CityFest at the Shipyards

Billed as “the largest Youth Week event in the Lower Mainland,” North Vancouver’s CityFest features live music, a BBQ, skateboarding, prizes and games.

The event normally happens at the Shipyards on the first Saturday in May. In 2024, however, it takes place on May 11th (which is the second Saturday of the month). That’s the same weekend as when the Royal Canadian International Circus has shows in Surrey.

 

Royal Canadian Circus

 

Youth CityFest in North Vancouver

CityFest is a one-day festival that’s popular with families, older kids and youth. It used to be held in the parking lot of Centennial Theatre by the skateboard park at 2300 Lonsdale Avenue (by Harry Jerome Rec Centre). Since 2022, however, it happens in the Shipyards District (which is just a short walk from Lonsdale Quay and the SeasBus terminal).

The same as last year, in 2024 the event runs from 12:00 pm until 4:30 pm.

CityFest includes an art exhibit, live music, food trucks, a longboard slide jam and the Lower Mainland’s largest skateboard competition. Over 400 local youth perform and compete. Close to 4,000 people attend the event most years.

 

Live Music at CityFest

In addition to its skateboarding competition, CityFest features live music on a couple of different stages most years. Performers are local youth bands, singers, dancers and other entertainers who sign up for stage time.

The quality of the performances varies, but it is generally fairly good. What makes the event special is the fact that so many youth get the opportunity to perform.

 

CityFest Skateboarder
Skateboarding at Shipyard Commons

 

CityFest Video

For an idea of what to expect at the festival, check out the video below. As you’ll see, it’s a fair-sized event. There is skateboarding at Shipyard Commons (where ice skating takes place in winter). There is also skateboarding down the lower part of Lonsdale Avenue.

There is live music as well at Shipbuilders’ Square. And at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue, by the waterfront by the Polygon Gallery, there are community information stalls.

 

 

Other Information

To learn more about the CityFest event, see the City of North Vancouver‘s website.

For information on other Lower Mainland events, check out the May Calendar or Festivals and Events Calendar.

For more information on other things to see in the area, check out the North Shore.

And for other best places in the Lower Mainland for children and youth, see Vancouver for Kids.