Vancouver's festivals and events showcase the city’s cultural diversity, arts community and outdoor activities.
Vancouver hosts one of Canada’s largest dragon boat events as well as the Sun Run – the country’s largest running event. And bookworms, take note: the city's writers and readers festival was called the “Best Large Literary Festival in Canada” by the Canadian Tourism Commission.
Summer Festivals and Events (June – August)
Celebration of Light (July/August): Watch competing countries light up the sky with dazzling fireworks and pyrotechnics. Some of the best viewing sites are at beaches and parks or on a fireworks boat cruise.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival (June/July): BC's largest music festival features almost 2,000 musicians playing more than 400 concerts (many free) in 40 venues over 10 days. See renowned performers such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis play in parks, theatres, bars and streets.
The Fair at the PNE (August/September): The Fair at the PNE has been a Vancouver tradition for more than 100 years. Enjoy free nightly concerts, agricultural events, a midway packed with more than 50 thrilling rides, and much more.
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival (June to September): During Bard on the Beach, see Shakespeare performed against an ocean and mountain backdrop in Vanier Park. Each year, four classic plays are presented, often with quirky twists.
Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival (July/August): Colourful floats, bands and community groups dance and parade through streets lined with hundreds of thousands of people to celebrate and support Vancouver’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival (June): Cheer on dragon boat teams from Vancouver and North America at the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. This free weekend event also features music and global foods.
Fall Festivals and Events (September – November)
Vancouver International Film Festival (September): The VIFF is one of North America’s largest film festivals, and includes nearly 400 films from more than 70 countries screened over 16 days.
Vancouver International Fringe Festival (September/October): BC's largest theatre festival is also North America’s most international fringe festival. Emerging artists present alternative plays in theatres and unique spots that have included backyards, a fire escape and a tree!
Eastside Culture Crawl (November): More than 300 up-and-coming and acclaimed artists – including potters, glass blowers, photographers and furniture makers – open their studios to the public. Wander the neighbourhood to meet the artists and view or purchase art.
Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival (October): This literary festival attracts local and internationally acclaimed writers. Book lovers can enjoy readings, interviews, panel discussions and workshops.
Winter Festivals and Events (December – February)
Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade (January/February): During Chinese New Year, more than 50,000 people line Chinatown’s streets to watch traditional lion dance teams as well as marching bands and dance troupes. Pounding drums and firecrackers help ignite the excitement.
VanDusen Botanical Gardens Festival of Lights (December/January): More than one million lights turn VanDusen Botanical Gardens into a sparkling winter setting. Stroll through themed areas such as “Gingerbread Lane” while sipping hot chocolate and listening to carollers. Bring the kids to meet Santa.
PuSH International Performing Arts Festival (January/February): Watch international and local artists “push” artistic boundaries to showcase innovative performance art in a variety of disciplines.
Carol Ships Parade of Lights (December): Up to 80 yachts adorned in lights cruise Vancouver’s waterfront during the Parade of Lights. Hop onboard one of the boats or see the seasonal display from a beach or waterfront restaurant.
Spring Festivals and Events (March – May)
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival (March/April): Raise at glass at wine tastings, dinners and classes that showcase more than 170 wineries from 15 countries.
Vancouver International Children’s Festival (May/June): Kids (and kids at heart) will love this week-long festival on Granville Island that features musicians, acrobats, puppet shows, plays and more.
Vancouver Sun Run (April): Join more than 50,000 runners, casual joggers, and walkers in the scenic 10km/6.2mi course that winds through Stanley Park and past beaches before ending downtown.
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