Christmas Tree at Wesbrook Village at UBC

Wesbrook Village is a modern development on Vancouver’s UBC Campus. It’s home to shops, restaurants and various festivals and events throughout the year.

A number of events take place in the village at various times of the year, including the UBC Farmers Market which happens on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm between early June and the end of November. Over the Christmas holiday season, there is also the Wesbrook Village Holiday Market as well as the Wesbrook Village Festival.

This article contains information about the following topics:

Where is Wesbrook Village | Wesbrook Village Events | Wesbrook Village Holiday Market | Tips & Advice | Other Information

Click on any of the above links to jump to a specific subject or continue reading to learn all about Wesbrook Village and its various festivals and events.

Wesbrook Village at the University of British Columbia

Wesbrook Village is a popular mixed-use community at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The neighbourhood features park space, playgrounds, a community centre and about two dozen shops and restaurants. It’s a walkable, bike-friendly, pet-friendly and family-friendly little town centre.

Where is Wesbrook Village

Located near the corner of Wesbrook Mall and West 16th Avenue, Wesbrook Village is in the south-central part of Vancouver’s main UBC Campus. It’s just a few blocks south of the Thunderbird Park athletic field and halfway between the UBC Botanical Garden and the western edge of Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Norman Mackenzie Square is located at 3378 Wesbrook Mall. That’s where you’ll find the BierCraft restaurant and pub, the Doughgirls Bakeshop and other popular places to eat and drink. Wesbrook Community Centre is also nearby at 3335 Webber Lane.

Badaboom at Wesbrook Village — Music in Norman Mackenzie Square

Wesbrook Village Events

Wesbrook Village hosts various events at different times of the year.

In the summer there are both indoor and outdoor movies on various dates. There is also live music and entertainment at Norman MacKenzie Square too (or at least that has been the case in the past).

In December there is the Wesbrook Village Holiday Market featuring a craft market and live entertainment. Lion dancing and other festive activities sometimes happen during Chinese New Year as well.

Check out Wesbrook’s Calendar of Events to see what’s happening and when.

Ricky Ringmaster at Wesbrook Village Festival — Ricky Ringmaster in Norman Mackenzie Square

Wesbrook Village Holiday Market

The Wesbrook Village Holiday Market is one of a number of events that take place at Norman MacKenzie Square. It runs from late November until the last weekend before Christmas.

Last year during the holiday season the Wesbrook Village Holiday Market happened every Friday from 3:00 until 9:00 pm (with live music running from 4:00 until 7:00 pm). The market was also on Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 7:00 pm (with the live music happening between 2:00 and 5:00 pm). Last year on the weekend of December 12th to 14th, there was also the Winter Festival at UBC which featured additional fun activities.

At the market there are artisan vendors selling all kinds of unique and wonderful handmade things. Admission is free, as is parking in the areas for up to two hours.

To learn more about the event, see our article about the Wesbrook Village Holiday Market.

Market Stall at Wesbrook Village — Wesbrook Village Holiday Market

Tips and Advice

Here are some tips and things to know to help you make the most out of your visit to UBC’s Wesbrook Village.

TIP #1: You have to pay for parking at most places at UBC. However, there is free parking (for up to 2 hours) on the streets around Wesbrook Village and in the village’s main parking lot. If you find all the spaces are taken, there is also lots of pay parking elsewhere on the campus.

TIP #2: Check out some of the university’s other attractions while at UBC. Places of interest include the UBC Botanical Garden, Museum of Anthropology, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Pacific Spirit Regional Park and Nitobe Japanese Garden.

TIP #3: Wesbrook Village isn’t a tourist destination like Gastown or Granville Island. Some of its events are excellent though and highly recommended. Places listed under TIP #2, however, are venues that people travel from afar to see. Wesbrook Village is a great place to go if you’re visiting UBC for any of the above attractions, seeing friends or family on campus, or if you’re looking for a convenient place to meet people and grab a bite to eat.

UBC Thunderbirds Mascot at Wesbrook Village