The Dancers of Damelahamid’s Coastal Dance Festival is an Indigenous cultural event at Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology and New Westminster‘s Anvil Centre.
The festival takes place in early March.
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Coastal Dance Festival Location | The Dance Festival | Coastal Dance Festival Video | Performance Schedule | Tips & Advice | Other Information
Dancers of Damelahamid First Nations Dance Festival in New Westminster
The Dancers of Damelahamid First Nations Dance Festival happens in the early spring each year. 2026 marks its 19th season. This year it runs from March 3rd to 8th.
The festival is always a remarkable series of cultural performances. In typical years, in addition to afternoon shows, there are also special evening performances that usually sell out.
It’s a cultural experience that’s highly recommended and you won’t want to miss it.
Coastal Dance Festival Location
The Coastal First Nations Dance Festival mainly happens at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) on the University of British Columbia‘s campus. In 2026, however, the first day of the festival is held at the Anvil Centre. It’s located at 777 Columbia Street in New Westminster. From March 4th to 8th, the rest of the events happen at the Museum of Anthropology.
The Dance Festival
The annual Coastal First Nations Dance Festival showcases Canadian Indigenous artists from BC, Western Canada and the Yukon, as well as out-of-country groups from places like Alaska, Hawaii and further abroad.
There are usually over a dozen featured artists performing during the festival. There are both groups and individuals to see. Some are musicians, while others are dancers.
Coastal Dance Festival Video
Check out the following video to give you an idea of what to expect if you want to attend this year’s festival. The video is a short clip of the Dancers of Damelahamid performing at the festival at the Museum of Anthropology a few years ago.
Performance Schedule
The Coastal First Nations Dance Festival runs from Tuesday, March 3rd to Sunday, March 8th in 2026. Details about this year’s matinee and evening performances are below.
Matinee Performances
The 2026 festival kicks off with matinee shows at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster on Tuesday, March 3rd. The first show begins at 11:00 am and the second at 1:00 pm. Performers include the Dancers of Damelahamid and Chesha7 iy lha Mens. The same happens again on the Wednesday and Thursday of March 4th and 5th, but at the Museum of Anthropology. Performers on those days are the Dancers of Damelahmid, Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska and Lawra Somby. Admission is included with general admission to the museum on the second two days, but ticketed for the event at the Anvil Centre on the Tuesday.
Signature Evening Performances
In 2026 ticketed Signature Evening Performances take place at 7:30 pm on March 6th and 7th at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Tickets are about $40 for adults and $30 for students and seniors.
Below is the performance lineup for the evening shows.
Friday (March 6th, 2026) Evening Performers at the MOA
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- ‘Yisya̱’winux̱w
- Spakwus Slolem
- Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska
- Lawra Somby
Saturday (March 7th, 2026) Evening Performers at the MOA
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Git Hoan Dancers
- Tsatsu Staqayu
- Cedar Woman
Festival Stage Performances
Festival Stage shows take place from 1:00 to 3:30 pm on the Saturday and from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on the Sunday this year. On these days admission is included with entry to the museum.
Saturday (March 7th, 2026) Festival Stage Performers
- ‘Yisya̱’winux̱w
- Dakhká Khwaán Dancers
- Rainbow Creek Dancers
- Git Hayetsk
Sunday (March 8th, 2026) Festival Stage Performers
- Chinook Song Catchers
- Dakhká Khwaán Dancers
- Lax Kxeen Tsimshian Dancers
- Dancers of Damelahamid
Other Events
There are a few other events that take place at the MOA in addition to the main shows. For example, there are Artist Sharing events on the Thursday and Friday at 3:00 pm. There’s also a film screening at 3:30 pm on the Sunday.
See the Dancers of Damelahamid website for the full 2026 program.
Tips & Advice
Below are some suggestions to help you make the most of your experience at the dance festival.
TIP #1: The Coastal First Nations Dance Festival is a popular event. If you go to a free show, arrive early to make sure you can get in. Also, for all shows, arrive early to find a good seat.
TIP #2: Book your seats to the ticketed evening shows well in advance as they almost always sell out.
TIP #3: Don’t forget your camera! The regalia and dancing are impressive! Note, though, that photography might not be permitted at the Signature Evening Performances. Also, if wanting to take photos of performers when not on stage, ask for permission.
Other Information
Check out First Nations Dance Festival for more information on the event.
Click Museum of Anthropology for more details about the venue where the event used to take place in previous years. There’s also an Indigenous Sport Gallery at the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
Check out First Nations Culture in the Lower Mainland or Vancouver’s Festivals & Events Calendar for more information on similar events.
Other Indigenous events taking place around February and/or March include the following:
- Hoobiyee – Nisga’a Nation New Year celebrations at the PNE Forum. Free admission.
- Talking Stick Festival – an Indigenous festival in Yaletown at the Roundhouse Community Centre as well as at other venues.
