Billed as “the largest Youth Week event in the Lower Mainland, North Vancouver’s CityFest features live music, a BBQ, skateboarding, prizes and games.
In 2023 CityFest took place at the Shipyards on Saturday, May 6th.
Youth CityFest in North Vancouver
CityFest is a one-day festival that’s popular with families, older kids and youth. The free festival is held annually on the first Saturday in May. In past years it has been held in the parking lot of Centennial Theatre by the skateboard park at 2300 Lonsdale Avenue (by Harry Jerome Rec Centre).
In 2020, however, it was going to take place at the Shipyards by the waterfront not far from Lonsdale Quay. Although the event didn’t happen live at the Shipyards in 2020 or 2021 due to the coronavirus, the festival did take place there on May 7th in 2022.
In 2023 CityFest took place at the Shipyards once again. The event ran from 12:00 until 4:30 pm on May 6th this past year.
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 4000 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 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.
Also at the event, at Shipbuilders’ Square, there is live music. 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.
