Festivals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Vancouver International Folk Festival
July
The sun, the tents, Spanish Banks. More than 100 hours of music, word and dance on eight stages in Jericho Beach Park, with music from 11 countries, five provinces and six states in seven languages
HSBC Celebration of Light
July - August
Three competing countries will try to amaze us all with a spectacular display of fireworks in this international competition. English Bay.
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.
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.
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.
Vancouver Fringe Festival
September
More than one hundred groups from around the world present 500 shows on a variety of indoor and outdoor stages.
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.
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen
End of September
This is the most romantic outdoor Chinese cultural celebration and includes a colourful lantern festival, myth telling, music, and complimentary tea and mooncakes.
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
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.
Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival
October
One of North America's top literary events, this festival attracts some of the world's best writers (and readers) to Vancouver. Both internationally renowned and undiscovered authors mingle with 12,000 readers of all ages in intimate, interactive and informal locales across the island. Whether you attend an author reading, a discussion among several authors, a poetry bash or a theoretical debate between writers, you can count on two things - stimulation and inspiration.
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.
Annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade
December
Parade route through downtown Vancouver. The Rogers Santa Claus Parade hosts more than 50 different bands, floats, and community groups. Great free, family fun.