SPRING

CelticFest

• Date: March

• Location: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza - Georgia side)

• Price: Free (optional to join The 500 Club)
  Celebrate Celtic heritage with live concerts, Irish storytelling, Scottish dancing, and vibrant bagpipe performances. Don't miss the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which draws over 200,000 people each year.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

• Date: Usually in April

• Location: David Lam Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, and various downtown locations

• Price: Free
  Celebrate the beauty of spring with the blooming of cherry blossoms. Enjoy cultural performances, tree walks, cycling tours, and poetry contests as you experience the Japanese tradition of hanami.

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

• Date: Late May to early June

• Location: Granville Island

• Price: Free
  This world-renowned festival offers week-long performances in theater, music, dance, and puppetry designed to spark the imagination of young audiences.

Shipyards Night Market

• Date: Fridays from May to September

• Location: Shipyards District, North Vancouver

• Price: Free
  Experience the lively atmosphere of North Vancouver’s waterfront market, featuring live music, local food vendors, and artisan shopping. A great spot to socialize and enjoy the community vibe.

Vancouver Farmers Market

• Date: May through October

• Locations:

  • Saturdays: Trout Lake, West End, Riley Park

  • Sundays: Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant

  • Wednesdays: Downtown

  • Thursdays: False Creek

• Price: Free
  Explore Vancouver’s seasonal produce and handmade goods while supporting local farmers and artisans. Meet the creators behind your favorite foods and crafts at this weekly market.

SUMMER

Vancouver Italian Day

• Date and Time: The second Sunday of June

• Address: Commercial Drive, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Italian Day on The Drive is a lively street festival celebrating Italian culture with food, music, performances, and activities for all ages across 14 blocks of Commercial Drive.

5X Fest

• Date and Time: Usually mid-June

• Address: Surrey, BC

• Price: Free

  5X Fest is a dynamic festival celebrating South Asian youth culture with music, art, fashion, and community events. Experience vibrant performances and creative expressions throughout multiple venues.

Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival

• Date and Time: June 22-23, 2024

• Address: Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and False Creek

• Price: Free

  This iconic festival features thrilling dragon boat races, live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities along Vancouver’s False Creek.

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

• Date and Time: June 21-29, 2025

• Address: 295 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver

• Price: Free concerts available

  Enjoy a diverse lineup of jazz, blues, funk, and world music at one of the largest jazz festivals in North America, with more than 150 free concerts across the city.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

• Date and Time: June through September

• Address: Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park, Vancouver

• Price: Free pre-show talks, ticket prices vary for performances

  Set in a stunning outdoor venue, Bard on the Beach brings Shakespeare’s works to life with engaging performances, concerts, and educational events by the waterfront.

Granville Island Farmers Market

• Date and Time: Every Thursday from June to late September

• Address: Granville Island, Vancouver

• Price: Free entry, products for purchase

  Discover fresh, local produce and handmade goods at the Granville Island Farmers Market, a summer staple for Vancouver’s food lovers and tourists alike.

Canada Day

• Date and Time: July 1st

• Address: Canada Place, Downtown Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Celebrate Canada’s birthday with art exhibitions, live performances, a multicultural parade, and a spectacular fireworks display over Burrard Inlet.

Khatsahlano! Street Party

• Date and Time: Early July

• Address: West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  This massive street party features live music, food vendors, art displays, and fun activities across 10 blocks of West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, making it one of Vancouver’s largest free events.

Carnaval Del Sol

• Date and Time: Early July

• Address: Jonathan Rogers Park, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Celebrate Latin culture at the Pacific Northwest’s largest Latin festival with live music, dance performances, art, and delicious food inspired by Latin American traditions.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

• Date and Time: Third weekend of July

• Address: Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver

• Price: Free for children under 12, adult tickets available

  Enjoy a weekend of folk music from around the world at this beloved festival, featuring multiple outdoor stages, food vendors, craft markets, and family-friendly activities.

Theatre Under the Stars

• Date and Time: Early July to mid to late August

• Address: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Experience the joy of live musical theatre in the stunning outdoor setting of Stanley Park. Theatre Under the Stars features captivating performances that entertain audiences of all ages while nurturing talent in the community.

Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival

• Date and Time: August 4th, 2025 (Location to be confirmed)

• Address: Davie and Denman, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Celebrate love and diversity at one of North America’s largest pride events! The Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival features vibrant costumes, exciting parties, and family-friendly events, bringing together over half a million participants and spectators.

KitsFest

• Date and Time: First weekend of August

• Address: Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Join in the fun at KitsFest, a lively beach festival promoting community and healthy living. Enjoy sports tournaments, live entertainment, yoga, and Zumba, all while soaking up the sun at Kitsilano Beach.

Honda Celebration of Light

• Date and Time: July 20 - July 27, 2024 (TBC for 2025)

• Address: English Bay, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Pack a picnic and watch a breathtaking fireworks display during this international pyrotechnics competition. Enjoy three nights of spectacular shows launched from a barge in English Bay, attracting thousands of spectators.

Powell Street Festival

• Date and Time: August 3rd and 4th, 2024 (TBC for 2025)

• Address: Oppenheimer Park, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Celebrate Japanese-Canadian culture at the Powell Street Festival, featuring live music, dance, martial arts, and delicious food. This community festival highlights cultural exchange and artistic expression in the heart of Vancouver.

Fair at the PNE

• Date and Time: Daily starting mid-August, ending on Labour Day

• Address: PNE at Hastings Park, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Experience the excitement of the Fair at the PNE, featuring carnival games, thrilling shows, and mouth-watering food. With over 35 nightly concerts and popular attractions, it’s a must-visit summer destination!

Richmond Night Market

• Date and Time: Friday – Sunday evenings from May through to October

• Address: Bridgeport Station, next to River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond

• Price: Free

  Explore the vibrant Richmond Night Market, one of North America’s largest night markets. Enjoy a wide variety of delicious food, unique knickknacks, and lively entertainment while celebrating diverse cultures.

FALL

Eastside Culture Crawl

• Date and Time: November 14-17, 2024 (TBC for 2025)

• Address: Eastside area bounded by Columbia Street, First Ave, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Explore over 400 artists' studios during this exciting four-day festival. The Eastside Culture Crawl offers a unique chance to meet talented creators, discover amazing artwork, and find special souvenirs in a vibrant community setting.

WINTER

Carol Ships Parade of Lights

• Date and Time: TBC (during the holiday season)

• Address: Coal Harbour, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Carol Ships Parade of Lights. Enjoy a stunning display of over 50 boats beautifully decorated with festive lights as they sail through the picturesque Coal Harbour.

Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration

• Date and Time: February 11, 2024 (Lunar New Year)

• Address: Chinatown, Vancouver

• Price: Free

  Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Chinatown Spring Festival with a lively parade featuring traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and delicious street food. Join the fun and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Chinese New Year.

Vancouver offers a fantastic array of free events and festivals during the fall and winter seasons. From art festivals to vibrant parades, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to experience the culture and community spirit of this beautiful city—mark your calendars and join the fun!