Vancouver's Persian New Year | Vancouver's Best Places

Middle Eastern Academy of Dance

Nowruz is the Persian New Year which happens in mid-March. A number of events take place in Metro Vancouver to celebrate, including a couple of fire festivals.

In 2026 the Persian New Year is on March 20th (the same date as it was last year and the same date it will be in 2027).

There are various events that take place in the lead-up to the big day in the Lower Mainland, such as the Persian Fire Festival at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. Events typically happen either before or after the official date in other communities, too.

Continue reading to learn about all the main Persian New Year events that happen in Metro Vancouver.

Persian New Year Events in the Lower Mainland

Celebrations for Persians start on the Tuesday before the Persian New Year. That’s when the majority of the events are in Metro Vancouver. Sometimes other events happen as well.

(Note: “Nowruz” is also sometimes spelt as “Norooz” in English. In Persian (Farsi), it’s spelt “نوروز”. The name of the fire festival before the New Year is “Chaharshanbe Suri.”)

Continue reading to learn about the events in different places in the Lower Mainland. See our article about the Persian Fire Festival at Ambleside Park to learn specifically about the big Nowruz event in West Vancouver.

Other Chaharshanbe Suri Events

There are usually Chaharshanbe Suri events each year in Coquitlam at Town Centre Park, in North Vancouver at the Shipyards, and in West Vancouver at Ambleside Park (and likely elsewhere).

Activities often include fires and fire jumping (which anyone who wants can participate in). Jumping over fires is a way to bless the New Year. It’s a traditional, symbolic act of renewal and purification. Most of the events listed below take place on Tuesday, March 17th, in 2026.

Persian New Year in North Vancouver

In North Vancouver there is usually a free event at the Shipyards District. The venue’s address is 115 Victory Ship Way. It’s just a five-minute walk from the SeaBus terminal.

The event at the Shipyards features music and live entertainment, plus a number of vendors. There is also Persian festival food for sale. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free. The event was previously held indoors at the Pipe Shop. In 2026, however, it happens outdoors in Shipbuilders’ Square. The activities take place on March 17th 2026, between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. See the Shipyards District website for more.

Persian New Year in Downtown Vancouver

Close to downtown Vancouver, at the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre, a Nowruz event is happening on March 15th 2026. Taking place from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the event celebrates both Nowruz and the Spring Equinox. The afternoon features a special presentation, planetarium show, interactive activities for children, including egg painting, and music. Visit the H.R Macmillan Space Centre website for more information.

Persian New Year at Shipyards — Nowruz Celebrations at the Shipyards

Persian Fire Festival in West Vancouver

In West Vancouver there’s a giant outdoor event each year with multiple market vendors and live music on a giant stage at Ambleside Park. As many as 10,000 people attend in years with good weather.

In 2026, this event takes place on Tuesday, March 17th, between 4:00 and 10:00 pm. Admission is free. However, there is a fee to participate in the fire jumping.

See our article about the West Van Persian Fire Festival to learn more about this event.

Persian New Year in Coquitlam

Last year the Chaharshanbe Suri event in Coquitlam happened at Town Centre Park which is located at 1299 Pinetree Way. Running from around 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, the festivities included fire-jumping opportunities, live music, dancing, and market vendors. The headlining musician in 2025 was popular Iranian artist Shahram Shabpareh. This event was hosted by the Tricity Iranian Cultural Society. 2026 details are likely similar but are yet to be confirmed.