Vancouver Chinatown Festival 2026

Celebrate one of Vancouver's most vibrant cultural traditions at the 24th Vancouver Chinatown Festival, taking place Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, 2026. This free two-day community festival transforms the heart of Chinatown into a lively destination filled with cultural performances, family activities, local food, shopping, and interactive experiences.

Presented by BMO and organized by the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Association (VCBIA), the annual festival showcases the rich heritage, traditions, and diversity of Vancouver's historic Chinatown while welcoming visitors of all ages.

Event Details

Event: 24th Vancouver Chinatown Festival 2026

Dates:

• Saturday, July 25, 2026
• Sunday, July 26, 2026

Time:

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location:

Keefer Street & Columbia Street
Vancouver Chinatown
Vancouver, BC

Admission: Free

Festival Highlights

Visitors can enjoy:

• Grand Opening Ceremony
• Traditional Lion Dance performances
• Live cultural performances
• Chinese music and dance
• Family-friendly activities
• Children's theatre shows
• Sichuan Face-Changing performances
• Local food vendors
• Shopping from Chinatown merchants
• Community exhibits
• Cultural demonstrations
• Meet Van Van Panda mascot

Main Stage Performance Schedule

Saturday, July 25

• 12:00 PM – Grand Opening Ceremony with Lion Dance
• 1:30 PM – BC Chinese Chamber Ensemble
• 2:35 PM – Vancouver Okinawa Taiko
• 3:05 PM – Crystal Arts Academy
• 3:45 PM – George Nie Jazz Duo
• 4:15 PM – UBC Thunderbird Marching Band
• 5:00 PM – Boogaloo Dance Academy

Sichuan Face-Changing Pop-Up Shows

• 1:10 PM
• 2:25 PM

Sunday, July 26

• 12:00 PM – Colours of Dance Academy
• 1:00 PM – Hidden Gem Dance Studio
• 2:05 PM – Fangfei Guzheng
• 2:45 PM – Anahaw Filipino Canadian Performing Arts Society
• 3:20 PM – The Canto Lounge Trio
• 4:10 PM – Vancouver Chinese Choir Association
• 5:00 PM – The RainCity 6 Band

Sichuan Face-Changing Pop-Up Shows

• 1:50 PM
• 3:10 PM

Children's Theatre Schedule

Saturday, July 25

• Lion Dance Demonstrations
• Story on Wheels
• The Penny Pom Pom Show
• Meet Van Van Panda

Sunday, July 26

• Lion Dance Demonstrations
• Rod Chow's Magic Show
• Science World on the Road
• Making Music with The Can Do's
• Meet Van Van Panda

Festival Activities

Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience:

• Traditional Chinese cultural performances
• Interactive family entertainment
• Community organizations
• Local artisans
• Food vendors
• Cultural exhibits
• Street performances
• Heritage celebrations

Van Van Panda Festival Activities

Van Van Panda SurPRIZE

Spend $20 or more (before tax) at participating Chinatown businesses during the festival to receive a token for the Van Van Panda SurPRIZE machine and collect one of several limited-edition panda figurines while supplies last.

Where's Van Van?

Join the interactive neighbourhood scavenger hunt by following clues to locate Van Van Panda throughout Chinatown. Participants who complete the challenge can redeem one free admission ticket to one of the participating Chinatown attractions, while supplies last.

Participating attractions include:

• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
• Chinese Canadian Museum
• Vancouver Chinatown Storytelling Centre

Why You Should Attend

The Vancouver Chinatown Festival is one of Metro Vancouver's signature summer cultural celebrations. Whether you're exploring Chinatown for the first time or returning to experience its unique atmosphere, the festival offers a full weekend of live entertainment, cultural performances, delicious food, family activities, and opportunities to support local businesses.

With free admission and programming for all ages, it's an excellent way to experience one of Vancouver's oldest and most historic neighbourhoods.

About Vancouver Chinatown

Vancouver's Chinatown is one of Canada's largest and oldest historic Chinatowns. Established in the late 19th century, the neighbourhood is recognized for its heritage architecture, cultural landmarks, award-winning restaurants, specialty shops, and vibrant community. Today, it continues to celebrate Chinese Canadian history while welcoming visitors from around the world.

Event Information

Event: Vancouver Chinatown Festival 2026

Dates: July 25–26, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Keefer Street & Columbia Street, Vancouver Chinatown

City: Vancouver, British Columbia

Admission: Free

Official Website: https://www.vancouver-chinatown.com/festival