Koolfest 2026 in Metro Vancouver

Cool down this summer at Koolfest 2026, a month-long food festival celebrating creative cold drinks and frozen treats at cafés, bakeries, ice cream shops, and beverage vendors across Metro Vancouver. Running from July 1 to August 4, 2026, this self-guided festival invites visitors to discover limited-time menu creations inspired by this year's theme, "Proud to be Canadian."

Koolfest showcases refreshing summer beverages and desserts made exclusively for the festival. From iced coffees and bubble teas to milkshakes, slushies, floats, and frozen treats, participating vendors offer unique creations that highlight Canadian flavours, locally sourced ingredients, and playful culinary creativity.

Event Details

Event: Koolfest 2026

Dates: July 1 – August 4, 2026

Location: Participating cafés and food businesses across Metro Vancouver

Organizer: CityFood Events

Admission: Free to participate. Food and beverages are available for purchase at participating vendors.

Festival Highlights

Visitors can enjoy:

• Limited-time cold drinks
• Creative summer desserts
• Iced coffees
• Bubble teas
• Milkshakes
• Fruit slushies
• Floats
• Affogato-style treats
• Chocolate drinks
• Locally inspired Canadian flavours
• Self-guided food tour
• Participating cafés across Metro Vancouver

2026 Theme: Proud to Be Canadian

This year's festival celebrates Canada's culture, creativity, and local ingredients through exclusive cold beverages and desserts.

Participating businesses have created special menu items inspired by Canadian heritage, featuring regional ingredients, iconic flavours, and imaginative presentations that reflect the country's diverse food culture.

Each featured item is available for a limited time during the festival.

Explore Metro Vancouver's Local Cafés

Koolfest encourages visitors to discover new cafés and revisit favourite local businesses throughout the region.

Participating vendors are located across Metro Vancouver, including:

• Vancouver
• North Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Surrey
• Coquitlam
• Maple Ridge
• New Westminster
• And other surrounding communities

Each location offers its own exclusive Koolfest creations.

Find Drinks That Match Your Preferences

Festival visitors can search participating vendors based on dietary preferences and convenience, including:

• Gluten-friendly options
• Vegan-friendly drinks and treats
• Cafés open late
• Neighbourhood locations
• Featured festival creations

This makes it easy to plan a personalized summer food adventure.

Why You Should Visit

Koolfest is one of Metro Vancouver's most refreshing summer food festivals, offering a fun way to explore local cafés while enjoying creative, limited-edition drinks and desserts.

Whether you're a fan of specialty coffee, bubble tea, milkshakes, frozen desserts, or fruit-based beverages, the festival provides plenty of opportunities to discover unique flavours while supporting local businesses.

It's also a great excuse to explore different neighbourhoods and enjoy a self-guided culinary tour throughout the summer.

About CityFood Events

Koolfest is produced by CityFood Events, the team behind the annual Hot Chocolate Festival. For decades, CityFood has promoted British Columbia's independent cafés, restaurants, and food businesses through seasonal culinary events that encourage visitors to discover local flavours and support small businesses.

Event Information

Event: Koolfest 2026

Dates: July 1 – August 4, 2026

Location: Participating cafés across Metro Vancouver

Admission: Free festival; food and beverages available for purchase

Official Website: https://koolfest.ca/