Light Up Chinatown 2025

Celebrate the vibrant spirit and cultural heritage of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown at the 5th Annual Light Up Chinatown! presented by RBC. This free, two-day outdoor festival returns on August 16–17, 2025, transforming the 500-block of Columbia Street into a lively hub filled with lanterns, live performances, exclusive food collaborations, hawker-style street food, kids’ activities, and community fun.

Since its debut, Light Up Chinatown! has brought together locals and visitors for a weekend of cultural connection, culinary exploration, and family-friendly entertainment. This year promises even more excitement with special dishes from top chefs, dynamic stage performances, and immersive activities for all ages.

Dates & Times

• Saturday, August 16, 2025: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Sunday, August 17, 2025: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location

500-block Columbia Street, Vancouver, BC
Google Maps

Admission

Free – No tickets required

Festival Highlights

Special Food Collaborations

Available exclusively during Light Up Chinatown! on August 16–17, these limited-edition creations pair iconic Chinatown eateries with celebrated local chefs.

• Beaucoup Bakery x Chinatown BBQ – The Golden Rooster Croissant
  Flaky scallion butter croissant filled with soy-marinated chicken, ginger-scallion sauce, and BBQ glaze. Available at Chinatown BBQ from 2:00 PM until sold out.

• Foo Hung Curios x Daan Go Cake Lab – White Rabbit Mochi Nest
  Crispy pastry nest with milk mochi, mascarpone flan, and luscious White Rabbit cream. Available at Foo Hung Curios from 12:00 PM until sold out.

• Juke Fried Chicken x Say Hey Cafe – Spicy Fried Chicken Hoagie
  Fried chicken thigh with Lao Gan Ma, cherry tomato salad, and crispy parm shallots on a sesame seed hoagie. Available at Juke Fried Chicken from 11:00 AM until sold out.

Hawkers Lane Street Food

Experience the bold flavours of Asia’s night markets with 7 top Vancouver restaurants serving limited-time street-style dishes.

Saturday, August 16

• DD Mau – Phở Cuốn ($15)

• Golden Smell Mee

• Holy Duck Chili x Ember HK BBQ

• Torafuku

• William Lew & Mama in the Kitchen

Sunday, August 17

• DD Mau – Phở Cuốn ($15)

• Golden Smell Mee

• Holy Duck Chili x Ember HK BBQ

• Potluck Hawker

Main Stage Performances

Live music, dance, and cultural showcases take centre stage at the Odlum Brown Main Stage (Columbia & Keefer).

Saturday, August 16 Highlights

• Opening Ceremony – 11:00 AM

• Silk Road Music – 1:00 PM

• Colours of Dance Academy – 2:00 PM

• Circus West – 3:00 PM

• Marie Hui – 4:00 PM

• Fara R&B – 5:00 PM

• Lean the Band – 6:30 PM

• DJ May Q Move – 7:30 PM

Sunday, August 17 Highlights

• Ars Madrigal – 12:00 PM

• Le Plaisir Dance Society – 1:00 PM

• Jin Wah Sing Cantonese Opera – 2:00 PM

• The Phonix Band – 3:00 PM

• Now or Never Crew – 4:00 PM

• Best Night Ever Band – 5:00 PM

Kids Zone

Open 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days, the Kids Zone offers:

• Arts & Crafts

• Learn & Play Activities

• Photo Ops and Fun Extras

Chinatown Storytelling Centre Activities

Pay What You Can admission all weekend with special workshops and demos:

• Painting Chinatown with Donna Seto – Aug 16, 1:00–3:00 PM

• HK Milk Tea Experience with MasterChef Chris Siu – Aug 17, 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM (First come, first served)

• All-Day Arts & Crafts – Aug 16–17, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Why You’ll Love It

• Free cultural festival in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown

• Unique food collaborations & hawker street food

• Live music, dance, and cultural performances

• Family-friendly activities all weekend long

• Lantern-filled streets and vibrant photo opportunities

🔗 Discover all upcoming events in Vancouver at Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events.