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 happens at the Shipyards on the first or second Saturday in May. In 2025 it took place on May 10th (which was the day before Mother’s Day). Other events that typically happen around the same time include the Royal Canadian International Circus shows in Surrey, the Rotary May Day Parade in Port Coquitlam, and a Mother’s Day Powwow in Vancouver.

See our May Calendar of Events to learn about other events happening this time of year. Continue reading to learn more about CityFest in North Vancouver.

This article contains the following information about CityFest:

Live Music | CityFest Video | Other Information

Youth CityFest in North Vancouver

CityFest is a one-day festival 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 event usually 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. As many as 4,000 people attend the event most years.

CityFest Skateboarder — Skateboarding at Shipyard Commons

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.

Performing at the event in 2025 were Carsen Leclerc, the Boundary School Rock Band, Phrog Band, Selena Adams, Scott Crompton and Ashley Pater.

CityFest Video

Check out the video below for an idea of what to expect at the festival. 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 usually skateboarding down the lower part of Lonsdale Avenue.

Another fun part of CityFest is the live music at Shipbuilders’ Square. And at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue, by the waterfront by the Polygon Gallery, there are usually community information stalls.