Vancouver's Festivals
Discover the vibrant tapestry of celebrations that make Vancouver one of the world's most culturally rich cities, from cherry blossoms to fireworks, jazz to film festivals.
2025 Festival Calendar
Plan your year around Vancouver's most spectacular celebrations
Jan-Feb
- • PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
- • Dine Out Vancouver Festival
Feb-Mar
- • Vancouver International Wine Festival
Mar-Apr
- • Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Jun-Jul
- • Vancouver International Jazz Festival
- • Bard on the Beach (Jun-Sep)
July
- • Honda Celebration of Light
- • Vancouver Folk Music Festival
- • Khatsahlano Street Party
August
- • Vancouver Pride Festival
- • Powell Street Festival
- • Dragon Boat Festival
October
- • Vancouver International Film Festival
- • Vancouver Writers Festival
Nov-Dec
- • Vancouver Christmas Market
- • Shipyards Christmas Market
Spring Festivals
As Vancouver awakens from winter, the city blooms with artistic and cultural celebrations
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Vancouver's signature springtime celebration honors the city's stunning collection of ornamental cherry trees with over 20 community events throughout March and April.
Signature Events
- Sakura Days Japan Fair: April 12-13 at David Lam Park - Two-day celebration of Japanese culture with food, performances, and vendors
- Blossom Block Party: Community street parties in neighborhoods with high concentrations of cherry trees
- Blossoms After Dark: Magical evening illumination events at David Lam Park
- Cherry Blossom Walking Tours: Guided tours through the city's most beautiful blossom viewing spots
- Haiku Invitational: Poetry contest celebrating the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms
Best Viewing Locations
- • Queen Elizabeth Park - Panoramic city views with blossoms
- • VanDusen Botanical Garden - Curated collections and themed gardens
- • Stanley Park - Seawall and rose garden areas
- • Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC - Traditional Japanese garden setting
- • David Lam Park - Waterfront location with mountain backdrop
Pro Tips
Peak bloom typically occurs in early to mid-April. Use the Cherry Compass mobile app to find the best blooming trees near you. Early morning and golden hour provide the best lighting for photography.
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
One of Vancouver's most innovative arts festivals, PuSh presents groundbreaking work in live performing arts over three weeks each January and February.
Festival Highlights
- International Premieres: World-class artists presenting cutting-edge work
- Canadian Showcases: Platform for emerging and established Canadian talent
- Interdisciplinary Works: Blending theatre, dance, music, and digital arts
- Artist Talks: Post-show discussions and masterclasses
Summer Festivals
Summer brings Vancouver alive with music, culture, and spectacular outdoor celebrations
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, this premier jazz festival features 187 performances ranging from free outdoor concerts to intimate club shows.
Featured Artists & Events
- Marquee Series: Richard Bona Asante Trio at Vancouver Playhouse
- Downtown Jazz: Free outdoor concerts on Georgia Street
- Granville Island Concerts: Waterfront performances with mountain views
- Late Night Jazz: Club shows at Tyrant Studios and other venues
- Jazz Workshops: Educational programs and jam sessions
Insider Tips
Many downtown shows are free! Arrive early for popular outdoor concerts. The festival app provides real-time updates and interactive maps of all venues.
Honda Celebration of Light
The world's largest offshore fireworks competition lights up English Bay with three spectacular nights of pyro-musical performances.
2025 All-Canadian Competition
- Team Midnight Sun (Yukon): July 19 - Returning 2022 champions
- Team Royal Pyrotechnie (Quebec): July 23 - Leading Canadian pyrotechnics company
- Team Fireworks FX (Nova Scotia): July 26 - 40+ years of fireworks excellence
Best Viewing Locations
- • English Bay Beach - Prime central location (arrive very early)
- • Sunset Beach - Less crowded with great views
- • Kitsilano Beach - Popular with locals
- • West End beaches - Multiple viewing points
- • Burrard Bridge - Elevated perspective
Survival Guide
Arrive 3-4 hours early for prime spots. Bring blankets, snacks, and layers. Public transit is recommended as parking is extremely limited. Shows start at 10:00 PM and last about 25 minutes.
Vancouver Pride Festival
A vibrant celebration of Vancouver's 2SLGBTQAI+ community featuring the famous Pride Parade and ten days of programming including performances by Canada's Drag Race royalty.
Major Events
- Pride Parade: Colorful parade through downtown Vancouver ending at Science World
- VanPrideFest: Free performances featuring drag royalty and musical acts
- Davie Street Block Party: Street festival in the heart of the LGBTQ+ community
- Trans March: Dedicated march celebrating trans and non-binary community
- Youth Pride: Events specifically designed for LGBTQ+ youth
Community Spirit
Vancouver Pride Society strives to produce inclusive, celebratory events through an intersectional lens. The festival takes place on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
The 48th annual festival at beautiful Jericho Beach Park features contemporary folk, roots, blues, indie, and world music artists from local scenes and around the globe.
Festival Experience
- Multiple Stages: 32 performances across various stages
- Artist Workshops: 12 collaborative artist workshops
- Beachside Setting: One of the world's most beautiful festival venues
- Community Atmosphere: Family-friendly environment with camping available
- Local Food: Diverse food vendors and local craft beer
Khatsahlano Street Party
Vancouver's largest free music and arts festival transforms 10 blocks of West 4th Avenue into a buzzing center of music, art, food, and community celebration.
Camp Khats 2025 Theme
This year's festival embraces the great outdoors with Camp Khats, bringing summer camp nostalgia to the heart of the city.
- Multiple Stages: Live music performances throughout the day
- Artisan Market: Local vendors and unique crafts
- Food Trucks: Diverse culinary offerings
- Family Activities: Camp-themed games and activities
- Shopping: Browse Kitsilano's renowned boutiques
Powell Street Festival
Canada's largest Japanese Canadian festival and Vancouver's longest-running community event celebrates Japanese Canadian arts, culture, and heritage.
Cultural Celebration
- Traditional Performances: Taiko drumming, traditional dance, and music
- Food & Vendors: Authentic Japanese cuisine and cultural crafts
- Historical Significance: Located in Vancouver's historic Japanese Canadian neighborhood
- Community Art: Local and visiting Japanese Canadian artists
- Educational Programs: Cultural workshops and demonstrations
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
Vancouver's premier Shakespeare festival presents four magnificent productions in spectacular waterfront tents with the North Shore mountains as a backdrop.
2025 Season Productions
- Much Ado About Nothing: Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy
- The Dark Lady: New contemporary work
- The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged): Hilarious condensed version
- The Two Gentlemen of Verona: Classic tale of friendship and love
Theatre Tips
Bring layers as temperatures drop after sunset. Shows typically run 2.5-3 hours including intermission. Bard Village opens 90 minutes before show time with food and beverage options.
Fall Festivals
As leaves change color, Vancouver's cultural calendar reaches new heights with film and literary celebrations
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
The 44th edition of VIFF presents approximately 130 features and 100 shorts, making it one of the most important film festivals in North America.
Festival Highlights
- World Premieres: First-time screenings of highly anticipated films
- Industry Screenings: Professional development and networking opportunities
- Director Q&As: Post-screening discussions with filmmakers
- VIFF Live: Live performances that intersect cinema with music and comedy
- Year-Round Programming: Special series and events throughout the year
Special Series
- • Getting Real: The Arc of American Screen Acting
- • Film Studies: 6 Takes on American Screen Acting
- • Talking Pictures (for film lovers 55+)
- • Murder at the Movies (immersive mystery experience)
Vancouver Writers Festival
The festival connects people to exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue featuring 120+ local and international authors at 88 events over one dazzling week.
Featured Programming
- Author Readings: Intimate sessions with renowned writers
- Panel Discussions: Conversations on literature, culture, and society
- Books & Ideas Series: Free bi-weekly events January-June
- Youth Programs: School visits and young adult author events
- Literary Workshops: Writing craft sessions with established authors
Winter Festivals
Winter transforms Vancouver into a culinary and festive wonderland with markets, wine, and holiday celebrations
Vancouver Christmas Market
An authentic German-style Christmas market featuring over 90 artisan huts, traditional food, festive entertainment, and holiday shopping at Jack Poole Plaza.
Market Features
- Artisan Crafts: Unique handmade gifts from local and international vendors
- Traditional Food: German sausages, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and holiday treats
- Live Entertainment: Carolers, musicians, and festive performances
- Children's Activities: Visits with Santa and family-friendly entertainment
- Outdoor Experience: Open rain or shine with covered areas
Holiday Tips
Visit on weekday evenings for smaller crowds. The Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver offers a free alternative with similar charm and an ice skating rink.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
Canada's largest culinary festival featuring over 350 restaurants offering curated fixed-price menus and unique culinary events ranging from sea foraging to chef collaborations.
Festival Highlights
- Fixed-Price Menus: Multi-course meals at accessible price points
- MICHELIN Restaurants: Over 20 MICHELIN Guide restaurants participating
- World Chef Exchange: International chefs collaborate with local talent
- Culinary Events: Special dinners, tastings, and food experiences
- Diverse Cuisines: Representing Vancouver's multicultural food scene
Vancouver International Wine Festival
Canada's premier wine show and widely considered the best wine event in North America, featuring wineries from around the world with 18,000+ attendees.
Festival Components
- International Festival Tastings: Grand tasting events featuring global wineries
- Educational Seminars: Wine education sessions with industry experts
- VIP Events: Exclusive tastings and winemaker dinners
- Bard Partnership: Festival proceeds benefit Bard on the Beach
- 2026 Feature: France will be the featured country
Essential Visitor Tips
Make the most of your Vancouver festival experience with insider knowledge
Transportation
- Public Transit: TransLink day passes provide unlimited access to buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus
- Cycling: Mobi bike-share stations are located near most festival venues
- Walking: Many downtown festivals are within walking distance of each other
- Parking: Limited and expensive during major events - transit strongly recommended
- Uber/Lyft: Available but expect surge pricing during peak festival times
Ticketing Tips
- Early Bird Discounts: Most festivals offer significant savings for advance purchases
- Season Passes: Multi-event passes provide best value for festival enthusiasts
- Student/Senior Rates: Many festivals offer discounted tickets with valid ID
- Free Events: Numerous festivals include free outdoor performances and activities
- Last Minute: Some festivals release additional tickets day-of-show
Weather Preparation
- Layered Clothing: Vancouver weather can change quickly - bring layers
- Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket essential, especially for outdoor events
- Summer Evenings: Even summer events can be cool after sunset
- Winter Markets: Outdoor markets operate rain or shine - dress warmly
- UV Protection: Summer festivals often have limited shade - bring sunscreen
Accommodation
- Downtown Hotels: Walking distance to most festival venues but book early
- Yaletown/Coal Harbour: Upscale options near waterfront festivals
- Kitsilano: Great base for beach and Khatsahlano festivals
- Airbnb/VRBO: Neighborhood options often more affordable
- Festival Packages: Some hotels offer special rates during major festivals
Food & Dining
- Festival Food: Most events feature diverse food truck selections
- Dine Out Vancouver: January-February offers best restaurant deals of the year
- Picnic Supplies: Many festivals allow outside food - great for budget-conscious visitors
- Reservations: Book restaurants in advance during major festivals
- Food Allergies: Vancouver has excellent options for dietary restrictions
Technology & Apps
- Festival Apps: Most major festivals have official apps with schedules and maps
- TransLink App: Real-time transit information and mobile ticketing
- Cherry Compass: Shows real-time cherry blossom bloom status
- Event Photography: Check festival policies - some restrict photography during performances
- Social Media: Follow festival accounts for real-time updates and announcements
Planning Your Festival Journey
Vancouver's festival scene offers something for everyone throughout the year. From intimate jazz clubs to massive outdoor celebrations, world-class film premieres to community street parties, the city's cultural calendar provides endless opportunities for discovery and celebration.
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