Festivals in Vancouver

Metro Vancouver hosts festivals all year, with the busiest stretch running from spring through summer. Long-running highlights include Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown and Richmond, Vaisakhi parades in Vancouver and Surrey, the Pride parade through the West End, and the Celebration of Light fireworks over English Bay. Music, film, food and arts festivals also fill venues and parks across Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey and the North Shore.

Large festivals draw big crowds, so arrive early for a good spot and expect road closures and transit detours around parade routes and waterfront sites. SkyTrain and buses are usually faster than driving, and some events add extra service. Many street festivals are free, while ticketed festivals often offer early-bird or day passes. Bring water, sunscreen or a rain layer depending on the season, and check the organiser's site for accessibility areas, re-entry rules and what bags are allowed.