Holi Fest in Vancouver

Holi Fest is the Hindu Festival of Colours. It’s celebrated in Vancouver with music, dancing, cultural performances, a Boat Party and other events each spring.

Holi marks the arrival of spring and celebrates joy, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. In Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland (and the world), the Indian community and cultural organizations host a variety of lively Holi-themed events each year. They feature Bollywood music, Bhangra dancing, colourful attire, festive foods and community gatherings.

When and Where

Holi usually takes place sometime in March, with the exact date depending on the Hindu lunar calendar and the date of the full moon. In 2026 Holi officially happens on March 4th. Very occasionally it happens in February, but not very often.

Holi events typically take place throughout March at various venues across Metro Vancouver. You’ll find events at shopping centres, banquet halls, outdoor plazas and party cruises departing from Vancouver’s waterfront.

Boat celebrations take place aboard the Burrard Queen at Dock A along Pacific Boulevard in Vancouver. Other events happen at community venues such as Tsawwassen Mills and university campuses, as well as cultural event spaces throughout the region.

Event times vary with daytime family-friendly festivals and evening 19+ celebrations available depending on the organizer and venue.

What to Expect

The Holi Festival is best known for its colour celebrations where participants toss safe, non-toxic, washable colour powder into the air while dancing to music. Many events encourage guests to wear white or bright clothing to enhance the colourful experience. Across all events, guests can expect festive Indian music, both traditional and modern dancing, and delicious Indian food.

Whether attending a cultural community gathering, a family-friendly daytime celebration, or a vibrant cruise party on the water, Holi Fest events in Vancouver offer a colourful and unforgettable way to celebrate Indian heritage.

Events during the Holi Festival

One of the most popular annual celebrations is the Holi Boat Party Vancouver with Vancouver Boat Parties. It’s a high-energy cruise aboard the Burrard Queen featuring live DJs, Bollywood and Punjabi music, rooftop colour throwing, skyline views, and an onboard bar.

In 2026 the Holi Boat Party happens on Sunday, March 7th, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event is one of Vancouver’s most fun Holi celebrations and typically sells out each year. Tickets start at around $60 for general admission with group discounts available. Guests must be 19+ for the evening cruise.

For those seeking a community-based cultural celebration, the India Cultural Association of Vancouver organizes traditional Holi programming focused on heritage, music, and community connection.

University students and young adults often attend campus celebrations such as UBC P.I.T. Official Holi Vancouver – Play Holi. The event date in 2026 is March 6th from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am. This event features DJ music, dancing and colour play in an energetic festival environment. The event offers multiple ticket tiers, including a Students & Ladies Promo Pass from $17.31, a General Final Tier Pass from $33.28, and a VVIP Pass from $43.93 with skip-the-line entry and a free drink.

Families can also attend indoor community events such as Holi at Tsawwassen Mills. In 2026 that event happens on Sunday, March 22nd. It is a free, family-friendly celebration featuring music, dance performances, henna, rangoli displays, arts and crafts and a DJ dance party. Attendees must register in advance. Also good to know, colour powders are not permitted inside the mall for safety and clean-up reasons.