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. The festival includes over 300 artists and performers, as well as 90 vendors.
Note: Before Carnaval del Sol, there is a related event in Surrey. On June 27th Carnavalito on the Road happens at Bear Creek Park. It’s a family-friendly Latin festival with admission by donation. It’s nowhere near as big as Carnaval del Sol, but still lots of fun!
Visit carnavaldelsol.ca for the Latin festival’s official website.
This article contains the following information about Carnaval del Sol:
When and Where? | Admission | Opening Night | Plazas at Carnaval del Sol | Other Latin American Experience Events | World Soccer Tournament | Chiquitzin Kids Fiesta | Background to Carnaval del Sol | Other Information
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 in-person event with lots of live music, cultural performances and family-friendly fun.
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 or July 10th, 11th, and 12th. Festival hours are from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival opens at 11:00 am and runs until 10:00 pm.
The event is held at Jonathan Rogers Park. The venue’s address is 110 West 7th Avenue, which is between Cambie and Main Street.
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 $55 per person (or $99 for VIP tickets). It costs that much because of the big-name concert artists. It costs less on the other two dayes.
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 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.
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 for 2026, with performance times to be confirmed. As of the last time we checked, the full schedule of when all the many artists perform this year hadn’t yet been announced.
Visit the official Carnaval del Sol website to learn more.
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.
Below is the Beer Plaza entertainment schedule for this year. Times and 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.
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. Last year, there was also a talent show for kids ages 6 to 13.
The activity schedule for 2026 is yet to be announced.
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 LoterÃa
- 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 ParadeÂ
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.
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 LatinaÂ
(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.
Carnavalito on the Road Â
(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. Last year it happened at Douglas Park in downtown Langley. It likely happens at a different park this year, but with exact details to be confirmed.
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 and 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 on other related events taking place 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 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.
Other Information
Visit the carnavaldelsol.ca website to learn more about Carnaval del Sol.
Click Carnaval del Sol Video for a video of the event from past years. (It’s an old video, but it will give you an idea of what to expect.)
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver’s July and August Calendars
- Brazilian Carnaval
- Carnavalito on the Road
- Latin American Heritage Month
- Day of the Dead Latin Market
- Pitch Fest and She Latina MarketÂ
- Lower Mainland Festivals & Events
- Shows & Entertainment Calendar
- Vancouver History and Culture
Other websites you might also find of interest include VancouverForKids.ca, VancouversBestRestaurants.ca and VancouverFoodFestivals.ca.
