Fiesta Mexicana is a free one-day event celebrating Mexico’s independence. It takes place in September outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and in Robson Square.
The event happens on a weekend in mid-September. Other events taking place around the same time include Main Street Car Free Day, the Stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow and lots of Terry Fox Runs including the Terry Fox Hometown Run in Port Coquitlam.
Fiesta Mexicana in Downtown Vancouver
Mexico celebrates the anniversary of its independence from Spain on September 16th. This year, Vancouver’s Fiesta Mexicana takes place a couple of days before that.
Hosted by Comunidad Mexicana en Vancouver, the annual event includes all sorts of family-friendly activities. For example, there’s Mariachi music, Mexican foods, Lucha Libre wrestling and more. Fiesta Mexicana is open to the public and free to attend.
When and Where
In 2025 Fiesta Mexicana took place on Sunday, September 14th. The event ran from noon until 8:00 pm in the south plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, as well as at Robson Square in the 800 block of Robson Street. 2026 details will likely be similar, but with exact details to be confirmed.
In past years the celebrations have happened at different venues, including South Hall and the Roundhouse Community Centre.
Fiesta Mexicana Activities
Fiesta Mexicana features live entertainment throughout the day. There’s live Mariachi music, cultural dances, and Lucha Libre wrestling. This year’s Fiesta Mexicana also features the Ceremonia del Grito.
Another big component of the event is the authentic Mexican food available for purchase. Attendees can also play games, participate in contests and enjoy special surprises.
If you are Mexican or just like Mexican culture and Mexican food and music, this is a nice little festival to attend. You can expect to see lots of Mexicans and people speaking Spanish, including some wearing traditional Mexican clothes (as well as sometimes even Mexican luchador wrestling outfits).
The 2026 event schedule is to be confirmed. Highlights of the event from a few years ago included the following live performances:
- 12:00 pm – Live music by the Mariachi Estrellas de Mexico.
- 12:45 pm – Lucha Libre wrestling.
- 2:00 pm – Dancing by Grupo America.
- 2:30 pm – Lucha Libre wrestling.
- 3:30 pm – Live music with Gustavo Herrera and the Latin Sound Band.
- 3:45 pm – Lucha Libre wrestling.
- 5:00 pm – Live music by the Mariachi Estrellas de Mexico.
Other Information
For more information about the event, see the Fiesta Mexicana Facebook page.
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