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 normally include Victoria Day weekend celebrations, the Cloverdale Rodeo, All British Field Meet car show, Indigenous Peoples Day events, Car Free Days, Father’s Day activities and multiple other fabulous happenings throughout the Lower Mainland.

CORONA VIRUS UPDATES

Since mid-March, 2020, events larger than 50 people have been cancelled in the Province of British Columbia. Many smaller events are also being cancelled or postponed. Event details are subject to change. See official websites for the most up-to-date information regarding each individual festival or event.

On April 19th, 2020, BC’s chief medical officer, Doctor Bonny Henry, said that major events like Vancouver Pride and the Pacific National Exhibition won’t be taking place this year. That’s certainly bad news for the festival, arts and cultural industries! Many events have already been cancelled. Many more likely will soon be too.

For a list of Lower Mainland events that have been cancelled or postponed see our article about COVID-19 in Metro Vancouver.

Vancouver Events and Festivals in 2020

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:

May

MAY 2020 Festivals and Events

5K Foam Fest Vancouver – a non-competitive obstacle course event with bubbles and foam at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds (May 30, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford (mid-April until early May). (CANCELLED)
All-British Vancouver-Whistler Run – a car show at Whistler’s Creekside Village. (POSTPONED)
Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings (when it’s sunny). (TBD)
British Columbia Polish Festival – a cultural event in Port Coquitlam on the last Sunday in May (and so probably May 31st in 2020, but to be confirmed). (CANCELLED)
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring 20 acres of tulips in Chilliwack (mid-April until early May). (CANCELLED)
Cinco de Mayo – Mexican holiday celebrations on and around May 5th each year. (TBD)
CityFest – a youth-focused festival and the Lower Mainland’s largest skate competition in North Vancouver (May 2, 2020). (CANCELLED, but with some aspects of the event taking place online.)
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – amusement rides and rodeo shows in Surrey (May 15-18). (CANCELLED)
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival taking place at various venues (May 7 to 17, 2020). (POSTPONED)
European Festival – a festival celebrating European culture (May 31, 2020). (TBD, but likely cancelled.)
Fair in the Square – a community event featuring free food and entertainment at Victory Square in Vancouver (late May). (Not happening in 2020.)
Fort Langley May Day Fair and Parade – a community festival and parade in Fort Langley (May 18, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Hyack Festival – a multi-day community event that includes a parade and street party in New Westminster (May 23). (CANCELLED)
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 22-24). (CANCELLED)
Mother’s Day – a special day for mothers and for letting them know how much we love them (May 10, 2020).
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 (May 2 and 3, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Rotary Get Inspired Talks – a series of inspirational talks at the Granville Island Stage Theatre on Granville Island. The event is a collaborative project of Get Inspired Talks Vancouver and local Rotary Clubs (May 23, 2020). (POSTPONED until November)
Royal Canadian International Circus – a touring circus with performances in Richmond (May 14-25) and Vancouver (28-31, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Royal Victorian Party – old-fashioned celebrations at Stewart Farm in Surrey on the Victoria Day weekend (mid-May). (CANCELLED)
Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver. (POSTPONED)
Spot Prawn Festival – a seafood-themed event that celebrates spot prawn season at Fishermen’s Wharf in False Creek near Granville Island (mid-May). (CANCELLED)
Surrey International Children’s Festival – at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park (May 21-23, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver All British Field Meet – a car show at VanDusen Garden featuring over 500 British-built vehicles over the May long weekend (May 16, 2020). (POSTPONED)
Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown (May 16 and 17, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver Craft Beer Week – craft beer events culminating in the VCBW Beer Festival at Concord Community Park featuring over 400 North American beers and ciders (May 29 – June 7). (POSTPONED)
Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a fun festival for kids at Granville Island (May 25 to 31). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver International Marathon – a Boston-qualifying marathon starting in Queen Elizabeth Park and finishing in downtown Vancouver (May 3, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver Opera Festival – a series of opera productions (late April to early May). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver Turkic Festival – a free cultural event with live music and market vendors at North Vancouver’s Shipbuilders’ Square (May 31, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Victoria Day – the statutory holiday on the May Long Weekend when various events take place around town (May 18, 2020).
Whistler Go Fest – the ski resort’s “Great Outdoor Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts (mid-May). (CANCELLED)

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 2020 Festivals and Events

Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival (June 10 until September 26). (CANCELLED)
BC Highland Games & Scottish Festival – at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam (June 13, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings (when it’s sunny). (TBD)
Car Free Days – celebrations on Denman Street (June 20, 2020) and Main Street (June 21, 2020) over the Father’s Day weekend. (CANCELLED)
5X Festival (a.k.a., City of Bhangra Festival) – a festival celebrating the dance and music of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan (June 11-14, 2020). (TBD)
Father’s Day – a day for recognizing dads on the third Sunday of June (so on June 14th in 2020).
Golden Spike Days – a community festival at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park on the Canada Day Long Weekend (around July 1). (CANCELLED)
Greek Day on Broadway – an all-day street festival on Broadway Avenue in Kitsilano (mid to late June). (TBD)
Hats off Day – a giant street festival in Burnaby along Hastings Street on the first Saturday of June every year (so June 6, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Italian Day on the Drive – a celebration of everything Italian on Commercial Drive (mid-June). (CANCELLED)
Lynn Valley Day – a community festival in the Lynn Valley district of North Vancouver (June 13, 2020). (CANCELLED)
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 (June 21, 2020.) (TBD)
Maple Ridge Food Truck Festival – food trucks, live music and market vendors in Maple Ridge (June 21, 2020). (TBD)
National Indigenous Peoples Day – celebrations include events at Trout Lake and other parts of the Lower Mainland (June 21, 2020). (TBD)
North Delta Family Day – a community festival and parade in Delta (mid to late June). (TBD)
Philippine Days – a cultural festival hosted by the local Filipino community at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver (early June). (TBD)
Pitt Meadows Day – a family-friendly event with a parade, live music, artisan vendors and fireworks (June 6, 2020). (POSTPONED)
Point Grey Fiesta – a community festival with a parade, live entertainment and carnival rides (mid to late June). (CANCELLED)
Royal Canadian Family Circus – in Surrey at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds (June 4 to 7, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Sasquatch Days – a small festival in Harrison Hot Springs with war canoe races, First Nations cultural performances and a salmon BBQ (June 27 & 28, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival – a festival at the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby (mid to late June). (CANCELLED)
Scotiabank Half Marathon – a 21-km run from UBC to Stanley Park (June 28, 2020). (CANCELLED, although a virtual race will still be happening.)
Seek the Peak – a race to beat breast cancer from Ambleside Park to Grouse Mountain (mid-June). (POSTPONED)
Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver. (TBD)
Sockeye Run Car Show – a large car show in Steveston Village (early June). (CANCELLED)
Surrey Fest Downtown – a small community festival with live entertainment at Surrey’s Holland Park (June 14). (TBD)
Surrey Greek Food Festival – a small community event featuring Greek food and entertainment at 13181-96th Avenue in Surrey (early to mid-June). (TBD)
Vancouver Craft Beer Week – a series of craft beer-related events culminating in the VCBW Beer Festival at the PNE Fairgrounds featuring over 400 North American beers and ciders (May 29 until June 7). (POSTPONED)
Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat races in False Creek (June 19 – 21). (POSTPONED until September 12-13, 2020.)
Vancouver International Jazz Festival – a music festival running (late June until around July 1). (CANCELLED)
West Vancouver Bridge Festival – a community festival at Ambleside Park (June 5 and 6). (CANCELLED)

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 2020 Festivals and Events

Airport Day – a community event at the Pitt Meadows Airport (July 4, 2020). (TBD)
Aldergrove Fair Days – a small-town fair with a parade, chili cook-off, car show and other family-friendly activities in Aldergrove (July 17-19). (TBD)
Bard on the Beach – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival (June to September). (CANCELLED)
Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings (when it’s sunny). (TBD)
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 (July 1, 2020). (These events have been either CANCELLED entirely or will be taking place online instead in 2020.)
Car Free Day – a massive street party on Commercial Drive (July 12, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Caribbean Days Festival – a festival in North Vancouver put on by the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC (late July). (CANCELLED)
Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest – a massive food truck street festival on Columbia Street in New Westminster (July 25). (TBD)
Cultus Lake Nightslide Concerts – an evening of water sliding and live music at Cultus Lake Waterpark in the Fraser Valley (mid-July). (TBD)
Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival – an arts and music festival in Fort Langley (July 24-26, 2020). (TBD)
FVDED in the Park – a large urban music festival featuring over two dozen hip-hop, R&B, electronic and rap music artists at Holland Park in Surrey (July 10 – 11). (TBD)
Gastown Grand Prix – a cycling race in the heart of the old town (mid-July). (CANCELLED)
Giro di Burnaby – a cycling race through the streets of Burnaby. (CANCELLED. The event will next be taking place on July 15, 2021.)
Golden Spike Days – a community festival at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park on the Canada Day Long Weekend (late June to early July). (CANCELLED)
Greek Summerfest – an 11-day festival celebrating Greek food, culture and music at St. Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church at 4641 Boundary Road (early to mid-July). (TBD)
Harrison Festival of the Arts – a festival featuring an art market and performing arts performances in Harrison Hot Springs (July 10-19, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Honda Celebration of Light – a fireworks competition and accompanying festival in English Bay on the last two Saturdays and last Wednesday before BC Day (July 25, 29 and August 1). (CANCELLED)
Indian Summer Festival – a multi-arts festival featuring South Asian, Canadian and Indigenous artists (July 9 to 19). (The live event has been CANCELLED due to COVID-19. In its place, however, is a virtual online series of events running from May 16 until July 18, 2020.)
Khatsahlano Street Party – a major street party on West 4th Avenue, billing itself as “Vancouver’s largest free music and arts festival” (July 11, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Country Fest – a community festival at the Albion Fairgrounds in Maple Ridge (July 25 and 26). (CANCELLED)
Mission Folk Music Festival – a music festival in Mission (July 24 to 26). (CANCELLED)
New West Grand Prix – a cycling race in New Westminster (July 14, 2020). (CANCELLED)
PoCo Grand Prix – cycling races in Port Coquitlam (July 17, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Port Moody Ribfest – a 3-day event in Port Moody with BBQ rib competitions and live music (mid to late July). (CANCELLED)
Red Truck Concert Series – multiple concerts at Red Truck Brewery at 295 East 1st Avenue in Vancouver (mid-July). (TBD)
Richmond Maritime Festival – a free maritime festival at Britannia Shipyard in Steveston Village (late July). (TBD)
Savour Summer Festival – a free community event at River District Vancouver with live entertainment, concerts and refreshments (various dates in the summer). (TBD)
Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver.
Sounds of Summer Music Series – FREE outdoor concerts in different Surrey parks on Wednesday evenings. (TBD)
Squamish Constellation Festival – a large music festival in Squamish (July 24th to 26th, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Squamish Nation Youth Powwow – a First Nations powwow and cultural celebration on the North Shore (mid-July). (TBD)
Squamish Beer Festival – at the O’Siyam Pavilion in Squamish (July 4). (TBD)
Squamish Wind Festival – a multi-day event with art, music, and performing arts shows in Squamish (late July). (TBD)
Steveston Salmon Festival – a Canada Day event in Richmond’s Steveston Village (July 1, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Surrey Fusion Festival – billed as “the ultimate celebration of music, food and culture” and taking place at Holland Park (July 25-26). (CANCELLED)
Symphony in the Park – a free performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby (July 18, 2020). (CANCELLED)
TED – the annual world TED Conference (originally scheduled for April 20-24, but POSTPONED until July 26-30, 2020.) (TBD)
Theatre Under the Stars – the musicals Beauty & the Beast and Hello Dolly show on alternating days at the outdoor theatre in Stanley Park (July 4 to August 29, 2020). (TBD)
Tour de Delta – cycling races in Delta (July 10-12). (CANCELLED)
Tour de White Rock – cycling races and festivities in White Rock (mid-July). (CANCELLED)
Uptown Live Street Party – an Indie music festival in New Westminster (July 18, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver Bach Festival – a series of classical concerts and movies (July 27 to August 8). (TBD)
Vancouver Chinatown Festival – a small cultural festival in Vancouver’s Chinatown (July 22, 2020). (TBD)
Vancouver Folk Music Festival – a major folk music festival at Jericho Beach (July 17-19). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver International Jazz Festival – a major music festival with both free and ticketed events (June 19 to July 1, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver Thai Festival – a free festival celebrating Thai music, culture and food in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (mid to late July). (TBD)
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 (with date to be confirmed). (TBD)
Whistler Children’s Festival – a festival focused on kids up at the ski resort town (July 10-12). (CANCELLED)

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 2020 Festivals and Events

Abbotsford Agrifair – an agricultural fair that includes a midway, amusement rides and animals at Exhibition Park at 32470 Haida Drive in Abbotsford (July 31 to August 2, 2020).
Abbotsford Airshow – Western Canada’s largest airshow (August 7-9, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Ambleside Retro Music Festival – a classic rock festival at West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park (August 14-16, 2020). (TBD)
Arts Alive Festival – a community arts festival in Langley (August 15, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival (June 10 to September 26). (CANCELLED)
BC Day – a statutory holiday on the first Monday in August (so August 3rd in 2020).
Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings (when it’s sunny). (TBD)
Brigade Days at Fort Langley – three days of celebrations featuring folk in period costume over the BC Day Long Weekend (early August). (TBD)
Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival – a music festival at Deer Lake in Burnaby (August 7-8, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Carnaval del Sol – a Latin American festival in Vancouver at Concord Pacific Place (August 5-7, 2020). (TBD)
Chilliwack Garlic Festival – a family-friendly event at Fantasy Farms in the Fraser Valley (late August, but to be confirmed for 2020).
Chilliwack Fair and Rodeo – the 147th annual fair and small town rodeo in Chilliwack (August 7 to 9, 2020). (TBD)
Chilliwack Flight Fest – a free airshow at the Chilliwack Airport in August (late August). (TBD)
Chilliwack Sunflower Festival – thousands of sunflowers and dahlias on display at a farm in Chilliwack (early August to mid-September). (TBD)
Clover Valley Beer Festival – at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey (August 8, 2020). (TBD)
Colombian Independence Picnic – a small free community festival in Central Park that’s open to the public (July 19, 2020). (TBD)
Cultus Lake Nightslide Concerts – an evening of water sliding and live music at Cultus Lake Waterpark in the Fraser Valley (on one or two Friday nights in August). (TBD)
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 (mid to late August). (TBD)
Harmony Arts Festival – a free multi-day event with live music, outdoor movies and art in West Vancouver (July 31 to August 9, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Honda Celebration of Light – a fireworks competition and accompanying festival in English Bay and Stanley Park (July 25, 29 and August 1). (CANCELLED)
India Live – a free event celebrating Indian Culture on Granville Street (from early to late August). (TBD)
KiteClash – the Canadian Freestyle Kiteboarding Championships in Squamish (August 27 – 30). (CANCELLED)
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 (August 7-9). (TBD)
Korean Cultural Heritage Festival – a free festival celebrating Korean food, music and culture at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby (early August). (TBD)
Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival – a 2-day music and cultural festival at the Maple Ridge Fairgrounds (early August). (TBD)
Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – Vancouver’s annual fair with concerts, amusement rides, animals and family-friendly entertainment (mid-August until the first Monday in September). (TBD)
Pakistan Festival – a free cultural event at Tsawwassen Mills Mall in South Delta (mid-August). (TBD)
Pinoy Fiesta – a Philippine festival at Memorial South Park in Vancouver (late August). (TBD)
Pet-a-Palooza – a free “Day of the Dog” street party on Mainland Street in Yaletown (August 23, 2020). (TBD)
Port Moody Car Free Day – a community festival in Port Moody (August 23, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Powell Street Festival – a two-day festival celebrating Japanese-Canadian culture in downtown Vancouver (August 1-2, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Ribfest Langley – a BBQ rib and live entertainment event hosted by area Rotary clubs at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley (mid-August). (CANCELLED)
Richmond World Festival – a free multicultural event at Minoru Park in Richmond (on the September Long Weekend). (TBD)
Savour Summer Festival – a free community event at River District Vancouver with live entertainment, concerts and refreshments (once a month in the summer). (TBD)
Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver.
Sounds of Summer Music Series – FREE outdoor concerts in different Surrey parks on Wednesday evenings.
Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival – a parade, bed races, ax-throwing contests and other logger competitions in Squamish (July 30 to August 3). (CANCELLED)
Steveston Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat racing in Steveston Village (August 22, 2020). (CANCELLED)
Theatre Under the Stars – the musicals Beauty & the Beast and Hello Dolly show on alternating days at the outdoor theatre in Stanley Park (July 4 to August 29, 2020).
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 (early August). (CANCELLED)
Vancouver Bach Festival – a series of classical concerts and movies (July 27 until August 8, 2020). (TBD)
Vancouver Mural Festival – an art festival that includes the Mount Pleasant Street Party on Main Street (early August).
Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival – a parade and multiple other activities celebrating Vancouver’s LGBTTQ community (the first week of August with the parade taking place on the first Sunday of the month). (CANCELLED, although likely taking place in some kind of digital format.)
White Rock Sea Festival – a torchlight parade, live entertainment, fireworks and family-friendly activities (August 1 and 2, 2020). (TBD)

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 2020 Festivals and Events

Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival – a community fair with a parade, midway, lawn mower races, horse show and crowning of the Corn King and Queen in Agassiz (September 19, 2020).
Bands on the Beach – two days of FREE music at Harrison Hot Springs (usually on the September Long Weekend).
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival – Vancouver’s Shakespearean theatre festival (from early June until mid-September). (CANCELLED)
BC GranFondo Whistler Bike Race – a bike race in Whistler (September 12, 2020).
Bike the Night – a cycling event where thousands of people ride through the streets of Vancouver at night (September 7, 2020).
Chilliwack Sunflower Festival – thousands of sunflowers and dahlias on display at a farm in Chilliwack (early August to mid-September).
Circo Osorio Circus – a family-friendly circus (with dates and locations to be confirmed).
Coho Festival – a salmon festival on the North Shore in (September 13, 2020).
Country Celebration of Nature – a small nature-themed community event at Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley (September 12, 2020).
Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival – featuring over 40 breweries at a venue in Coquitlam (date and details to be confirmed).
Kaleidoscope Arts Festival – at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam with free admission and fairly major live concerts (September 25-27, 2020).
Labour Day – a statutory holiday on the first Monday of the month (September 7, 2020).
Market Mexico – a cultural event celebrating Mexican Independence Day at Robson Square (maybe in mid-September, but to be confirmed for 2020).
Nikkei Matsuri – a Japanese festival in Burnaby (on the Labour Day Weekend, September 5th and 6th, 2020).
Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – Vancouver’s annual summer fair (mid-August until early September).
Paws for a Cause – a fundraising event involving hundreds of dogs and benefiting the BCSPCA (early September).
Polish Festival – a cultural event in North Vancouver (early September).
Richmond World Festival – a free multicultural event at Minoru Park in Richmond (first weekend in September).
Riverfest – a community festival at the Quay in New Westminster (mid-September).
Savour Summer Festival – a free community event at River District Vancouver with live entertainment, concerts and refreshments (once a month from July until September).
Shipyards Festival – a free music festival and street party in the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood of North Vancouver (late September).
Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver.
Skookum Festival – a music, art and food festival at Stanley Park (CANCELLED).
Taiwanese Cultural Festival – a festival taking place along Granville Street on the Labour Day long weekend (September 5-7, 2020).
Terry Fox Runs – fundraising walks and running races at various venues around the Lower Mainland and across Canada (September 20, 2020).
Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat races in False Creek (originally scheduled for June but then postponed until September 12-13, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Vancouver Fringe Festival – a live theatre festival in Vancouver (September 10-20, 2020).
Vancouver International Improv Festival – a festival featuring theatre-sports-style performances at Granville Island theatres (late September). (October 6th to 12th, 2020)
Vancouver International Film Festival – a prestigious film festival (September 24th until October 9th, 2020).
Victory Square Block Party – a free event with live music in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side on the Labour Day Long Weekend (September 6, 2020).
Westward Music Festival – a multi-genre music festival with concerts at various locations and a street party in Yaletown (September 10th to 13th, 2020).
Whistler Village Beer Festival – celebrating everything to do with craft beer up at Whistler (September 14th to 20th, 2020).
White Rock Buskers & Comedy Fest – street performers and comedy acts in White Rock (late 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 2020 Festivals and Events

Apple Festival – a fundraising festival featuring live entertainment and 50,000 lbs of apples for sale at the UBC Botanical Garden (mid-October).
Celebrate the Night – a family-friendly Halloween event with fireworks in Maple Ridge (end of October).
Chutzpah Festival – the Vancouver Jewish Performing Arts Festival (late October until late November 24).
Circo Osorio Circus – a family-friendly circus (with dates and locations to be confirmed).
Classic & Custom Car Show – an indoor car show at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford (originally scheduled for April but now taking place on October 9-11, 2020).
Cloverfest – an Oktoberfest event hosted by the Cloverdale Rotary Club (Note: Cloverfest did not take place in 2019. 2020 details are to be confirmed/)
Diwali Fest – an East Indian festival with events in Vancouver and Surrey (from early until late October).
Feast: Asian Dining Festival – a promotional event involving restaurants in Richmond offering special menus (mid-October until mid-November).
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 (mid-October).
Fright Night at the PNE – haunted houses, rides and other Halloween attractions at Vancouver’s Playland (early until late October).
Halloween Events – haunted houses and various other Halloween-related events (from early to late October).
Harrison Beer Fest – a two-day celebration of craft beers and everything Octoberfest in Harrison Hot Springs (late October).
Harvest Haus – an adults-only Oktoberfest-themed event at the PNE Forum (mid-October).
Harvestland – a family-friendly event at Hastings Park at the PNE (mid-October).
Night for All Souls – an event honoring the dead at Vancouver’s Mountain View Cemetery (late October).
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).
- Harvest Haus – at the PNE in Vancouver (mid-October).
Richmond Halloween Fireworks – a free family-friendly event with fireworks at Minoru Park in Richmond (October 31, 2020).
Taste of Yaletown – special menus at participating restaurants in Yaletown (mid to late October).
Thanksgiving – a national holiday on the weekend of the second Monday in October (October 12, 2020).
Tri-City International Wine Festival – at the Westwood Plateau Golf Club in Coquitlam (mid-October).
Vancouver Fall Home Show – at the Vancouver Convention Centre (late October).
Vancouver Halloween Parade – a parade along Howe Street and Granville between Drake and Smithe (mid-October).
Vancouver International Film Festival – a prestigious film festival (late September until mid-October).
Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week – a series of beer-related events at various venues in North Vancouver (early to mid-October).
West Coast Women’s Show – at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford (mid to late October).

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 2020 Festivals and Events

Aurora Winter Festival – a winter-themed Christmas attraction at the PNE (late November to early January).
Bear Creek Light Festival – Christmas-style lights, lanterns and free family-friendly activities at Surrey’s Bear Creek Park (the first half of November).
Bright Nights – Christmas lights and miniature train rides in Stanley Park (end of November until the beginning of January).
Canyon Lights – Christmas lights and decorations at Capilano Suspension Bridge (late November until late January).
Candytown – an outdoor Christmas market on Mainland Street in Yaletown (late November).
Circle Craft Market – one of Vancouver’s largest and most impressive Christmas craft fairs takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre (early to mid-November).
Christmas Glow – an indoor Christmas attraction in Vancouver (late November until early January, but with details to be confirmed).
Eastside Culture Crawl – an art, design and craft festival featuring the work of over 500 artists at 80 venues in Vancouver (mid-November).
Feast: Asian Dining Festival – a promotional event involving restaurants in Richmond offering special menus (mid-October to mid-November, but with details to be confirmed).
Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival – a celebration of one of the largest migratory gatherings of bald eagles anywhere in the world (mid-November).
Heritage Christmas – Christmas decorations and activities at Burnaby Village Museum (late November until early January).
Hopscotch Festival – the Grand Tasting Hall event features food, beers, whisky and other spirits sampling at the PNE Forum (mid or late November).
Lights of Hope Celebration – Christmas lights and fireworks displays at St. Paul’s Hospital (mid-November).
Light Up The Village – a Christmas-themed event at West Vancouver’s Park Royal Shopping Centre (mid-November).
Lumiere Vancouver – a small festival with Christmas lights and live entertainment (early November).
Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – a market featuring vintage, antique and collectible goods at Tradex in Abbotsford (late November).
Parade of Lost Souls – a parade and Halloween-ish celebrations around Commercial Drive (late October or early November).
Remembrance Day – ceremonies at various locations around the Lower Mainland (November 11th every year).
RMHBC Boundary Bay Marathon – a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Boston-qualifying Marathon and 4-Person Marathon Relay starting at Boundary Bay Park’s Centennial Beach (early November).
Rotary Get Inspired Talks – a series of inspirational talks at the Granville Island Stage Theatre on Granville Island. The event is a collaborative project of Get Inspired Talks Vancouver and local Rotary Clubs (November 7, 2020).
Shipyards Christmas Festival – the lighting of the City of North Vancouver’s official Christmas tree and other family-friendly activities in the Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood of the North Shore (late November or beginning of December).
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival – the official tree lighting and free festivities in the Plaza at City Hall in Surrey (late November).
Vancouver Christmas Market – an outdoor German-themed market at Jack Poole Plaza (late November until December 24, 2020).
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting – live music and the official lighting of Vancouver’s Christmas tree at Robson Square (late November).
Vancouver Historic Half – a 5K, 10K and half marathon around Stanley Park’s seawall (late November).
Vancouver Train Expo – a model train exhibition at the Pacific National Exhibition (CANCELLED for 2020. Taking place on November 6 & 7 in 2021 instead).

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

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December in Vancouver

DECEMBER 2020 Festivals and Events

Christmas Events
- Aurora Winter Festival – a winter-themed Christmas attraction at the PNE (late November until December 31st, but with 2020 details to be confirmed).
- Surrey Santa Claus Parade & Big Rigs for Kids – a family-friendly event with decorated big-rig trucks, carols and other activities in Surrey (early December).
- Carol Ships Shoreline Celebration – a Christmas event with a large bonfire, live music and a parade of boats lit up with Christmas illuminations (mid-December).
- Maple Ridge Christmas Festival – a community event at Memorial Peace Park that’s followed by a parade (early December).
- New Westminster Santa Claus Parade – a Christmas-themed parade along Columbia Street (mid-December).
- 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 days).
- Vancouver Santa Claus Parade – family-friendly activities in the morning and a parade at noon along Georgia Street and Howe Street (the first Sunday of the month, so likely on December 6, 2020).
- Yule Duel: Caroling for a Cause – multiple local choirs sing in downtown Vancouver to raise money for charity (early December).
Christmas Attractions
- Bright Lights – family-friendly Christmas illuminations and miniature train rides at Stanley Park (late November until the beginning of January).
- Canyon Lights – Christmas lights and decorations at Capilano Suspension Bridge (late November until late January).
- Christmas at Canada Place (late November until December 31st, 2020).
- Christmas Glow – indoor Christmas attractions in both Abbotsford and Vancouver (late November or early December until the beginning of January).
- Dundarave Festival of Lights – decorated Christmas trees in West Vancouver with free concerts on Saturday afternoons up until Christmas.
- Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden – Christmas lights throughout the botanical garden (late November until the beginning of January).
- Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum – holiday lights and family-friendly activities at the outdoor museum (late November until the beginning of January).
- Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations in the gardens beside the Park & Tilford mall in North Vancouver (most of December).
- Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain – ice skating, sleigh rides and other holiday activities at the North Shore ski hill (late November until early January).
- Vancouver Christmas Market – an outdoor German-themed market at Jack Poole Plaza (late November until December 24, 2020).
- For a more complete list of holiday season events click Vancouver Christmas Activities.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations – free fireworks and concerts in Vancouver’s False Creek area on December 31, 2020.
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival – an annual community event with lantern-making workshops, fire performances and outdoor processions at various locations (December 21, 2020).
Contact Winter Music Festival – a 2-day electronic music festival at BC Place Stadium (late 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.

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January in Vancouver

JANUARY 2021 Festivals and Events

Canyon Lights – at Capilano Suspension Bridge (late November until mid to late January).
Christmas Glow – indoor Christmas attractions in Vancouver and Abbotsford (late November or early December until the beginning of January).
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants (January 15 until 31, 2021).
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden (end of November until the beginning of January).
Heritage Christmas – a free attraction at Burnaby Village Museum (late November until the beginning of January).
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 (January 1, 2021).
PuSh Festival – performing arts shows at various locations (late January until mid-February).
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town (mid-January until February 14, 2021).
Whisky Global – an upscale whisky-tasting event with live music, premium whiskies and high-end cars at Rocky Mountaineer Station (late January and/or early February).
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – one of the largest LGBTQ ski weeks on the continent (late January to early 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.

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February

FEBRUARY 2021 Festivals and Events

BC Family Day – a statutory holiday with special family-friendly activities at various locations (February 15, 2021).
BC Home and Garden Show – a trade show featuring over 400 exhibitors at BC Place Stadium (February 17 to 21, 2021).
Chinese New Year – a cultural holiday celebrating the Lunar New Year with various events throughout the Lower Mainland (February 12, 2021).
Chinese New Year Parade – a major parade in Vancouver’s Chinatown (likely on February 14, 2021, but to be confirmed).
Coastal First Nations Dance Festival – by the Dancers of Damelahamid at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster and/or Museum of Anthropology at UBC (late February and/or beginning of March).
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants (February 15 to 31, 2021).
Fort Langley Historic Half Marathon – a half marathon and 1-km, 5-km and 10-km running races in Fort Langley (mid-February).
Hoobiyee – celebrations of the Nisga’a First Nation’s New Year with traditional storytelling, singing and dancing at the PNE Forum (late February).
Lunarfest Vancouver – a series of events celebrating the Lunar New Year at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, Oakridge Shopping Centre and other venues (mid-February).
Maple Ridge Rock & Gem Show – a small event featuring rocks, gem stones, jewellery and stone carvings in Pitt Meadows (mid to late February).
Northwest Comedy Fest – a comedy festival celebrating stand-up, improv and other funny stuff with performances taking place at various venues around town (mid to late February).
Pet Lover Show – a trade show for dogs, cats and other household animals and their owners at Tradex in Abbotsford (mid-February).
PuSh Festival – performing arts shows at various locations (January 20 to February 7, 2021).
Talking Stick Festival – an Indigenous performing arts festival (mid to late February).
Valentine’s Day – a day for chocolate, buying flowers and dining out (February 14, 2021).
Vancouver Comic and Toy Show – a trade show featuring superhero comic books, art and collectible toys (early March).
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town (mid-January until February 14, 2021).
Vancouver International Boat Show – at both BC Place Stadium and the Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina (early February).
Vancouver International Wine Festival – one of North America’s largest, oldest and most prestigious wine shows (late February until around the beginning of March).
Whisky Global – an upscale whisky-tasting event with live music, premium whiskies and high-end cars at Rocky Mountaineer Station (late January and/or early February).
Winter Wander – a Saturday when you can visit the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and Maritime Museum plus enjoy live entertainment at Vanier Park all for just $5 (early February).
24 Hours of Winter – a two-day winter sports event at Grouse Mountain (mid to late February).

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

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MARCH 2021 Festivals and Events

Brewski Fest – a one-day event featuring free beer samples for adults with Cypress Mountain day ticket and season passes (late March).
Canada Rugby Sevens – an international rugby competition at BC Place Stadium (early March).
CelticFest Vancouver – a festival celebrating everything Celtic (mid-March).
Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival – at Westwood Plateau Golf Club in Coquitlam (early March).
Festival du Bois – BC’s largest francophone festival, held annually in Coquitlam (early March).
Monster Jam at the PNE – an event featuring monster trucks in races and stunt competitions at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum. (To be confirmed.)
Persian New Year Fire Festival – at Ambleside in West Vancouver (mid-March).
PlayDome – amusement rides and midway games at the indoor carnival at BC Place Stadium (mid to late March most years, but to be confirmed for 2021).
Sonic Boom Festival – a festival featuring contemporary classical music by BC composers (mid-March).
Spring Break – two weeks of public school holidays (in the second half of March).
St. Patrick’s Day – an Irish holiday that’s celebrated throughout the week at various venues around town (March 17, 2021).
St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run – a running race in Stanley Park benefiting Diabetes Canada (early March).
Vancouver International Auto Show – at the Vancouver Convention Centre (late March).
Vancouver International Dance Festival – a series of special dance performance at various venues (most of March).
Vancouver International Wine Festival – one of North America’s largest, oldest and most prestigious wine shows (late February and/or early 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 (early March).

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

April

APRIL 2021 Festivals and Events

420 Vancouver – a marijuana-themed festival with market vendors and thousands of people at Sunset Beach (April 20, 2021).
Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford at 36737 North Parallel Road (mid-April to mid-May).
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring 20 acres of tulips in Chilliwack (early April to early May).
Classic & Custom Car Show – an indoor car show at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford (mid-April).
Easter – a weekend of egg hunts and other holiday celebrations (April 2-5, 2021).
Earth Day – a day to celebrate the planet and acknowledge our need to take care of it (April 22 every year).
Harrison Uncorked – a wine festival at Harrison Hot Springs (mid-April).
International Pillow Fight Day – celebrated by hundreds of people and flying feathers outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (early April).
Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – a market featuring vintage, antique and collectible goods at Tradex in Abbotsford (TBD).
Party for the Planet – free Earth Day celebrations in Surrey (mid-April).
Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival – a Japanese-style event at Gary Point Park in Richmond (early April).
Shen Yun – the American-based Chinese production performs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (April 6 to 11, 2021).
Surrey Vaisakhi Parade – a massive East Indian festival and parade in Surrey (late April).
TED – the annual world TED Conference (mid to late April).
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – a variety of events celebrating spring and cherry blossoms (all month).
- Cherry Jam Concert – a free series of performances outside the Burrard Street SkyTrain Station (early April).
- Sakura Days Japan Fair – a Japanese spring festival celebrated at VanDusen Botanical Garden as part of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (mid-April).
Vancouver Opera Festival – a series of opera productions (late April until early May).
Vancouver Sun Run – a 10-km race that attracts as many as 40,000 participants (mid-April).
Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade – East Indian cultural festivities that attract up to 300,000 participants (mid-April).
Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival – an annual 10-day event at Whistler (mid to late 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 2021 Festivals and Events

5K Foam Fest Vancouver – a non-competitive obstacle course event with bubbles and foam at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds (May 29, 2021).
Abbotsford Tulip Festival – 10 acres of tulip fields open to the public in Abbotsford (mid-April until early May).
All-British Vancouver-Whistler Run – a car show at Whistler’s Creekside Village. (May 16, 2021)
Brahm’s Tams Drumming Circle – informal drumming sessions at Stanley Park’s Third Beach on Tuesday evenings (when it’s sunny).
British Columbia Polish Festival – a cultural event in Port Coquitlam on the last Sunday in May (and so probably May 30 in 2021, but to be confirmed).
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring 20 acres of tulips in Chilliwack (mid-April until early May).
Cinco de Mayo – Mexican holiday celebrations on and around May 5th each year.
CityFest – a youth-focused festival and the Lower Mainland’s largest skate competition in North Vancouver (early May).
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – amusement rides and rodeo shows in Surrey (May 14-17, 2021).
DOXA Film Festival – a documentary film festival taking place at various venues (early to mid-May).
European Festival – a festival celebrating European culture (late May).
Fair in the Square – a community event featuring free food and entertainment at Victory Square in Vancouver (late May, but to be confirmed).
Fort Langley May Day Fair and Parade – a community festival and parade in Fort Langley (May 17, 2021).
Hyack Festival – a multi-day community event that includes a parade and street party in New Westminster (late May).
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 (late May).
Mother’s Day – a special day for mothers and for letting them know how much we love them (May 9, 2021).
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 (early May).
Rotary Get Inspired Talks – a series of inspirational talks at the Granville Island Stage Theatre on Granville Island. The event is a collaborative project of Get Inspired Talks Vancouver and local Rotary Clubs. (To be confirmed.)
Royal Canadian International Circus – a touring circus with performances in Richmond and Vancouver (mid to late May).
Royal Victorian Party – old-fashioned celebrations at Stewart Farm in Surrey on the Victoria Day weekend (mid-May).
Shipyards Friday Night Market – live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden in North Vancouver on Friday evenings.
Surrey International Children’s Festival – at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park (late May).
Vancouver All British Field Meet – a car show at VanDusen Garden featuring over 500 British-built vehicles over the May long weekend (May 15, 2021).
Vancouver Comic Arts Festival – comic workshops, presentations, games and children’s activities at the Roundhouse in Yaletown (mid-May).
Vancouver Craft Beer Week – craft beer events culminating in the VCBW Beer Festival at Concord Community Park featuring over 400 North American beers and ciders (late May).
Vancouver International Children’s Festival – a fun festival for kids at Granville Island (late May).
Vancouver International Marathon – a Boston-qualifying marathon starting in Queen Elizabeth Park and finishing in downtown Vancouver (May 2, 2021).
Vancouver Opera Festival – a series of opera productions (late April to early May).
Vancouver Turkic Festival – a free cultural event with live music and market vendors at North Vancouver’s Shipbuilders’ Square (late May).
Victoria Day – the statutory holiday on the May Long Weekend when various events take place around town (May 17, 2021).
Whistler Go Fest – the ski resort’s “Great Outdoor Festival” which includes all kinds of sporting events and live evening concerts (mid-May).