LunarFest Vancouver 2026 — Lunar New Year Arts & Culture Festival

LunarFest Vancouver 2026 lights up the city from February 14–28, 2026, transforming public spaces and theatres into a celebration of arts, storytelling, and community for the Year of the Horse. Blending traditional Lunar New Year themes with contemporary creativity, this citywide festival invites everyone to take part in experiences shaped by courage, resilience, joy, and togetherness.

From hands-on workshops and family activities to lantern art installations, films, and ticketed stage performances, LunarFest offers one of Vancouver’s most creative and inclusive Lunar New Year programs.

🐎 Festival Theme: Brave the Wind

Inspired by the strength and forward spirit of the Horse, this year’s theme encourages communities to move through challenges with courage and hope. Many performances and art installations reflect ideas of renewal, solidarity, and cultural connection across generations.

🎨 Free & Family-Friendly Activities

Most daytime programming takes place around Granville Island, turning the area into a lively Lunar New Year hub.

🐉 Lunar Workshops & Art Activities

📍 Ocean Artworks – 1531 Johnston St, Granville Island

Visitors can join rotating creative workshops including:

• Sculpting the Lunar Dragon – Racing into Spring

• Warrior Horse: Teachings of Strength, Balance & Belonging

• Storytelling with Paper Cutting & Drawing

• Year of the Horse Crafts & Origami Workshops

• UV Resin Keychain Workshop ($8 materials fee applies)

These drop-in style sessions are ideal for kids, families, and anyone who enjoys hands-on cultural art experiences.

🧠 Lunar Trivia & Interactive Fun

📍 Ocean Artworks, Granville Island

Test your knowledge of Lunar New Year traditions, zodiac stories, and cultural customs through interactive trivia sessions running on select festival days.

📸 LNY Rocking Horse Photo Installations

Take photos with the symbolic Lunar New Year Rocking Horse pop-up art piece at:

• Chain & Forge Plaza, Granville Island

• šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery)

🍜 Lunar Eats Pop-Ups

📍 Ocean Artworks, Granville Island

Enjoy festive bites including Tatchan Noodles, bringing comforting flavours to the celebration atmosphere.

🎭 Performances & Special Events

🎶 LunarFest Concert: Brave the Wind

📅 February 24, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM
📍 Orpheum Theatre

A powerful evening concert blending global sounds, storytelling, and contemporary performance inspired by the Year of the Horse.

🎵 Old Songs, New Year

📅 February 27, 2026
📍 Performance Works, Granville Island

A nostalgic yet modern musical experience featuring multicultural interpretations of beloved classics.

🌟 Year of Wild Horse – A C-Pop Drag Extravaganza

📅 February 28, 2026
📍 Performance Works, Granville Island

A bold, high-energy showcase celebrating Lunar New Year through pop music, drag performance, and vibrant stage artistry.

🍳 Multicultural Cooking Workshop (Ticketed)

📅 February 7 & 15
📍 1111 Union Street

Breathe New Life Into Multicultural Cooking explores Lunar New Year flavours through a contemporary culinary lens.

🏮 The Lantern City — Public Art Across Downtown

The Lantern City is LunarFest’s signature public art program, featuring illuminated installations and exhibitions across downtown Vancouver.

📍 Exhibition locations include:

• Pendulum Gallery

• Bentall Centre

• 800 Robson Plaza

• šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square

• Ocean Artworks, Granville Island

These glowing artworks transform city spaces into open-air galleries, perfect for evening strolls and winter photography.

🎬 LNY Splash Film Screenings

LunarFest’s film series presents culturally rich stories from around the world.

📍 Venues include:

• Vancouver Public Library (Central Library)

• VIFF Centre

Screenings highlight global voices and cinematic storytelling connected to themes of family, identity, and renewal.

🎉 Why You Should Visit LunarFest Vancouver

• One of Vancouver’s most creative Lunar New Year festivals

• A mix of free public art, workshops, and performances

• Family-friendly daytime activities plus vibrant evening shows

• Unique cultural experiences across Granville Island and downtown

Whether you’re exploring lantern art, enjoying live music, or joining a workshop, LunarFest Vancouver offers a meaningful and inspiring way to welcome the Lunar New Year in the city.