety of events celebrating Latin culture in Vancouver. (From mid-October until November 2 in 2023.)
Modulus Festival – a music festival hosted by Music on Main in Vancouver. (2023 dates are to be confirmed.)
Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – vintage, antique and collectible goods for sale at Tradex in Abbotsford. (TBC)
Pet Lover Show – a trade show for dogs, cats and other household animals and their owners. (2023 dates are to be confirmed.)
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, it was in November.)
Vancouver Turkish Film Festival – films and related events in downtown Vancouver. (2023 dates to be confirmed.)
Vancouver Historic Half – a 5K, 10K and half marathon around Stanley Park’s seawall. (November 26, 2023)
Vancouver Train Expo – a model train exhibition at the Pacific National Exhibition. (TBC)

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. (Likely on November 8-12, 2023)
Vancouver Christmas Market – an outdoor German-themed market at Jack Poole Plaza (from mid-November until late December). (Mid-November to December 24 in 2023.)
Holidays at Hycroft – an upscale artisan market in Vancouver (in mid-November).
West End Holiday Craft Fair – a Christmas craft market at the West End Community Centre in Vancouver (with 2023 dates to be confirmed).
The Old Farmhouse – a large vintage market at Tradex in Abbotsford (with 2023 dates to be confirmed).
West Coast Christmas Show – a massive holiday market at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford (in mid-November).

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

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

December in Vancouver

DECEMBER 2023 Festivals and Events

The following December festivals and events are divided into four 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. 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.
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).
PNE Winter Fair – a Christmas attraction featuring a live concert each night. (TBC)
Yule Duel: Caroling for a Cause – multiple local choirs sing in downtown Vancouver to raise money for charity (in early December pre-COVID, but TBC in 2023).

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 2023).
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).
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. (TBC)
Wassail & Bonfire Night – live music and a massive bonfire as part of the Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Vancouver (likely on December 16, 2023).

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).
A Very Creepy Xmas – haunted experiences with Christmas themes at Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors in Surrey. (TBC)
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 (between late November and 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, but to be confirmed for 2023).
Holiday Lights at Granville Island – Christmas lights and illuminations are on display for 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 early January).
PNE Winter Fair – a Christmas attraction at the Pacific National Exhibition. (TBC)
White Rock Festival of Lights – Christmas lights and illuminations along White Rock’s waterfront (from November until February).

Christmas Markets in December

Vancouver Christmas Market – an outdoor German-themed market at Jack Poole Plaza (from mid-November until December 24 in 2023).
Holidays at Hycroft – an upscale artisan market in Vancouver (in mid-November).
Coquitlam Christmas Night Market – an artisan market by Lafarge Lake in early December.
Shipyards Christmas Market – an artisan market in North Vancouver (with 2023 dates to be confirmed.)
All About Christmas Gifts Expo – a giant Christmas market at Chilliwack Heritage Park.
New West Holiday Market – an outdoor artisan market in New Westminster in mid-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).
Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company presents its Kooza show at Concord Pacific Place. (October 21 until December 31 in 2023)
Project EveryBODY, PEBCelebratesLive – an event celebrating and showcasing persons and artists with disabilities in Vancouver. The event features music, art, food and a film. (2023 dates are to be confirmed.)
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 2023).
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.