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Description
Festival of Joy 2026 in Burnaby
Celebrate a weekend of colour, music, culture, and community at Festival of Joy 2026, a free two-day festival taking place on July 25 and 26, 2026, in Burnaby. Hosted by ISKCON for Western Canada, the festival features two signature events: JAI HO Vancouver Festival of Colours on Saturday and the vibrant Chariot Fest (Ratha Yatra) on Sunday.
From colourful powder throws and live music to a waterfront parade, vegetarian cuisine, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities, Festival of Joy is one of Metro Vancouver's most unique summer celebrations.
Event Details
Event: Festival of Joy 2026
Dates:
- Saturday, July 25, 2026
- Sunday, July 26, 2026
Admission: Free
Festival Schedule
Day 1 – JAI HO Vancouver Festival of Colours
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location:
ISKCON Vancouver (Hare Krishna Temple)
5462 Marine Drive
Burnaby, BC
Day 2 – Chariot Fest (Ratha Yatra)
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
Parade Starts: 11:00 AM
Festival Site Opens: 1:00 PM
Parade Route: Fraser River Trail, from the bottom of Boundary Road to Glenlyon Parkway
Festival Site:
ISKCON Vancouver
5462 Marine Drive
Burnaby, BC
Day 1: JAI HO Vancouver Festival of Colours
Inspired by the traditional Indian festival of Holi, JAI HO Vancouver Festival of Colours is a joyful outdoor celebration filled with music, dancing, colourful powder throws, and family-friendly entertainment.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Live DJs
- Acoustic performances
- Group colour throws
- Live entertainment
- Children's Fun Centre
- Vegan and vegetarian food vendors
- Outdoor festival zone
- Family-friendly activities
Admission is free, while colour powder and food are available for purchase during the event.
Group Colour Throws
Festival-goers can participate in scheduled colour throws throughout the day at approximately:
- 12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
- 2:00 PM
- 3:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
- 5:00 PM
Times are subject to change.
Day 2: Chariot Fest (Ratha Yatra)
Sunday's celebration begins with a colourful Ratha Yatra procession along the Fraser River Trail before continuing at ISKCON Vancouver with an afternoon festival.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Decorated hand-pulled chariot parade
- Live cultural performances
- Traditional music and dance
- Henna
- Artisan vendors
- Children's activities
- Vegetarian food
- Community celebration
The parade follows the scenic waterfront, creating one of Burnaby's most distinctive cultural events.
Festival Highlights
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy:
- Free admission
- Festival of Colours
- Chariot Fest parade
- Live music and DJs
- Cultural performances
- Vegetarian and vegan food
- Children's Fun Centre
- Family-friendly activities
- Henna
- Outdoor entertainment
- Community celebration
Food & Drinks
Festival visitors can enjoy a variety of vegan and vegetarian snacks, meals, and refreshments throughout the weekend. Food vendors will offer plant-based favourites inspired by Indian cuisine alongside other festival treats.
Getting There
Saturday Festival
ISKCON Vancouver
5462 Marine Drive, Burnaby
Free parking is available on-site.
Sunday Parade
The parade begins along the Fraser River Trail at the bottom of Boundary Road.
Public Transit
- Bus 116 from Metrotown Station (Bay 12)
- Exit at the 4300 block of North Fraser Way
- Approximately one-minute walk to the parade route
Festival Shuttle
A complimentary shuttle operates between Royal Oak SkyTrain Station and the parade from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, returning visitors to the temple after the procession.
Parking is available near both the parade route and the temple festival site. Visitors should observe all posted parking regulations.
Why You Should Attend
Festival of Joy combines two exciting cultural celebrations into one unforgettable summer weekend. Whether you're dancing during the colourful JAI HO Festival of Colours, walking alongside the beautifully decorated Chariot Fest parade, or enjoying delicious vegetarian cuisine and live performances, the festival offers something for visitors of all ages.
With free admission and a welcoming community atmosphere, Festival of Joy has become one of Metro Vancouver's most vibrant multicultural events.
Event Information
Event: Festival of Joy 2026
Dates: July 25–26, 2026
Day 1: JAI HO Vancouver Festival of Colours (11:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Day 2: Chariot Fest Parade (11:00 AM) & Festival (1:00 PM)
Saturday Location: ISKCON Vancouver, 5462 Marine Drive, Burnaby, BC
Sunday Parade Route: Fraser River Trail (Boundary Road to Glenlyon Parkway)
Sunday Festival Site: ISKCON Vancouver, 5462 Marine Drive, Burnaby, BC
Admission: Free
Official Website: https://festivalofjoy.ca
