Vancouver Festivals
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide to Festivals in Vancouver, British Columbia.
What is going on in Vancouver, British Columbia? Check out this list of festivals: film, music, food, theatre, art and family-friendly festivals. If it is happening in Vancouver, it is listed here.
If we are missing your festival in Vancouver it only takes a few minutes to add a complimentary listing.
May 28 to Jun 03
Presenting acclaimed Canadian and international professional performances, plus numerous hands-on arts activities, the Festival provides children ages 3-11 and school groups grades K-6 with a valuable cultural and educational experience. Each year the Festival welcomes more than 50,000 children, parents and educators to Vancouver's Granville Island.
Presenting acclaimed Canadian and international professional performances, plus numerous hands-on arts activities, the Festival provides children ages 3-11 and school groups grades K-6 with a valuable cultural and educational experience. Each year the Festival welcomes more than 50,000 children, parents and educators to Vancouver's Granville Island.
- Granville Island Address: Granville Island Vancouver BC Canada
May 31 to Sep 22
Bard on the Beach was established in 1990 to provide Vancouver residents and tourists with affordable, accessible Shakespearean productions of the finest quality. The plays are staged in Vanier Park on Vancouver's waterfront, in open-ended tents with a spectacular backdrop of mountains, sea and sky.
Bard on the Beach was established in 1990 to provide Vancouver residents and tourists with affordable, accessible Shakespearean productions of the finest quality. The plays are staged in Vanier Park on Vancouver's waterfront, in open-ended tents with a spectacular backdrop of mountains, sea and sky.
- Vanier Park Address: 1100 Chestnut St. Vancouver BC
May 31 to Jun 10
The Indian dance of Bhangra breaks out all over Vancouver during the City of Bhangra Festival. Enjoy colourful dance performances, drum circles, an art exhibition and an intercultural dance mash-up.
The Indian dance of Bhangra breaks out all over Vancouver during the City of Bhangra Festival. Enjoy colourful dance performances, drum circles, an art exhibition and an intercultural dance mash-up.
Jun 01 to Jun 03
Celebrity chefs, popular local restaurants, wineries, food and beverage manufacturers, cookbook authors, retailers, artisans, and many others from the culinary world will come together for a three day public extravaganza at the newly renovated BC Place Stadium. EAT Vancouver encompasses unique food experiences, opportunities to learn behind-the-scenes culinary magic from professional chefs, dynamic entertainment through celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and intense culinary competitions, diverse food, beverage and cooking related exhibits; and of course fantastic shopping opportunities.
Enjoy some of the best wines, beers and spirits from British Columbia and around the world, offered for tasting by the vintners and producers themselves. Sample, compare and ask questions directly from those who know.
Celebrity chefs, popular local restaurants, wineries, food and beverage manufacturers, cookbook authors, retailers, artisans, and many others from the culinary world will come together for a three day public extravaganza at the newly renovated BC Place Stadium. EAT Vancouver encompasses unique food experiences, opportunities to learn behind-the-scenes culinary magic from professional chefs, dynamic entertainment through celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and intense culinary competitions, diverse food, beverage and cooking related exhibits; and of course fantastic shopping opportunities.
Enjoy some of the best wines, beers and spirits from British Columbia and around the world, offered for tasting by the vintners and producers themselves. Sample, compare and ask questions directly from those who know.
- BC Place Address: 777 Pacific Blvd Vancouver BC CAN V6B 4Y8
Jun 03 to Jun 24
This festival celebrates Art Song, the powerful fusion of poetry and music, and is hosted by VISI. A team of Canadian and International musicians, poets, and scholars present 20+ concerts and intense interdisciplinary study programs for lovers of song, both professional performers and lifelong listeners.
Guests may create their own menu of daily lectures and master classes, or simply enjoy a fantastic variety of noon-hour and evening concerts.
This festival celebrates Art Song, the powerful fusion of poetry and music, and is hosted by VISI. A team of Canadian and International musicians, poets, and scholars present 20+ concerts and intense interdisciplinary study programs for lovers of song, both professional performers and lifelong listeners.
Guests may create their own menu of daily lectures and master classes, or simply enjoy a fantastic variety of noon-hour and evening concerts.
Jun 10
Vancouver's Italian community celebrates its food and heritage with a one-day festival in June on Commercial Drive. The free event features sidewalk food, stage entertainment, fashion, specialty products, activities and much more.
Vancouver's Italian community celebrates its food and heritage with a one-day festival in June on Commercial Drive. The free event features sidewalk food, stage entertainment, fashion, specialty products, activities and much more.
- Commercial Drive Address: Commercial Drive Vancouver BC
Jun 15 to Jun 17
North America's biggest Dragon Boat Festival is held in Vancouver in June each year. It started in the late 1980s and attracts over 100,000 visitors and 180 different teams from British Columbia and across the world.
North America's biggest Dragon Boat Festival is held in Vancouver in June each year. It started in the late 1980s and attracts over 100,000 visitors and 180 different teams from British Columbia and across the world.
- Creekside Community Recreation Center Address: 1 Athletes Wy Vancouver BC USA B5Y 0B1
Jun 22 to Jul 01
For 10 days and nights extraordinary music electrifies the entire city. From Gastown to David Lam Park, from hip bistros to great concert halls, visitors can hear a wide variety of jazz, blues, groove, world music, improv and popular artists. Featuring 1,800 musicians from Canada and around the world. The
Jazz Festival touches all parts of the city, with many free performances including large-sale public events, eight major indoor concert series, and
a host of nightclub shows.
For 10 days and nights extraordinary music electrifies the entire city. From Gastown to David Lam Park, from hip bistros to great concert halls, visitors can hear a wide variety of jazz, blues, groove, world music, improv and popular artists. Featuring 1,800 musicians from Canada and around the world. The
Jazz Festival touches all parts of the city, with many free performances including large-sale public events, eight major indoor concert series, and
a host of nightclub shows.
Jun 24
Those who enjoy Greek culture, particularly its food may wish to take in the annual Greek Day Festival on Broadway in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver. Greek music and dancing also form part of the entertainment.
Those who enjoy Greek culture, particularly its food may wish to take in the annual Greek Day Festival on Broadway in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver. Greek music and dancing also form part of the entertainment.
Jun 30
Carnaval Del Sol was an addition to Vancouver's annual summer festival season in 2009. It provides a provides a Latin American atmosphere with food, a market place, street salsa and zumba dancing and performance by traditional dancers and musicians.
Carnaval Del Sol was an addition to Vancouver's annual summer festival season in 2009. It provides a provides a Latin American atmosphere with food, a market place, street salsa and zumba dancing and performance by traditional dancers and musicians.
- Granville Street Address: . Vancouver BC CAN
Jul 13 to Jul 15
Bringing live music to the people of Vancouver are what this music festival is all about. Artists from Canada, the USA, Australia, Cuba and many other places are invited to perform.
Bringing live music to the people of Vancouver are what this music festival is all about. Artists from Canada, the USA, Australia, Cuba and many other places are invited to perform.
- Jericho Beach Address: North ends of Wallace and Discovery Streets Vancouver BC CAN
TBA
This three day film festival brings sparkling South Asian talent to mainstream audiences. In addition to screenings of feature films, shorts and documentaries, the festival includes a panel discussion with some of southern Asia's top filmmakers and actors.
This three day film festival brings sparkling South Asian talent to mainstream audiences. In addition to screenings of feature films, shorts and documentaries, the festival includes a panel discussion with some of southern Asia's top filmmakers and actors.
- Vancity Theatre Address: 1181 Seymour St Vancouver BC CAN V6B 3M7
Jul 28 to Aug 04
Celebration of Light allows visitors to see some of the best fireworks displays in the world. Several countries each prepare a 25 minute display which is set to music. Each evening of the festival features a different country and on the final evening a tribute to all four countries is held.
Celebration of Light allows visitors to see some of the best fireworks displays in the world. Several countries each prepare a 25 minute display which is set to music. Each evening of the festival features a different country and on the final evening a tribute to all four countries is held.
- English Bay Beach (First Beach) Address: Beach Avenue between Denman and Bidwell Streets Vancouver BC CAN
TBA
This annual community celebration of Japanese Canadian arts, culture and heritage is Vancouver's largest and longest running community celebration. It takes place at the beginning of August yearly.
This annual community celebration of Japanese Canadian arts, culture and heritage is Vancouver's largest and longest running community celebration. It takes place at the beginning of August yearly.
Aug 05
This festival gives Vancouver's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community the chance to gather with friends, family and supporters in a fun and positive environment. Events during the festival include a youth dance, the Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast, the Vancouver Pride Parade and the Sunset Beach Festival.
This festival gives Vancouver's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community the chance to gather with friends, family and supporters in a fun and positive environment. Events during the festival include a youth dance, the Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast, the Vancouver Pride Parade and the Sunset Beach Festival.
TBA
Enjoy the largest annual summer block party in Vancouver's historic Chinatown. Past festivals have featured heritage and food tastings, walking tours, multicultural stage performances, Chinese folk art demos, open air markets, community info displays, BMX bike stunts, a Kids Bike Rodeo, inflatable games, children's activities, lucky draws and much more. This free festival takes place on Columbia Street & Keefer Street, Vancouver.
Enjoy the largest annual summer block party in Vancouver's historic Chinatown. Past festivals have featured heritage and food tastings, walking tours, multicultural stage performances, Chinese folk art demos, open air markets, community info displays, BMX bike stunts, a Kids Bike Rodeo, inflatable games, children's activities, lucky draws and much more. This free festival takes place on Columbia Street & Keefer Street, Vancouver.
- Chinatown Vancouver Address: Downtown Vancouver BC CAN
TBA
MusicFest Vancouver celebrates jazz, classical and world music every August with hundreds of gifted performers from around the world in dozens of concerts and educational events. The 2010 festival features a special focus on Australia, and a celebration of the 10th anniversary of this popular annual event.
MusicFest Vancouver celebrates jazz, classical and world music every August with hundreds of gifted performers from around the world in dozens of concerts and educational events. The 2010 festival features a special focus on Australia, and a celebration of the 10th anniversary of this popular annual event.
Aug 16 to Aug 26
The Vancouver Out On Screen Film and Video Society promotes queer films and media arts to provide a platform for understanding, exploration and education between communities.
The Vancouver Out On Screen Film and Video Society promotes queer films and media arts to provide a platform for understanding, exploration and education between communities.
Sep 06 to Sep 16
Vancouver's Fringe Festival gives city residents and visitors the change to see a range of interesting performances by artists and theatre groups from across Canada and the rest of the world. Shows take place at a variety of venues across the city and include everything from theatres to cafes.
Vancouver's Fringe Festival gives city residents and visitors the change to see a range of interesting performances by artists and theatre groups from across Canada and the rest of the world. Shows take place at a variety of venues across the city and include everything from theatres to cafes.
TBA
One of the largest film festivals in North America, the Vancouver International Film Festival shows approximately 350 films from all over the world, and aims to foster understanding of other countries through the medium of film. Venues include Empire Granville 7 Cinemas, Pacific Cinematheque, Ridge Theatre and Vancity Theatre.
One of the largest film festivals in North America, the Vancouver International Film Festival shows approximately 350 films from all over the world, and aims to foster understanding of other countries through the medium of film. Venues include Empire Granville 7 Cinemas, Pacific Cinematheque, Ridge Theatre and Vancity Theatre.
TBA
Dozens of authors, poets and playwrights from around the world converge on Granville Island annually in October for ticketed events including readings and lectures. Maeve Binchy, Claudio Magris and Jim Harrison are among some of the previous stellar guests. Inquire locally for further details.
Dozens of authors, poets and playwrights from around the world converge on Granville Island annually in October for ticketed events including readings and lectures. Maeve Binchy, Claudio Magris and Jim Harrison are among some of the previous stellar guests. Inquire locally for further details.
TBA
- The Queen Elizabeth Theatre Address: 649 Cambie Street Vancouver BC Canada V6B 2P1
TBA
Held in May, the Vancouver International Children's Festival entertains, educates and inspires youth with a world-renowned program of performing arts. Roving entertainers, live music, comedians, acrobats and puppets are all part of the fun.
Held in May, the Vancouver International Children's Festival entertains, educates and inspires youth with a world-renowned program of performing arts. Roving entertainers, live music, comedians, acrobats and puppets are all part of the fun.
- Vanier Park Address: 1100 Chestnut St. Vancouver BC
TBA
Since its inception in 1997, the Hopscotch Festival of Scotch, Whiskey and Beer has educated and allowed the public to try premium samples of some of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages. The event consists of a trade show, seminars and public tastings.
Since its inception in 1997, the Hopscotch Festival of Scotch, Whiskey and Beer has educated and allowed the public to try premium samples of some of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages. The event consists of a trade show, seminars and public tastings.
TBA
The Vancouver Jewish Film Festival is the longest running Jewish film festival in Canada. Every year the festival celebrates Jewish culture with Jewish films from around the world.
The Vancouver Jewish Film Festival is the longest running Jewish film festival in Canada. Every year the festival celebrates Jewish culture with Jewish films from around the world.
TBA
Get into the spirit of the season by visiting VanDusen Botanitcal Garden. This annual event features a visit from Santa Claus himself with daily appearances. There are also Christmas elves, dancing lights on Livingstone Lake, Gingerbread Wood, Golden Chain Walk, Community Choir concers, Candy Cane Lane and much more.
Get into the spirit of the season by visiting VanDusen Botanitcal Garden. This annual event features a visit from Santa Claus himself with daily appearances. There are also Christmas elves, dancing lights on Livingstone Lake, Gingerbread Wood, Golden Chain Walk, Community Choir concers, Candy Cane Lane and much more.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden Address: 5251 Oak St Vancouver BC CAN V6M 4H1
TBA
The World Rose Show and Festival is coming to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. It's a celebration of everything to do with roses, from growing them to arranging them to cooking with them. For three days rose fans can learn, share, show and buy.
There will be a world-class judged rose show, display gardens, expert advise from local and international rose breeders, floral design, workshops and lectures, art and photo exhibits, a marketplace, a kids garden area, entertainment and the Rose Bistro.
The World Rose Show and Festival is coming to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. It's a celebration of everything to do with roses, from growing them to arranging them to cooking with them. For three days rose fans can learn, share, show and buy.
There will be a world-class judged rose show, display gardens, expert advise from local and international rose breeders, floral design, workshops and lectures, art and photo exhibits, a marketplace, a kids garden area, entertainment and the Rose Bistro.
- Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre Address: 999 Canada Place Vancouver BC V6C 3C1
TBA
The PuSh Festival presents unique work in the performing arts. Theatre, dance and other types of performance are featured. In the past, it has attracted local, national and international artists.
The PuSh Festival presents unique work in the performing arts. Theatre, dance and other types of performance are featured. In the past, it has attracted local, national and international artists.
TBA
Dance, theatre, music and comedy are some of the events taking place at this year's Chutzpah! Festival.
Dance, theatre, music and comedy are some of the events taking place at this year's Chutzpah! Festival.
TBA
This festival features wine tastings and pairings, gourmet dinners and luncheons, educational seminars and culinary competitions. For either the experienced wine lover or the novice, the festival has something to please every palate and pocketbook.
This festival features wine tastings and pairings, gourmet dinners and luncheons, educational seminars and culinary competitions. For either the experienced wine lover or the novice, the festival has something to please every palate and pocketbook.
- Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre Address: 999 Canada Place Vancouver BC V6C 3C1
TBA
Sample wines from around the world at this festival. With over 10 events and two wine tastings vino lovers and restaurateurs will no doubt enjoy themselves. The events take place at various locations across Vancouver.
Sample wines from around the world at this festival. With over 10 events and two wine tastings vino lovers and restaurateurs will no doubt enjoy themselves. The events take place at various locations across Vancouver.
TBA
In celebration of Celtic culture and St. Patrick's Day, CelticFest is held in downtown Vancouver and features a hearty mix of Celtic music, dance, spoken word, film and food, culminating with the grand St. Patrick's Day Parade.
In celebration of Celtic culture and St. Patrick's Day, CelticFest is held in downtown Vancouver and features a hearty mix of Celtic music, dance, spoken word, film and food, culminating with the grand St. Patrick's Day Parade.
TBA
Vancouver Orchid Society (VOS) proudly presents VOS Annual Orchid Show and Sale at the VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Come and see lovely displays of orchids in bloom.
Shop for favorite plants from a huge selection of plants for sale from leading local and international orchid growers.
Ask questions about orchids on display or learn more orchids already owned.
Vancouver Orchid Society (VOS) proudly presents VOS Annual Orchid Show and Sale at the VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Come and see lovely displays of orchids in bloom.
Shop for favorite plants from a huge selection of plants for sale from leading local and international orchid growers.
Ask questions about orchids on display or learn more orchids already owned.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden Address: 5251 Oak St Vancouver BC CAN V6M 4H1
TBA
The Mariachi Festival started life in 2008 and has become an annual event celebrating the music and dance from Mexico. Bands from Mexico, the USA and Canada perform along with folkloric dancers.
The Mariachi Festival started life in 2008 and has become an annual event celebrating the music and dance from Mexico. Bands from Mexico, the USA and Canada perform along with folkloric dancers.
TBA
The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver is an amazing display of color as the city trees burst into life during Spring. It comprises the Cherry Jam downtown, a musical celebration, the Sakura Japanese celebration, tree talks and walks and biking the blossoms.
The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver is an amazing display of color as the city trees burst into life during Spring. It comprises the Cherry Jam downtown, a musical celebration, the Sakura Japanese celebration, tree talks and walks and biking the blossoms.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden Address: 5251 Oak St Vancouver BC CAN V6M 4H1
