Carnaval del Sol is a Latin festival that features food, music and cultural activities in Vancouver. It’s one of a number of Latin-themed events in July.
In 2023 the festival takes place on the weekend of July 7th to 9th.
In addition to the main festival on the second weekend in July, other events include the Fiesta Blanca Cruise (on July 1st), Latin American Film Festival (on July 5th), a Latin Art Exhibition (from July 5th to 19th), and Flamenco, Tango & Wine Night (on July 13th). Other tentatively scheduled events include the Canada Day Parade (on July 1st) and A Run Through Latin Culture (on July 16th).
For full details about Carnaval del Sol visit carnavaldelsol.ca.
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 the entire 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, Arts Plaza, Beer Plaza, Family Plaza, Experience Plaza and other areas.
This year the festival is once again an amazing in-person event with lots of live music, cultural performances and family-friendly fun.
In 2022 Latin-themed festivities called the Latin American Experience run from July 2nd until the 24th. The actual Carnaval del Sol event takes place on the weekend of July 8th to 10th. In past years the big event has taken place at Concord Pacific Place near False Creek. In 2022, however, Carnaval del Sol happens at Vancouver’s Jonathan Rogers Park.
As part of the larger Latin American Experience, in addition to the Carnaval del Sol festival, in 2022 there is also a Latin White Salsa Cruise Fiesta, Salsa Night Workshop, Flamenco Tango & Wine Night, Latin Jazz Extravaganza event and a World Soccer Tournament.
To learn more visit the official Carnaval del Sol website.
When is Carnaval del Sol?
In 2022 Carnaval del Sol takes place on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of July 8th to 10th. The festivities run on the Friday from 4:30 until 10:00 pm. On the Saturday and Sunday the venue is open from noon until 10:00 pm.
Unlike in past years, in 2022 the main event takes place at Jonathan Rogers Park which is at Columbia Street and West 7th Avenue in Vancouver. It’s a fabulous new venue! Instead of everything being on pavement, it’s all on grass!
In addition to the big weekend event, other Latin-themed activities also happen at various venues between July 2nd and July 24th.
How Much Does It Cost?
Admission to Carnaval del Sol on the weekend of July 8th to 10th depends on when you go, your age and the type of ticket you buy.
Admission to the main event is free for everyone on Friday, July 8th, with advanced registration. On the Saturday and Sunday tickets cost $10 for adults. Seniors and children on those days, however, are free. A 2-day Super Pass costs $15. Online fees cost about a dollar or so extra.
The 2-Day Super Pass is a pretty good deal, even if you only use it for one of the two days. Not only does it give you access to the venue on both the Saturday and Sunday, but it also gives you a number of other perks which include the following:
- Priority entry at both the entrance gate and the beer garden.
- Access to the VIP LOUNGE which has a premium view of the Main Stage.
- A Carnaval-branded souvenir bag.
- Discounts at select vendors including a 15% discount at the CSOL merchandise tent.
Plazas at Carnaval del Sol
In 2022 there are eight or so different plazas at Carnaval del Sol. They include the Main Stage, VIP Plaza, Family Plaza, Kids’ Plaza, Arts Plaza, Experience Plaza, Experience Plaza and Beer Plaza. Several of the areas are open on just the Saturday and Sunday, but some operate on the Friday too.
The VCAD Main Stage
Over the course of the weekend, over 450 artists sing, dance and entertain. Sponsored by the Visual College of Art & Design, the Main Stage is where the festival’s main performances take place.
The Main Stage schedule for 2022 is listed below. DJ Sanchez entertains between performances on both days.
On Saturday, July 9th, 2022
- 12:00 to 12:45 pm – Zumba Vancouver
- 1:15 to 2:00 pm – Brejera
- 2:30 to 3:15 pm – Rumba Calzada
- 3:45 to 4:30 pm – Ache Latino
- 5:00 to 5:45 pm – Rumba 7
- 6:00 to 6:30 pm – Brazilian Swag
- 7:00 to 8:00 pm – Wasakaka All Stars
- 8:30 to 10:00 pm – Camaro 67
On Sunday, July 10th, 2022
- 12:00 to 12:45 pm – Carol Zumba
- 1:15 to 2:00 pm – Roots Peruvian Folklore
- 2:30 to 3:15 pm – Mazacote
- 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Samba Fusion
- 5:15 to 6:00 pm – Orquesta Tabasco
- 6:00 to 6:45 pm – Songpati
- 7:00 to 8:00 pm – Grupo America
- 8:30 to 10:00 pm – Sambacouver
VCC VIP Plaza
Sponsored by Vancouver Community College, this is where people who buy the 2-Day Super Pass get to hang out when they want. The area promises some shade and complimentary refreshments.
NYIT Family Plaza
Sponsored by the New York Institute of Technology, this is where you’ll find Carnaval del Sol’s second main stage. Here the artists offer more kid-friendly entertainment.
The 2022 schedule is listed below.
On Saturday, July 9th, 2022
- 12:15 to 1:00 pm – Matices Del Sur
- 1:30 to 2:30 pm – Vancouver Samba School
- 3:00 to 3:45 pm – Sarah Chamish
- 5:45 to 6:30 pm – Forro Do Cana
On Sunday, July 10th, 2022
- 12:00 to 1:00 pm – Muévete Marimba
- 1:30 to 2:30 pm – Robin Layne Band
- 3:00 to 4:00 pm – Los 4 Grandes
- 4:15 to 4:40 pm – Casa Mexico
- 4:30 to 5:30 pm – Empanadas Ilegales
- 6:00 to 7:00 pm – Yalla Jam
Kids’ Plaza
The Kids’ Plaza features a variety of child-friendly activities. The tentative schedule in this zone for 2022 is the following:
On Saturday, July 9th, 2022
- 12:30 to 1:00 pm – Puppet Show
- 2:00 to 2:45 pm – Construction Workshop
- 3:00 to 3:45 pm – Yoga for Kids & Storytelling
- 4:00 to 4:45 pm – Piñata Building Time
- 4:45 to 5:00 pm – Breaking the Piñata Time
- 5:00 to 5:30 pm – Puppet Show
- 6:00 to 6:45 pm – Construction Workshop
On Sunday, July 10th, 2022
- 12:30 to 1:00 pm – Puppet Show
- 2:00 to 2:45 pm – Construction Workshop
- 3:00 to 3:45 pm – Yoga for Kids & Storytelling
- 4:00 to 4:45 pm – Piñata Building Time
- 4:45 to 5:00 pm – Breaking the Piñata Time
- 5:00 to 5:30 pm – Puppet Show
- 6:00 to 6:45 pm – Construction Workshop
Arts Plaza
The Art Plaza features all kinds of art, artists and artistic displays. It’s where you’ll find a selection of paintings, sculptures, photography displays, fashion clothing, artisan products and other beautiful things to admire. Also taking place in the Arts Plaza in 2022, there is live painting where an artist paints accompanied by music in front of an audience.
The Cooking Experience Plaza
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Experience Plaza is where cooking demonstrations take place. Eight chefs from Canada and abroad show off and share their talents in 2022. The schedule for this year is listed below.
On Saturday, July 9th, 2022
- 1:00 to 1:50 pm – Sheldon Maloff
- 3:20 to 4:10 pm – Maria Ponce
- 4:40 to 5:30 pm – Lorena Muñoz
- 6:00 to 6:50 pm – Cecilia Calla
- 7:00 to 8:00 pm – The Key to Start Over
On Sunday, July 10th, 2022
- 2:00 to 2:50 pm – David Alcaraz
- 3:20 to 4:10 pm – Eljane Trovo
- 4:40 to 5:30 pm – Claudia Acevedo
- 6:00 to 6:50 pm – Juan Carlos Dominguez
- 7:00 to 8:00 pm – The Key to Start Over
Beer Plaza
This is the place to enjoy both local and Latin American beers and other adult beverages. The venue also features food, music and a few extra activities. It’s open from 6:00 until 10:00 pm on the Friday and from noon until 10:00 pm on the Saturday and Sunday.
The entertainment schedule for the Beer Plaza in 2022 is listed below.
On Saturday, July 9th, 2022
- 12:00 pm – DJ Sanchez
- 2:00 pm – DJ Gab
- 4:00 pm – DJ Luiz
- 6:00 pm – DJ Jayville + Jflow
- 8:00 pm – DJ Evm + Cerbeus
On Sunday, July 10th, 2022
- 12:00 pm – Alexander
- 2:00 pm – DJ Sanchez
- 4:00 pm – DJ Adrian
- 6:00 pm – DJ Espino + Natan J
- 8:00 pm – DJ Chava + Evm
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!
Some of the food vendors at the event in 2022 include the following:
- La Taqueria Pinche Tacos
- Sabroso Foods
- Machete Mexican & Healthy Foods
- La Cacerala (Colombia)
- Whatafood (Brazilian)
- Viva Chile (Chilean)
- Union (Colombian)
- Valentina’s Fruit & Snack Bar
- Casa Nata Cakes (Brazilian)
- Patricia’s Catering (Caribbean & Jamaican)
- Tasty Ventures (Mexican)
- Munchu Picchu (Peruvian)
- CafeOca
Other Latin American Experience Events
In addition to the main Carnaval del Sol event on the weekend of July 8th to 10th, other related activities happen in July as part of Carnaval del Sol’s larger Latin American Experience series of events.
Below is a list of the events scheduled for the 2022 season. They include the Salsa Cruise Fiesta Blanca (July 2nd), Latin Jazz Extravaganza (July 7th), Carnaval del Sol (July 8th, 9th & 10th), Flamenco & Tango Night (July 15th), Salsa Night (July 16th) and the World Soccer Tournament (July 23rd & 24th).
(Note: With all of these events, times and other details are subject to change.)
Salsa Cruise Fiesta Blanca
(Saturday, July 2nd, 2022)
The Salsa Cruise Fiesta Blanca is a boat party where everyone dresses in white. In 2022 the event takes place on the MV Britannia which departs from 501 Denman Street in Coal Harbour. Boarding begins at 8:30 pm and the partying finishes by 12:30 am.
This event features a nightclub-style atmosphere with a dance floor, bar and music. Entertaining the crowd are DJ Kubanito, DJ Oscar and DJ Sanchez Cuba.
To learn more click Salsa Cruise Fiesta Blanca 2022.
Latin Jazz Extravaganza
(Thursday, July 7th, 2022)
The Latin Jazz Extravaganza takes place at the Vancouver Playhouse. The doors open at 6:30, the music starts at 7:00 and the entertainment runs until 10:00 pm. The event features a night of Latin Jazz and Salsa. Performing in 2022 are the Zapato Negro Duo, the band Brejera and Rumba Calzada.
To learn more and for tickets click Latin Jazz Extravaganza 2022.
To see what the event looks like, check out the following video. It shows scenes from the concert with Rumba Calzada. What a great evening it was!
Flamenco & Tango Night
(Friday, July 15th, 2022)
Flamenco Tango & Night features a night of Flamenco dancing, Tango dancing and wine. The event is a workshop presented by some of Vancouver’s top dancers.
It takes place at the Annex Theatre at 823 Seymour Street in downtown Vancouver between 6:30 and 10:00 pm.
To learn more about this event click Flamenco & Tango Night 2022.
Salsa Night
(Saturday, July 16th, 2022)
Salsa Night is a workshop and presentation featuring Salsa dancing. It takes place at the Annex Theatre in downtown Vancouver between 6:30 and 10:00 pm.
For tickets and other details click Salsa Night 2022.
World Soccer Tournament
(Saturday & Sunday, July 23rd & 24th, 2022)
The World Soccer Tournament is a fun and social soccer tournament at Trillium Synthetic Turf Fields between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Friends can make their own teams of 10 players with 7 people on the field at any one time. Admission costs $250 per team and the first place prize is $1000!
For more information or to register, click World Soccer Tournament 2022.
To learn more about all the extra events click Latin American Experience 2022.
Carnaval del Sol in the Past
In past years Carnaval del Sol has been a 2-day festival that takes place at Concord Pacific Place by False Creek near BC Place Stadium. At the event, tens of thousands of people turn out to enjoy Vancouver’s best Latin music, dancing, food and fiesta atmosphere.
Most years, Latin American Week has happened during the seven or so days prior to Carnaval del Sol. In 2019 the week took place from late June until early July. Various activities take place on different days. There is usually a salsa or tango dance night, an evening boat party and a number of other events, with Carnaval del Sol at the end.
In 2020 there wasn’t an official “Latin American Week.” Instead, the activities that usually happen during that week were incorporated into the larger and expanded Carnaval del Sol Across the Americas. It featured pre-recorded events including music performances, the sharing of recipes and other activities that took place online via Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and other channels.
In addition to live events, the festival in 2021 featured a number of online events and activities. It was a hybrid event. Similar to the year before, Carnaval del Sol Across the Americas was for viewers from around the world. It ran from August 16th until the 20th.
In 2022 Latin American Week is longer and better than ever. Instead of running for just one week, it’s scheduled to run from July 2nd until July 24th. Because it now goes for more than just one week, the series of events has changed its name to the “Latin American Experience.”
Click Carnaval del Sol for the event’s official website.
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 in 2009 at Vancouver’s Hellenic Community Centre and it was attended by just 500 people. For a few years since then the event has taken place on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver, and then for the last few years at Concord Pacific Place.
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 about other related events happening in the same month as Carnaval del Sol.
If you love this kind of festival, another similar event is the Caribbean Days Festival in late July in North Vancouver, not to mention all the many other great festivals listed on Vancouver’s Best Places’ calendar of Festivals and Events.
Vancouver’s Latin Restaurants
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city with people from all over the world including from all parts of 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.
Other Information
To learn more about Carnaval del Sol click carnavaldelsol.ca.
For a video of the event from past years, click Carnaval del Sol Video.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver’s July and August Calendars
- Brazilian Carnaval
- Lower Mainland Festivals & Events
- Shows & Entertainment Calendar
- Vancouver History and Culture
- Vancouver on a Budget
