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 2024 the main festival took place on the weekend of July 5th to 7th. There are more fun related activities in July, however, including Flamenco, Tango & Wine Night on July 11th in North Vancouver. There is also a Soccer Tournament on July 12th & 13th, a Brazilian Festa on July 19th and a free Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta on July 20th. At the end of the summer, there is also a Carnivalito event at Douglas Park in Langley on September 7th.

For the Latin festival’s official website, visit carnavaldelsol.ca.

This article contains the following information about Carnaval del Sol:

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, Market Plaza, Beer Plaza, Cocktail Plaza, Family Plaza, Experience Plaza, Indigenous Plaza and other areas. The festival is an amazing in-person event with lots of live music, cultural performances and family-friendly fun.

To learn more, visit the official Carnaval del Sol website.

When and Where is Carnaval del Sol?

In 2024 Carnaval del Sol runs on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of July 5th, 6th and 7th. The main festivities are at Jonathan Rogers Park. The venue’s address is 110 West 7th Avenue which is between Cambie and Main Street.

Last year Carnaval del Sol took place at David Lam Park in Yaletown. The year before, it happened at Jonathan Rogers Park (which is the same place this year).

The opening night beer garden event starts at 5:30 pm on the Friday. On the Saturday and Sunday the festivities begin at 11:00 am.

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

How Much Does It Cost?

Admission to the 2024 festival depends on your age, when you buy your tickets, and which tickets you buy.

The opening night event on Friday is only for adults aged 19 and up. Early-bird tickets cost $25 and regular tickets are $30 each. Tickets at the door cost about $37 per person.

Admission to the main festivities on the Saturday and Sunday are free for children aged 11 and under as well as for seniors aged 66 and up. General admission for everyone else costs a little over $20 for each day when booked online. Two-day passes cost $37.

(TIP: Admission is free for everyone who arrives between noon and 1:00 pm on the Saturday and Sunday.)

VIP tickets for Saturday and Sunday are also available for about $60 when booked online. Not only do VIP tickets give you access to the venue on both the Saturday and Sunday, but they also give you a number of other perks including the following:

Priority entry at the beer garden
Access to the VIP Plaza which had a premium view of the Main Stage
VIP washrooms
Free Sangria samples
Discounts at select vendors

For full details about Carnaval del Sol, visit carnavaldelsol.ca.

Opening Night on the Friday

The CSOL Opening Night event is for adults (ages 19+) only. In 2024 it happens on Friday, July 5th, between 5:30 and 11:00 pm. The CSOL Opening Night Lounge is actually right on West 8th Avenue which is completely closed off to traffic for the block along the park.

The entertainment on the Friday is with DJ Gambeat y La Grooving Familia from France. They bring a mixture of Caribbean and Latin American tunes that include a mix of Reggae, Salsa, Dub and Cumbia! There are also drag shows. The performers in 2024 are Mya (from Brazil), Visa (from Mexico, but also a contestant from Drag Race Spain) and Malandro (who is also from Mexico).

The entrance to the CSOL Opening Night in 2024 is on 8th Avenue at Manitoba Street. On the Saturday and Sunday, however, the entrance to the main Carnaval del Sol event is on 8th Avenue at Columbia (so on the other side of the park).

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

Plazas at Carnaval del Sol

There are usually at least ten or so different plazas at Carnaval del Sol on the Saturday and Sunday of the main event. They include the Main Plaza, VIP Plaza, Family Plaza, Kids’ Plaza, Market Plaza, Experience Plaza, Seniors Plaza, Food Plaza, Beer Plaza, and more.

The Mucho Burrito Main Stage

Over the course of the weekend expect over a hundred artists to sing, dance and entertain. The Mucho Burrito Main Stage is where the festival’s main performances take place.

The Main Stage schedule for 2024 is below.

On Saturday, July 6th, 2024

12:30 pm – Brazilian Carnaval Batucada
1:30 pm – Empanadas Ilegales
2:45 pm – Foleada
4:00 pm – Entangados
5:15 pm – Rumba Calzada
6:30 pm – Ivonne Ley – Selena Tribute
7:45 pm – La Linea
9:00 pm – Chesca

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

On Sunday, July 7th, 2024

11:00 am – Zumba with Carol Santos
12:30 pm – Meni Axe Band
1:45 pm – Cheko Ruiz
2:45 pm – Latin American Consulates
3:15 pm – Lussilia
4:30 pm – Quique Escamilla
6:00 pm – Ramon Chicharon
7:15 pm – Caleb Hart
8:00 pm – Surprise Artist
9:00 pm – Kira Chao

Family Plaza

The Family Plaza is the second largest plaza of Carnaval del Sol. This is where you can see music, dancing, comedy, theatre and more. There’s usually a photo booth as well. There are colourful and engaging activities for all ages in this area every year.

The entertainment schedule for the Family Plaza this year is as follows

On Saturday, July 6th, 2024

12:30 pm – Brazilian Swag
1:30 pm – Jack Duncan Quartet
2:45 pm – Camille Plaza
4:00 pm – Mexico Vivo
5:30 pm – Empanadas Illegales
6:45 pm – Foleada
7:45 pm – Los Grandes

On Sunday, July 7th, 2024

12:30 pm – Muevete Marimba
1:30 pm – Roots Peruvian Folk Dance
2:45 pm – Elegancia Cubana
4:00 pm – Batucada Abrace
5:30 pm – Matices del Sur
6:45 pm – Mariachi Tabasko
7:45 pm – Kutapira

VIP Plaza

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

Kids’ Plaza

The Kids’ Plaza features a variety of child-friendly activities. There are usually face painting and hair styling opportunities, as well as things like drumming workshops and arts and crafts. There are also playground games to enjoy. Some activities in the Kids’ Plaza are free. For some though, there is a charge (like for face painting and piñata making).

There’s a lot going on at the Kids Plaza in 2024! Below is the activity schedule. It’s the same on both the Saturday and Sunday.

12:00 pm – Painting with Alex (until 6:30 pm)
12:00 pm – Sculpting with Lalo (until 6:30 pm)
12:15 pm – Storytelling with Alpha Acosta
1:00 pm – Zumba Class for Children
2:00 pm – Magic Show
2:00 pm – Lo Quiero Todo Spanish Story
3:00 pm – The Song That Called Them Home English Story
3:30 pm – Klave Music School
4:00 pm – La Armadura De Hugo Spanish Story
4:30 pm – Kids Talent Show
5:30 pm – Sing and Dance
6:00 pm – The Noise Inside Boys English Story

Seniors Plaza

This area is designed for seniors. It has a good view of the main stage, lots of shade and refreshing drinks. There are also typically activities that appealed to older folks, like Rana, Chezz, Parques and more.

The 2024 schedule for this plaza is also the same on both days. It’s as follows:

1:00 pm – Gentle Yoga and Meditation
2:00 pm – Zumba for Seniors
3:00 pm – Brain Games
4:00 pm – Colombian Frog Game
5:00 pm – The Magic of Cacao
6:00 pm – Games: Loteria Mexicana

Market Plaza

The Market 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 jewelry and art in this section. It is a great place to discover and support local businesses.

Experience Plaza

This is an area that gastronomes will appreciate. It’s a culinary experience for 100 guests at a time who get to watch chefs prepare food while interacting with them along the way. It’s an immersive dining experience with several demonstrations over the weekend.

During the afternoon there are a series of cooking demonstrations in this plaza. Then in the evening there are stand-up comedy shows. The 2024 schedule is as follows:

On Saturday, July 6th, 2024

12:30 pm – Nora Cecilia (culinary show)
2:00 pm – Juan Ignacio (culinary show)
3:30 pm – Jefferson Alvarez (culinary show)
5:00 pm – Jaime Jesus (culinary show)
6:30 pm – Elvia Pinilla (comedy show)
7:00 pm – Maya Rivadeneyra (comedy show)

On Sunday, July 7th, 2024

12:30 pm – Sheldon Maloff (culinary show)
2:00 pm – Jaime Jesus (culinary show)
3:30 pm – Juan Ignacio (culinary show)
5:00 pm – Magaly Vega (culinary show)
6:30 pm – Poncho Gomez (comedy show)
7:00 pm – George Rodriguez (comedy show)
7:15 pm – Chio (comedy show)

Indigenous Plaza

This plaza celebrates the history and culture of the many Indigenous Latin American groups. There are plenty of workshops, arts and crafts and traditional performances to take in.

The schedule for 2024 is listed below.

On Saturday, July 6th, 2024

1:00 pm – Casa Meshiko Vancouver
2:00 pm – Cantos Medicina
2:30 pm – Pottery Wheel Fiesta
3:30 pm – Hand-Crafted Indigenous Tea Workshop
4:00 pm – Sacred Pipe Ritual Workshop
4:30 pm – Manos Creativas: Clay Handbuilding Techniques
5:00 pm – Traditional Pre-Hispanic Dances Workshop
5:30 pm – Five Elements of Yoga Class
6:00 pm – Awaken Your Inner Healing: Ancient Wisdom for a Balanced Life

On Sunday, July 7th, 2024

1:00 pm – Calpulli Cemanahuac: Aztec Dance
2:00 pm – Cantos Medicina
2:30 pm – Pottery Wheel Fiesta
3:30 pm – Hand-Crafted Indigenous Tea Workshop
4:00 pm – Sacred Pipe Ritual Workshop
4:30 pm – Manos Creativas: Clay Handbuilding Techniques
5:00 pm – 4 Paths of Cacao Ceremony
5:30 pm – Five Elements of Yoga Class
6:00 pm – Awaken Your Inner Healing: Ancient Wisdom for a Balanced Life

Pets Plaza

What’s better than our furry friends? The Pet Plaza is a celebration of dogs and the companionship they bring. There’s an obstacle competition, a costume contest and a find the cupcake challenge.

As well, the plaza allows owners to treat their pets with special treats and drinks, pose for portraits together and run around in designated play areas.

The schedule of events for this plaza in 2024 is the same on both the Saturday and Sunday.

2:00 pm – Obstacle Competition
3:30 pm – Meet & Greet Dog Influencers
5:30 pm – Pet Costume Contest
7:00 pm – Find the Cupcake Competition

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! There are over 20 food vendors to check out this year.

Beer Plaza

This is the place to enjoy drinks from Granville Island Brewing. The venue also features food from places like La Taqueria, as well as music from various DJs and musicians.

The 2024 schedule is listed below.

On Saturday, July 6th, 2024

12:00 pm – DJ Sanchez
3:00 pm – Rumba Calzada
4:00 pm – DJ Sanchez
8:30 pm – Tren al Sur

On Sunday, July 7th, 2024

12:00 pm – DJ Lu
3:00 pm – Coco Jafro
4:00 pm – DJ Lu
8:30 pm – Sambacouver

Cocktail Plaza

Last but certainly not least, the Cocktail Plaza is the place to go for handcrafted cocktails. Try out some of the finest quality tequila in fruity drinks and take part in some salsa and reggaetton dance classes.

The 2024 schedule is as follows:

On Saturday, July 6th, 2024

12:00 pm – DJ Luiz Campos
3:00 pm – Reggaetton Class
3:30 pm – DJ Luiz Campos
5:00 pm – Salsa Class
6:00 pm – DJ Luiz Campos
6:30 pm – Julio Venus
7:30 pm – DJ Luiz Campos

On Sunday, July 7th, 2024

12:00 pm – DJ Sanchez
3:00 pm – Bachata Class
3:30 pm – DJ Sanchez
5:00 pm – Salsa Class
6:00 pm – DJ Sanchez
6:30 pm – Julio Venus
7:30 pm – DJ Sanchez

Other Latin American Experience Events

In addition to the main Carnaval del Sol event on the weekend of July 5th to 7th in 2024, 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 some of the events that are either happening this year, or did last year and hopefully will again. For the full list of events and more information about each, visit the Carnaval del Sol website.

(Note: With all of these events, times and other details are subject to change.)

Flamenco, Tango & Wine

(Thursday, July 11th, 2024)

Flamenco, Tango & Wine Night features a night of Flamenco dancing, Tango dancing and wine.

In 2024 the event takes place at 7:00 pm on July 11th. It’s held at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver, located at 115 Victory Ship Way. Performers are Qairo Band and Tango in Fusion. You can buy tickets that include a paella dinner or not. You can choose.

For tickets to this event, visit the carnavaldelsol.ca website.

Lussilia at Tango and Flamenco Night — Flamenco at the Pipe Shop

World Soccer Tournament

(Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th, 2024)

The World Soccer Tournament is a fun and social soccer tournament.

This year’s event happens at Empire Field at 2901 East Hastings Street in Vancouver. Friends are able to make their own teams of up to 10 players. Admission is $300 per team. There is also DJ music, food and Zumba sessions.

To register your team and more details about this event, see the carnavaldelsol.ca website.

Brazilian Festa

(Friday, July 19th, 2024)

The Brazilian Festa is a night of Brazilian music and dancing. There are performances by the AmarElas and Tio Chorinho with Flavia Nascimento.

The show takes place at the Fox Cabaret starting at 7:30 pm on July 19th. The venue is located at 2321 Main Street. Admission starts at $20 per person.

For tickets and full details about this event, click Brazilian Festa 2024.

Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta

(Saturday, July 20th, 2024)

The Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta is a full day of kid-friendly activities at The Amazing Brentwood Mall Plaza. The shopping centre is located at 4567 Lougheed Highway in Burnaby. The activities run from 12:00 until 7:00 pm in the plaza outside the mall.

The event is free to attend and runs from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm on July 20th. There are cultural performances, workshops, arts and crafts for children, and more. Entertainment includes a magic show, talent show and a puppet show.

At the Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta there is a talent show (which people have to register for in advance). There is also karaoke, Zumba classes and other activities. The event is free to attend, but there will likely be a charge for things like the face painting, crafts and dress-up booth.

To learn more about this event, click Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta.

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, 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 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.