2017 Festivals in Vancouver

Vancouver has a lot to celebrate and it often celebrates with a festival. For 2014, here is a list of the festivals you can enjoy. From the International Jazz Festival and the International Film Festival to the Fringe Festival and the International Children’s Festival you can experience a diversity of events.

If you know of other local festivals, please send an email and we’ll add your festival to the list.

January

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival – January 14 – February 2
Now in its eleventh year, the PuSh Festival showcases work in the live performing arts. This year’s Festival includes works by artists and companies from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, and the United States. The 2015 Festival features almost 200 performances and events over 20 days. The work is adventurous and visionary, and encourages the best in contemporary performance.

Dine Out Vancouver – January 20 – February 5
Have fun eating cuisine that defines Vancouver’s regional and international restaurants. The over 200 participating restaurants offer discounted prix fixe menus for mostly dinner and some for lunch.

Street Food City – January 23-29 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM Wednesday through Friday and 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday & Sunday
Sample a selection of delicious food from Vancouver’s street carts on the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. There are some innovative chefs creating downright tasty food.

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – January 19 – February 14
The Hot Chocolate Festival features 15 Vancouver participants, offering 50+ crazy hot chocolate flavours in 27 days.

Vancouver International Boat Show – January 18-22
Held at BC Place and Granville Island, this year’s boat show offers all sorts of information about boating and some of the highlights include the latest products as well as seminars dedicated to sports fishing.

February

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival – February 10-18
The VIMFF showcases films, slides and speakers on subjects related to outdoor adventures. VIMFF is unique to North Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada, with the Banff Mountain Film Festival being the only other festival in Canada comparable in size and reputation.

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival – January 20 – February 4
Beginning in 2003, the PuSh Festival showcases work in the live performing arts. The work is adventurous and visionary, and encourages the best in contemporary performance.

Vancouver Mountain Film Festival – February 10 – 18
The International Mountain Film Festival features climbing and adventure films and events. The program is held at Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver and at Pacific Cinématheque in downtown Vancouver.

Chutzpah! FestivalMusic Theatre & Dance: February 16 – March 13
Now entering its 14th year, the Chutzpah! Festival features a wealth of extraordinary work by emerging and established artists from across Canada and around the world.

March

Chutzpah! FestivalMusic Theatre & Dance: February 16 – March 13
Now entering its 14th year, the Chutzpah! Festival features a wealth of extraordinary work by emerging and established artists from across Canada and around the world.

Vancouver International Dance Festival – March 1-25
The annual Vancouver International Dance Festival features companies from Spain, China Germany, the US and Canada informed by techniques and styles as diverse as Butoh flamenco and ballet. The organizers bring over three weeks of performances, workshops and other activities to venues including the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, the Vancouver Playhouse, and to neighbourhood landmarks throughout Vancouver such as the Woodward’s atrium and the Roundhouse turntable plaza.

CelticFest – March 10-18
Founded in 2004, CelticFest Vancouver is Western Canada’s biggest annual Celtic festival. It is a rich cultural celebration of the seven Celtic nations’ kinship and community.The festival showcases the best of Celtic music, dance, spoken word as well as film, food and fare and the much-anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Vancouver Web Fest – March 17-19
The Vancouver Web Fest is proud to bring the world to Vancouver with a spotlight on Internet created programming. Over 60 web series from 27 countries. Industry experts sharing their experience across Distribution, Marketing, New technologies Panelists from CBC Comedy, Just for Laughs, GRB Entertainment, Seeka TV, Propagate Ventures, OUTtv all ending in a Awards Event Gala.

Easter at Lonsdale Quay Market – March 27  10:00 – 12:00
Hundreds of eggs will be hidden throughout the Market for your little ones to find and some will be filled with a voucher to redeem a delicious and fresh hot cross bun. Other Easter activities include face painting and balloon art for a nominal fee, an Easter-themed craft, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny who will be at the Market and available for pictures, from 11:00-12:00 in Kids Alley. 604 985-6261

April

Earth Day – April 22
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Everett Crowley Park
Help plant 1000 native mushrooms.
In spring of 1970, public concern about the deterioration of Earth’s environment sparked the proclamation and celebration of a new worldwide holiday — Earth Day! Over 20 million people marked the event with protests demanding measures to protect the environment.
Today, a half billion people in 174 countries all over the world celebrate Earth Day to promote global environmental awareness and protect our planet’s vital resources

Victoria Harbour Boat Show – April 27-30
The Victoria Harbour Boat Show takes place in the waters of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and has grown to the largest in-the-water boat show on the west coast.

May

Vancouver International Marathon – Sunday May 7
The Vancouver Marathon began with 32 finishers in 1972, and now expects to welcome nearly 17,000 runners from over 50 countries.

DOXA Documentary Film Festival May 4-14
DOXA, Documentary Media Society, is a Vancouver based non-profit, devoted to presenting independent and innovative documentaries to Vancouver audiences so they may come to see documentaries as an art form.

Upintheair Theatre: Revolver Festival May 24 – June 4
Upintheair Theatre is an emerging artists festival bringing together playwrights, performers, and directors to create original theatre. Held at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre.

Artists in Our Midst – May 27-28
Artists in Our Midst was the first open studio tour in Vancouver. The event kicks off with The Roundhouse Exhibit, a dynamic group exhibit at the Roundhouse Community Centre featuring over 60 artists. This is followed by Open Studios, a weekend of touring studios and artist-created galleries throughout Vancouver’s west side. The Roundhouse Exhibit is May 18 10:00 – 9:00 PM, and the reception is from 7 – 9:30 PM. Open Studios May 27-28 from 11:00 – 5:00 PM

European Festival – May 27-28
The annual European Festival is being held at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Experience the cultural booth displays, taste delicious European cuisine, watch traditional dancing & singing and let children enjoy the activities that are just for them. A family festival with something for everyone!

Vancouver International Children’s Festival May 29 – June 4
Since 1978, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival festival offers music, theatre, dance, acrobatics, puppetry and more. Held at Granville Island, and little kids and big kids are welcome!

JUNE

Vancouver International Children’s Festival May 30 – June 5
Since 1978, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival festival offers music, theatre, dance, acrobatics, puppetry and more. Held at Granville Island, and little kids and big kids are welcome!

City of Bhangra Festival – June 11-18
Every spring, VIBC presents the City of Bhangra Festival, a ten-day all-out dance party and music-fest showcasing the music and dance of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. On indoor and outdoor stages, in parks, in clubs, and even right smack downtown in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Festival features hundreds of local and international artists in a series of dynamic performances designed to thrill audiences of all ages.

VelopaloozaJune 9-25
Velopalooza a two week community run bike fun festival and anyone and everyone is encouraged to host and attend bike rides and events. This year we are expecting over 70 cycling events and rides

Greek Day – June 25
This award-winning family-oriented one day event brings together over a dozen Greek cooking tents, over two dozen artisans, and dozens of local merchants who all cater to the over 100,000 people who attend. Admission is FREE! The event runs 11am to 9pm, along West Broadway from Blenheim to Macdonald.

Vancouver Shakespeare Festival, Bard on the Beach June 1 – September 23
Held in Vancouver’s waterfront Vanier Park, this year you can see Much Ado About Nothing, The Winter’s Tale, The Merchant of Venice, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Shylock.

Vancouver International Jazz FestivalJune 22 – July 2
Vancouver International Jazz Festival is the largest music festival in British Columbia, offering over 300 concerts. It features more than 1800 musicians and 300 concerts at many major and minor venues, including many for free.

Alcan Dragon Boat Festival – June 23-25
The Dragon Boat festival was created to showcase Vancouver’s cultural diversity and to promote racial harmony among Canadians. At the heart of the Festival is dragon boating – the fastest-growing team sport in North America and a sport that’s fun to do and fun to watch.

Queer Arts Festival – June 17-29
The Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver is an annual showcase of queer arts, culture and history. It celebrates the unique creative expressions of visual and performing artists who identify as part of the queer communities. QAF features a curated visual arts show, a community art show, and 3 dynamic weeks of cutting-edge performances and workshops from all artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, literary and media arts.

July

Vancouver International Jazz FestivalJune June 22 – July 2
Vancouver International Jazz Festival is the largest music festival in British Columbia, offering over 300 concerts. It features more than 1800 musicians and 300 concerts at many major and minor venues, including many for free.

Canada Day at Canada Place July 1
10:00am to 7:00pm -Have fun at the all day celebration, then watch the Canada Day Parade at 7:00pm before the Canada Day Fireworks at 10:30 PM.

Dancing on the Edge – TBA
Created in direct response to the local dance communities’ need for a supported place to perform their work, the festival has evolved into an annual event which presents on average thirty performances in mixed programs and full length works from over twenty different dance companies and choreographers from across Canada each festival. The festival is recognized for its support of new works through its presentations, commissions and residencies programs.

Carnaval del Sol July 8-9
The biggest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest, CARNAVAL DEL SOL recreates the atmosphere of a vibrant city plaza in Latin America at Concord Pacific Place. Carnaval del Sol will be presented for the enjoyment of the Latinos and the local community. These activities are developed to engage and connect the various communities in British Columbia.  Arts and culture are universal languages that unite people and allow cities to grow and thrive.

Theatre Under the Stars
– July 29 – August 2-5
Theatre Under the Stars presents Mary Poppins and the the Drowsy Chaperone at Stanley Park’s picturesque Malkin Bowl. A beloved Vancouver tradition since 1940, Theatre Under the Stars promises a great season filled with surprise, delight, and non-stop fun for the whole family.

Vancouver Shakespeare Festival, Bard on the Beach June 1 – September 23
Held in Vancouver’s waterfront Vanier Park, this year you can see Much Ado About Nothing, The Winter’s Tale, The Merchant of Venice, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Shylock.

Vancouver 40th Annual Folk Music Festival July 14-16
Held each year at Jericho Beach Park, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival with bring back old favourites and introduce you to new music and artists.

Celebration of Light Fireworks Competition – July 29, August 2 and August 5
Come sit on the sand at the beach and watch the best fireworks you’re ever likely see. See 3 countries over 3 nights light up the sky in a wonderful competition. This year, the competitors will be Japan, UK and Canada.

August

Celebration of Light Fireworks Competition – July 29, August 2 and August 5
Come sit on the sand at the beach and watch the best fireworks you’re ever likely see. See 3 countries over 3 nights light up the sky in a wonderful competition. This year, the competitors will be Japan, UK and Canada.

Harmony Arts Festival – August 14-13
This festival is a popular community-based celebration of music, performance, cinema and art that celebrates the best of the North Shore, regional and national performing, visual and culinary arts.

Vancouver Pride Festival August 6
Vancouver Pride has become the most exciting parade and festival in the City of Vancouver. What began as a small local march has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized LGBT event bringing more than 650,000 people into the streets in one day! Our Pride is spectacular with the summer sunshine, the crowds in their colours, the music, the dancing and the fun inclusive, family friendly atmosphere. With the support of amazing sponsors and volunteers, Vancouver Pride is one of the world’s premier celebration of culture and diversity.

Theatre Under the Stars – July 6 – August 20
Theatre Under the Stars presents West Side Story and Beauty and the Beast at Stanley Park’s picturesque Malkin Bowl. A beloved Vancouver tradition since 1940, Theatre Under the Stars promises a great season filled with surprise, delight, and non-stop fun for the whole family.

Harmony Arts Festival – July 31 – August 9
This festival is a popular community-based celebration of music, performance, cinema and art that celebrates the best of the North Shore, regional and national performing, visual and culinary arts.

Vancouver Shakespeare Festival, Bard on the Beach June 1 – September 23
Held in Vancouver’s waterfront Vanier Park, this year you can see Much Ado About Nothing, The Winter’s Tale, The Merchant of Venice, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Shylock.

Anime Revolution – August 4-6
The Anime Revolution convention offers a wide range of activities, exhibits, panels, and performances for 3 days at the Vancouver Convention Centre. There will be art, animation, comics, costuming, cultural displays, dance, gaming, musical performances, and more.

Powell Street Festival – August 5-6
The Powell Street Festival celebrate the arts and culture of Japanese Canadians and Asian Canadians

Vancouver Queer Film Festival – August 10-20
For 11 days each August, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival brings the very best in queer independent cinema from around the world to Vancouver.

September

Artists for Conservation Festival – TBA
The second annual Artists for Conservation Festival is a 10-day international art and environmental education event, including guest lectures, workshops for youth and adults, film, live painting demos and a world-class art exhibit and sale, featuring the leading nature and wildlife artists and naturalists from around the world.

Vancouver Fringe Festival September 7-17
The Vancouver International Fringe Festival is BC’s largest theatre festival and North America’s most international Fringe Fest. More than 100 different theatre artists and companies come together for 11 days and 700 performances to share their creativity on stage, supported by 500 volunteers. The uniqueness of the Fringe comes from the “everyone is welcome” selection technique—the Mainstage shows are literally drawn out of a hat, giving all artists a chance to participate. The Fringe revels in its identity as part theatre, part party, and is is a cultural experience unlike any other.

Hapa-Palooza Festival TBA
Hapa-Palooza is Canada’s largest celebration of mixed heritage offering 7 FREE public events during its festival. It encompasses story telling, films, discussions, art and more. Hapa-palooza is a very cool festival for all of our hapa/hybrid/half-blood/cross-bred/metis/mestizo/mixed-race/halved-and-doubled selves.

Terry Fox Run – September 17
In 1980, Terry Fox embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. His leg had been amputated as a result of cancer, and as the illness spread, it forced him to stop after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres. He died the following year. His heartfelt effort turned the run into an ongoing worldwide event.

Vancouver International Film Festival TBA
VIFF is among the five largest film festivals in North America. We screen films from 80 countries on 10 screens. The international line-up includes the pick of the world’s top film fests and many undiscovered gems.

Vancouver Shakespeare Festival, Bard on the Beach June 1 – September 23
Held in Vancouver’s waterfront Vanier Park, this year you can see Much Ado About Nothing, The Winter’s Tale, The Merchant of Venice, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Shylock.

October

Vancouver International Film Festival – TBA
VIFF is among the five largest film festivals in North America. We screen films from 80 countries on 10 screens. The international line-up includes the pick of the world’s top film fests and many undiscovered gems.

Apple Festival – TBA
This is apple territory, and one of the best ways to enjoy the diversity and flavours of this wonderful fruit is at UBC’s annual apple festival. This year, 50,000 pounds are sold to the visitors who come to taste the 70 varieties of heritage and new apples.

Artists for Conservation Festival – TBA
The Artists for Conservation Festival is a 10-day international art and environmental education event, including guest lectures, workshops for youth and adults, film, live painting demos and a world-class art exhibit and sale, featuring the leading nature and wildlife artists and naturalists from around the world.

Pumpkin Festival – TBA
Celebrate the harvest in West Vancouver with various activities including building a scarecrow competition, a dance, fun workshops and more.

Vancouver International Writers Festival TBA
The Vancouver International Writers Festival is one of North America’s premiere literary events, held annually over 6 days in late October. It was inaugurated in 1988 as the brainchild of founding Artistic Director Alma Lee.

November

Eat! Vancouver Food & Cooking Festival –  Nov 6-11
New hands-on workshops, exclusive guest chef dinners and special events throughout the city. EAT! Vancouver at BC Place with over 250 exhibitors including celebrity chefs celebrating all things food, drink and cooking.

Vancouver Asian Film FestivalTBA
The 21st Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival celebrates diversity in film. Launched in 1996, it is Canada’s oldest Asian film festival, exhibiting films and videos by North American artists of Asian heritage.

Christmas at Hycroft – TBA
The University Women’s Club of Vancouver holds this annual event in support of the club and its work. Members open Hycroft so everyone can enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations, many of which are unique and handmade to suit this Edwardian mansion. There’s a gift shop as well as an art gallery and a Christmas bistro.

Vancouver Eastside Cultural Crawl – November 16-19
You’ll discover painters, jewelers, sculptors, furniture makers, musicians, weavers, potters, writers, print makers, photographers, glassblowers; from emerging artists to those of international fame. Shop for original gifts and art right in the artist’s studios. It’s a fun way to look at art, speak to artists and see the spaces in which they work.

December

VanDusen Botanical Garden Christmas Lights – TBA

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