The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival is a free two-day event showcasing comics, graphic novels, manga, and various other forms of comic-related literature.
Hosted at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown, the event attracts thousands of local and international fans and creators. The festival took place in May 2024 and then not at all in 2025. It happens again, however, on July 4th and 5th in 2026.
This article includes the following information about the Comic Arts Festival:
When and Where | What to Expect | Video | Other Information
The Comic Arts Festival at the Roundhouse
The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival (VanCAF) just to happen just before Victoria Day. Admission is free. In 2026, however, it takes place on the first weekend in July.
Everyone can attend VanCaf regardless of whether you’re a comic professional, die-hard fan, or casual reader. The festival celebrates the independent spirit and creator-owned ethos in comics and graphic novel publishing. It’s the place to go to meet your favourite comic book creator, take in a panel discussion, and pick up an autographed book or two!
The event first launched in 2012. Since then, it’s grown to become one of the largest comic book festivals in Canada.
When and Where
The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival took place on the Saturday and Sunday of May 18th and 19th in 2024. The event ran from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm on both days. In 2026 it happens on the Saturday and Sunday of July 4th and 5th.
The festival is held at the Roundhouse Community Centre. The venue is located at 181 Roundhouse Mews in Vancouver’s Yaletown.
What to Expect at VanCAF
The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival brings together Canadian and international comic and graphic novel creators to explore ideas through workshops, dynamic talks, and engaging discussions that encourage interaction with the audience.
Featured guest authors at the festival a few years ago included Emily Carrington (Our Little Secret), Aisha Franz (Work-Life Balance), Ho Che Anderson (Godhead) and Meredith Gran (Octopus Pie). There was also Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, Essex County), Cole Pauls (Kwändür), Mike Holmes (Our Own World) and Dan Santat (A First Time for Everything). These and other authors participated in talks, discussions and book signings throughout the two-day festival.
The festival includes an exhibitor and vendor fair featuring over 250 talented creators from across North America showcasing their zines, chapbooks, comic books, T-shirts, creative merchandise, art supplies and so much more.
Admission to all events used to be free and open to the public. This will likely be the case again in 2026, although exact details are to be confirmed.
Comic Arts Festival Video
To get an idea of what the Vancouver Comic Arts Festival looks like, check out the following video. It shows scenes of the event from a few years ago, from the last time it took place before 2023.
As you’ll see in the video, the festival isn’t about collectible and mass-produced comic books. It’s also not about stand-up comics and comedy. Instead, the event is all about comic drawings and art. You’ll meet dozens of artists and see all kinds of unique and interesting comic-style art. You’ll find cool characters in books, posters, cards and other amazing things to both buy and admire.
Other Information
To learn more about the festival, visit the Vancouver Comic Arts Festival‘s website.
For information about the venue, see our article about the Roundhouse Community Centre.
Other events that you might be interested in at other times of the year include the following:
- Fan Expo Vancouver – a Comic-Con-style convention showcasing superheroes, comics and Japanese anime (usually in February).
- Vancouver Comic & Toy Show – a trade show about superheroes, comic books and related art and toys (usually in the spring and then again in the fall).
- Sakura Days Japan Fair – a spring festival that celebrates cherry blossom season and Japanese culture (at VanDusen Garden in early April). At the event there are usually at least a few people dressed in Japanese anime costumes.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver on a Budget
- Lower Mainland Festivals & Events
- Vancouver’s May Calendar of Events
- Free Vancouver Events in May
- Vancouver on the Victoria Day Long Weekend
