Carnaval del Sol

Carnaval del Sol is a Latin festival featuring food, music, and cultural activities in Vancouver. It’s one of a number of Latin-themed events in July.

In 2026 the main festival happens on July 10th, 11th and 12th at Jonathan Rogers Park in Vancouver. The festival includes over 300 artists and performers, as well as around 90 or so food and market vendors. Another similar, but smaller Latin event this month is Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta which happens in Richmond on July 25th.

Visit carnavaldelsol.ca for the Latin festival’s official website.

This article contains the following information about Carnaval del Sol:

Colombian Carnaval Food Vendors

Carnaval del Sol Latin Festival

Carnaval del Sol (CSOL) is one of Vancouver’s most successful and fun events. It’s also the largest Latin festival in all of the Pacific Northwest.

At the festival, there is a Main Stage where bands play, and dance groups perform. There is also a Kids’ Plaza, Food Plaza, Artisans Plaza, Beer Plaza, VIP Plaza, Family Plaza, Sports Plaza, Seniors Plaza and other areas.

The festival is an amazing event with lots of live music, cultural performances and family-friendly fun. It’s highly recommended.

Visit the official Carnaval del Sol website to learn more.

When and Where is Carnaval del Sol?

In 2026 Carnaval del Sol happens on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of July 10th, 11th, and 12th. Festival hours are from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival opens at 11:00 am and runs until 10:30 pm.

Friday is when the Opening Night Concert takes place with the bands Tren al Sur and El Gran Silencio. Saturday and Sunday are when the full festival happens with more music, food vendors and family-friendly fun.

The event is held at Jonathan Rogers Park. The venue’s address is 110 West 7th Avenue, which is between Cambie and Main Street.

Carnaval del Sol at Jonathan Rogers Park — CSOL at Jonathan Rogers Park

How Much Does it Cost?

Tickets are required for Carnaval del Sol. Admission to the festival depends on your age, when you buy your tickets and which tickets you buy. Children under 10 and seniors over the age of 65 receive free admission, but they still need a ticket or to register in advance.

Opening Night tickets for Friday, July 10th, cost $60 per person (or $100 for VIP tickets), including all taxes and online fees. It costs that much because of the big-name concert headliner (so it’ll be worth it)! Admission to the festival costs less on the other two days.

One-day festival passes for July 11th or 12th cost $18, with VIP tickets costing $45. Two-day passes for July 11th and 12th cost $25 for adults. VIP two-day tickets, meanwhile, cost $80.

There are also three-day ticket options available. This year, a three-day ticket costs $80, and a VIP ticket costs $170 for adults.

VIP tickets come with the following perks:

One complimentary drink
Access to the VIP Plaza, which has a premium view of the Main Stage
VIP washrooms
Fast-pass line privileges
Phone charging points

Advance tickets are available through the Carnaval Del Sol website. Tickets can also be purchased at the festival grounds on the day, but they are likely more expensive.

Visit carnavaldelsol.ca for full details about the Carnaval del Sol.

Opening Night on the Friday

Carnaval del Sol’s Opening Night takes place on Friday, July 10th, at Jonathan Rogers Park. The event runs from 5:30 pm until around 10:30 or 11:00 pm. The featured performer is El Gran Silencio, from Monterrey, Mexico.

The evening is an outdoor concert and festival-style party. Guests can expect live music, dancing, a big group dance lesson, Latin food vendors and drinks for purchase.

Click CSOL Opening Night for more details.

Carnaval del Sol Opening Night Party — Opening Night Party on West 7th Avenue

Plazas at Carnaval del Sol

There are around 10 different plazas at Carnaval del Sol on the Saturday and Sunday of the main event. They include Plaza del Sol, VIP Plaza, Family Plaza, Kids’ Plaza, Artisans Plaza, Seniors Plaza, Food Plaza, Beer Plaza, and more.

See below for details about each of the various plaza zones.

Plaza del Sol Main Stage

Over the course of the weekend, expect many artists to sing, dance and entertain. The Plaza del Sol Main Stage is where the festival’s main performances take place.

On Saturday, July 11th, Villa Cariño headlines the Main Stage. The band is from Chile. Fulanito is also a headliner artist this year.

Below is the schedule of performances on the Main Stage in 2026. (Note: Times and other details are subject to change.)

Friday, July 10th, 2026

6:30 pm – Tren al Sur
8:30 pm – El Gran Silencio

In addition to the above, playing between sets between 5:00 pm and 10:30 pm, is DJ Kemo.

Saturday, July 11th, 2026

11:00 am – Salsa Class by Salseo Queer Dance
12:30 pm – Samba Fusion
2:00 pm – Los Grandes
3:30 pm – Meni Axe Band
5:00 pm – Rumba Calzada
6:30 pm – Rumba 7
8:00 pm – Frankie Hidalgo
9:30 pm – Villa Carino

In addition to the above, playing between sets all day, is TEE DJ.

Sunday, July 12th, 2026

11:00 am – Salsa Class by Salseo Queer Dance
12:00 pm – DJ Tony Escobar
1:05 pm – Casa Meshico Prehispanic Dance
1:15 pm – Elder Kelly White
1:20 pm – Andenian Ceremony by Paola Noriega
1:30 pm – Consulate Speech
3:00 pm – Sonora Kings
4:30 pm – Lussilia
6:00 pm – MNGWA
7:30 pm – Fito Blanko
9:00 pm – Fulanito

In addition to the above, playing between sets all day, is TEE DJ.

Visit carnavaldelsol.ca for full details about the Carnaval del Sol.

Rumba Calzada at Carnaval del Sol — Rumba Calzada (in 2022)

Beer Plaza

The Beer Plaza is one of the adult areas at Carnaval del Sol. It is a 19+ space with drinks, Latin music, DJs and dancing.

At the Beer Plaza, expect Latin music, reggaeton and party-style entertainment. It is a popular place to hang out, especially later in the day. The Beer Plaza is also showing FIFA World Cup matches on a giant screen in 2026.

Below is the Beer Plaza entertainment schedule for this year. (Note: Times and other details are subject to change.)

On Saturday, July 11th, 2026

12:00 pm – DJ Rose
1:00 pm – Sasha on saxophone
1:30 pm – Darly
2:15 pm – Doble Hemisferio
3:30 pm – DJ Gera
4:30 pm – Baila con Abi
5:00 pm – Despecho Cantina
6:00 pm – DJ Two Monkey
7:00 pm – DJ Oreza
8:00 pm – El Club de Despecho
9:00 pm – DJ Two Monkey

On Sunday, July 12th, 2026

12:00 pm – Vibraz
1:00 pm – Latin DJs
1:30 pm – DJ Gera
2:15 pm – DJ EVM
3:30 pm – DJ Two Monkey
4:30 pm – DJ Mint
5:00 pm – DJ Jay Ville
6:00 pm – DJ Alex Rico
7:00 pm – DJ Lu
8:00 pm – DJ Azukha

Visit the official Carnaval del Sol website to learn more.

Family Plaza

The Family Plaza is one of the main family-friendly areas at Carnaval del Sol. It is a place for music, dancing, cultural performances, vendors, games, photo opportunities and activities for all ages.

In 2026 the area is called the FDU Vancouver Family Plaza. It is designed as a place where families can enjoy Latin American culture together.

Below is the Family Plaza entertainment schedule for this year. Times and details are subject to change.

On Saturday, July 11th, 2026

11:30 am – Bolivian Roots
12:00 pm – Larimar
1:00 pm – Ritmo & Sabor
1:30 pm – Pasion Venezuela
2:30 pm – Cumbale
3:00 pm – Program to be announced
4:30 pm – La Clave
5:45 pm – Mariachi Tabasko
7:00 pm – Orkesta Tabasko

On Sunday, July 12th, 2026

11:15 am – Alma Raiz
12:00 pm – Ruta Norte
1:15 pm – Cueca Brava
1:45 pm – Nahualli Folklore
2:45 pm – Fabricio Zuniga
3:30 pm – Roots Peruvian
4:30 pm – The Jaivas
5:30 pm – Mariachi los Dorados
7:00 pm – Grupo RM

VIP Plaza

This is where people who buy VIP tickets can hang out whenever they want. The area boasts some shade, private washrooms, complimentary refreshments, seating, and a nice view of the Big Stage.

Visit the official Carnaval del Sol website to learn more.

Carnaval del Sol in Vancouver

Chiquitzin Kids’ Plaza

The Chiquitzin Kids’ Plaza features a variety of child-friendly activities. There are art workshops, puppet shows, storytelling sessions and dance lessons.

Below is the activity schedule for the Kids’ Plaza in 2026 for both days.

12:30 pm – Pre-view de Sais-tu Nage
1:00 pm – Storytime
1:35 pm – Spanish Music by Hola Javier
2:00 pm – Puppet Show
3:30 pm – Magic Show
4:30 pm – Cheerleaders Presentation

In addition to the above performances, there are also the following on-going activities in the Kids Plaza:

11:00 am to 4:30 pm – Learn to be a Cheerleaders
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Make your own Puppet
11:00 am to 6:00 pm – World Cup Rocks (paint your rock)
11:00 am to 6:00 pm – Football Fiesta Piñatas Workshop
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Mystical Mayan Codex (Sunday only)

In 2026 there are also LEGO activities in the Chiquitzin Kids’ Plaza at the following times:

11:30 am to 1:00 pm – Lego Robotics
1:15 pm to 2:45 pm – Lego Art
3:00 to 4:40 pm – Lego Robotics
4:45 pm to 6:15 pm – Lego Art
11:00 am to 6:00 pm – Face painting

Click Carnaval del Sol for the festival’s official website.

Seniors Plaza

This area is designed for seniors. It has a good view of the main stage, lots of shade and refreshing drinks.

The plaza includes dance, wellness workshops, games, crafts and hands-on activities. It is a good option for people who want to enjoy the festival in a calmer setting.

Below is the Seniors Plaza schedule for this year’s festival. Times and details are subject to change.

On Saturday, July 11th, 2026

1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Zumba
2:40 pm to 3:30 pm – Breathing as a Daily Tool
3:40 pm to 4:30 pm – Cultural Lotería
4:40 pm to 5:30 pm – Aroma Journey
5:40 pm to 6:30 pm – Weaving Peace

On Sunday, July 12th, 2026

1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Salsa
2:40 pm to 3:30 pm – Recipes & Treasures
3:40 pm to 4:30 pm – Active Meditation in Nature
4:40 pm to 5:30 pm – Aroma Journey
5:40 pm to 6:30 pm – Smartphone Photography

Artisans Plaza

The Artisans Plaza is where you can find vendors selling all sorts of Latin American products. You can expect to see everything from spices and treats to jewellery and art in this section. It is a great place to discover and support local businesses.

Food Plaza

Don’t go to Carnaval del Sol with a full stomach! Go hungry so you can enjoy all the delicious Latin American foods. This year, there are around 20 food vendors at the festival from a dozen or so different Latin American countries.

Latino Parade

The Latino Parade takes place on Sunday, July 12th, at 12:00 pm.

The parade is part of Carnaval del Sol. It features dance groups, cultural organizations, schools, community groups, local businesses, musicians and other performers.

Visit carnavaldelsol.ca for the festival’s official website.

ARC Iberico at Carnaval del Sol

Other Latin American Experience Events

In addition to the main Carnaval del Sol event on the weekend of July 10th to 12th in 2026, other related activities happen as part of Carnaval del Sol. Events include Tribuna Latina, Carnavalito on the Road, the United Americas Soccer Tournament and Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta.

Visit the Carnaval del Sol website for the full list of events and more information about each. Details about the various events is also below.

Soccer Tournament

(July 1st to July 12th, 2026)

The United Americas Soccer Tournament returns this year. It is part of Carnaval del Sol’s soccer-themed programming.

The tournament is a street-style soccer competition. Registration is open for teams at a cost of around $220 per team.

The tournament runs from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm this year. It takes place on Columbia Street and West 8th Avenue, near Jonathan Rogers Park.

There is also a kids’ penalty shootout tournament at the Sports Plaza during Carnaval del Sol. It is for children ages 6 to 9. It runs on Saturday from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm and on Sunday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

See the carnavaldelsol.ca website to register your team and for more details about this event.

Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta

(Saturday, July 25th, 2026)

Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta takes place at Thompson Community Centre in Richmond. The event runs from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

The event is for kids and families. Activities include live performances, storytelling, face painting, Zumba, a magic show and more.

Click Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta to learn more about this event.

Visit the Carnaval del Sol website for full details about the festival.

Tribuna Latina

(June 8th to July 19th, 2026)

Tribuna Latina is a soccer fan zone for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It runs from June 8th until July 19th.

The event is at Latin Plaza Hub in Gastown. It features big-screen soccer viewing, DJs, Latin food, drinks and a family zone. The venue’s address is Suite #301-68 Water Street in Gastown.

Admission is free, but advance reservations are required with a suggested donation of $5 per person.

To learn more about this event, click Tribuna Latina at the Latin Plaza Hub.

Carnavalito on the Road

(Saturday, June 27th, and Sunday, September 6th, 2026)

Carnavalito on the Road is a smaller travelling version of Carnaval del Sol. This year, one of its events takes place in Surrey and the other later in the year in Langley.

The Surrey event happens on Saturday, June 27th, at Bear Creek Park. Expect Latin music, food, dancing, vendors and family-friendly activities.

The Langley version of Carnavalito on the Road is scheduled to happen on September 6th at Douglas Park in downtown Langley.

Click Carnavalito on the Road to learn more about this event.

Background to Carnaval del Sol

Carnaval del Sol is produced by Latincouver, a Latin American organization in Vancouver which brings together Latin Americans from all countries as well as Latin enthusiasts living in Canada.

The first Carnaval del Sol event was held in 2009 at Vancouver’s Hellenic Community Centre. The event was attended by just 500 people in its inaugural year. For a few years after that, the event took place on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver, and then for a few seasons at Concord Pacific Place, plus one year at David Lam Park. Most recently, the event happens at Jonathan Rogers Park.

Today, Carnaval del Sol attracts up to 100,000 attendees each year and is one of the Lower Mainland’s largest and most vibrant festivals.

Click Latincouver for more information on the great organization behind the event, or click Carnaval del Sol for more information about the carnival.

Click Latin American Experience for information on other related events taking place in the same month as Carnaval del Sol in past years.

If you love this kind of festival, another similar event is the Caribbean Days Festival in late July, not to mention all the many other great festivals listed on Vancouver’s Best Places’ calendar of Festivals and Events.

Click Carnaval del Sol for the event’s official website.

Vancouver’s Latin Restaurants

Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city with people from all over the world, including many from across Latin America. In fact, Metro Vancouver is home to close to 40,000 residents of Latin American and Caribbean origin, and they love their food!

Looking for some of the region’s best restaurants? Then check out Vancouver’s best Latin American and Mexican Restaurants.