The Dancers of Damelahamid’s Coastal Dance Festival is an Indigenous cultural event at New Westminster’s Anvil Centre in the spring.
In 2024 the festival takes place between March 1st and 3rd.
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Coastal Dance Festival Location | The Dance Festival | Coastal Dance Festival Video | 2024 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. 2024 marks its 17th season.
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 used to happen at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) on the University of British Columbia‘s campus. Since 2019, however, most of the festivities take place at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster.
The 2024 Coastal First Nations Dance Festival runs from March 1st to 3rd. During that time, all events are held at the Anvil Centre. The venue is located at 777 Columbia Street in New Westminster.
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.
In 2024 there are 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
To give you an idea of what to expect, check out the following video. It’s a short clip of the Dancers of Damelahamid performing at the festival at the Museum of Anthropology a few years ago.
2024 Performance Schedule
The Coastal First Nations Dance Festival runs from Friday, March 1st, to Sunday, March 3rd in 2024.
On the first day of this year’s festival, there’s a matinee performance for families. Then, on the Friday and Saturday, there are Signature Evening Performances. The weekend also features Festival Stage Performances. See below for more details about the events.
Matinee Performance
The 2024 festival kicks off with an early show on Friday, March 1st. It starts at 11:00 am and features performances by Chesha7, Turongo Collective and Dancers of Damelahamid. Admission is by donation.
Signature Evening Performances
In 2024 Signature Evening Performances take place on Friday, March 1st, and Saturday, March 2nd. They begin at 7:30 pm and the doors open at 7:00 pm.
Tickets for the Signature Evening Performances in 2024 are about $31 for adults and $26 for students and seniors.
(Note: Show times and other details are subject to change.)
Friday (March 1st, 2024) Performances
- Dakhá Khwáan with DJ Dash
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Spakwus Slolem
- Turongo Collective
Saturday (March 2nd, 2024) Performances
- Adam Daigneault
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Git Hoan
- Yisya̱’winux̱w
Festival Stage Performances
Festival Stage shows take place from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. On these days admission is by donation or “pay what you can.”
Saturday (March 2nd, 2024) Performances
- Chinook Song Catchers
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Dakhá Khwáan
- Git Hoan
- Laura Grizzlypaws
- Turongo Collective
Sunday (March 3rd, 2024) Performances
- Adam Daigneault
- Dakhá Khwáan
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Git Hayetsk
- Xwelmexw Shxwexwo:s
- Yisya̱’winux̱w
For more information see the Dancers of Damelahamid website.
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.
For information on similar events, check out First Nations Culture in the Lower Mainland or Vancouver’s Festivals & Events Calendar.
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.
