Burnaby's European Festival

Featuring European food, cultural displays and live performances, the European Festival is a one-day cultural event in Burnaby.

In 2026, the festival takes place on Saturday, May 30th. The event’s theme is “Experience Europe in a Day!” As many as two dozen European nations participate.

This article includes the following information about the European Festival:

Where and When? | What to Expect | Festival History | Other Information

European Festival in Burnaby

The European Festival isn’t a huge event, but it’s a nice one. There’s a variety of ethnic food, dancing and musical performances.

In the past, the European Festival took place at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby and attracted about 10,000 visitors. About two dozen European nations participated, including Scandinavian countries, Baltic States, France, Spain, Great Britain, Germany and Russia.

Up until 2017 it was a two-day outdoor festival. In 2019 it switched to a one-day event inside the Vancouver Alpen Club. Then, after not happening in 2020 and 2021, the European Festival partnered with the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Country Fest in 2022. The two festivals combined to offer two days of live entertainment, food, cultural displays and other activities in July for a couple of years.

Last year the European Festival returned as a one-day event at Slovenian Hall in Burnaby. In 2026, it returns to the same venue for its 26th annual edition.

Lunch Time at the European Festival

Where and When is the Festival?

In 2026, the European Festival takes place on Saturday, May 30th. It happens at Slovenian Hall at 5762 Sprott Street in Burnaby. The festival runs from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm.

The event takes place indoors and outdoors. It is family-friendly, open to people of all ages, and free.

What to Expect at the Festival

The festival celebrates European heritage in the Lower Mainland. It promotes unity, identity, diversity and culture through food, music, dance and community activities.

The 2026 festival is expected to include live entertainment, culinary offerings, cultural booths, vendors and performers. More details about the schedule and participating groups are expected closer to the event.

Participating Countries in the Festival

Expect about a dozen countries to be represented at the festival. Each shows their pride through traditional attire, performances and cultural demonstrations.

For an idea of what to expect at the next event, participating countries in past years have included Bulgaria, Bosnia, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Czech Republic.

Main Stage and Festival Stalls

History of the Festival

In the past, the European Festival took place at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby and attracted about 10,000 visitors.

Last year the European Festival returned as a one-day event at Slovenian Hall in Burnaby. In 2026, it returns to the same venue for its 26th annual edition.