Festivals & Events

Edgewater Casino CelticFest Vancouver
March
Celebrate Celtic cultural in downtown. Limerick slams, live entertainment, dancing and even a parade take place on St. Patrick's Day along Granville Street. There’s something for everyone. .
www.celticfestvancouver.com

 

Cherry Blossom Festival
March-April
A new festival celebrating an ancient homage to the beautifu cherry tree. With more than 36,000 cherry trees in parks, downtown boulevards and private gardens, Vancouver is in a unique position to celebrate this natural beauty. The celebration kicks off with the Cherry Jam Downtown. There’s a Haiku invitational, trolley and walking tours and plein-air blossom painting.
www.vancouvercherryblossomfestival.com

 

New Music West
May
The largest new music festival on the West Coast showcasing over 200 bands during a five night, multi-venue music festival. Music industry and fans will see hot new talent, attend the conferences and networking parties.
www.newmusicwest.com

 

TD Canada Trust International Jazz Festival

June

 Recently named the "Best Jazz Festival in Canada," this ten-day celebration offers something for everyone, including the free lunch time concerts, Jazz at Canada Place, offered at the north end of the pier. Bring your lunch.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca

Sunday Afternoon Salsa at Robson Square
Sundays July through August
Free salsa lessons and dancing under the shade of Robson Square in front of the main entrance to the Vancouver Art Gallery.
www.salsavancouver.net

 

Vancouver Pride Season
July through August
Come out and celebrate the vibrant life and diversity of the Vancouver queer community, including the annual Pride Parade on August 5. West End and throughout Vancouver.
www.vancouverpride.ca

 

Festival Vancouver
August
This annual summer music festival offers over 50 classical jazz and world music concerts, with hundreds of artists from around the world and here at home.
http://www.festivalvancouver.bc.ca/

 

Annual Queer Film Festival
August
Promotes the production and exhibition of films and videos of interest to the lesbian, bisexual, trans and gay communities in British Columbia.
http://www.outonscreen.com/

 

Vancouver Fringe Festival
September
More than one hundred groups from around the world present 500 shows on a variety of indoor and outdoor stages.
http://www.vancouverfringe.com/

 

Global ComedyFest
September
A public celebration of comedy and laughter, this festival features an eclectic and diverse mixture of comic artists from around the world.
http://www.vancouvercomedyfest.com/

 

The Word on the Street Festival
September
You and your family are invited to celebrate the joy of reading at The Word On The Street Book & Magazine Fair. Library Square Downtown
www.thewordonthestreet.ca

 

Vancouver International Film Festival
September/October
The festival encourages the understanding of other nations through the art of cinema, to foster the art of cinema, to facilitate the meeting in British Columbia of cinema professionals from around the world, and to stimulate the motion picture industry in British Columbia and Canada. More than 150,000 people attend the 577 screenings of 353 films from more than 50 countries.
www.viff.org

 

Vancouver Asian Film Festival
November
Vancouver's multiculturalism is reflected in this burgeoning film festival highlighting the work of Asian filmmakers from around the world.
www.vaff.org

 

Annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade
November
Parade route through downtown Vancouver. The Rogers Santa Claus Parade hosts more than 50 different bands, floats, and community groups. Great free, family fun.
www.rogerssantaclausparade2007.com