2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year in Vancouver, with countless world-class festivals and events, big and small, celebrating art, food, music, culture, sports, and nature. In addition to these festivals and events, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will happen for the first time on Canadian soil.
Vancouver will be filled with the indescribable excitement of the festival during the FIFA World Cup. The city will be filled with an electrifying atmosphere as fans from around the world gather to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event.
Let’s start with those annual festivals in Vancouver that you won’t want to miss during your trip.
Table of Content
- Festivals and Events in Vancouver by Months
- 1. Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver
- 2. PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
- 3. Dine Out Vancouver Festival
- 4. Canyon Lights at Capilano
- 5. Festival of Lights (VanDusen)
- 6. LunarFest Vancouver
- 7. Black History Month
- 8. Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
- 9. Robson Square Ice Rink
- 10. Vancouver International Wine Festival
- 11. Vancouver International Dance Festival
- 12. Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
- 13. Festival du Bois
- 14. Easter Events
- 15. Vancouver Sun Run
- 16. Vancouver International Children's Festival
- 17. BMO Vancouver Marathon
- 18. Victoria Day in Vancouver
- 19. FIFA World Cup Fan Festival
- 20. Vancouver International Jazz Festival
- 21. Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
- 22. Vancouver Folk Music Festival
- 23. Khatsahlano Street Party in Vancouver
- 24. B.C. Day Long Weekend
- 25. TaiwanFest
- 26. Vancouver Fringe Festival
- 27. Halloween Events
- 28. Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
- 29. Eastside Culture Crawl
- 30. Vancouver Christmas Market
- 31. Circle Craft Christmas Market
- 32. Vancouver North Shore Craft Beer Festival
- 33. Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience
- 34. Boundary Bay Marathon
- 35. Christmas at Canada Place
- 36. New Year’s Eve Events in Vancouver
- 37. Royal Winnipeg Ballet to The Nutcracker
- 38. Goh Ballet to The Nutcracker
- 39. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
- To sum up
- FAQs
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Festivals and Events in Vancouver by Months
Vancouver comes alive through its annual festivals, each reflecting the city’s diversity, creativity, and communal spirit. Let’s see the most unmissable festivals and events in Vancouver.
In January,
1. Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver
Polar Bear Swims are traditionally held on New Year’s Day to celebrate the start of the year, and the good news is that it’s a completely free event in Vancouver. The swim takes place at English Bay Beach, located near the corner of Denman Street and Davie Street at 1790 Beach Avenue.
2. PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
The PUSH International Performing Arts Festival returns from January 22 to February 8, 2026. It is Vancouver’s premier mid-winter arts event, showcasing bold and innovative performances in dance, theatre, music, and multimedia.
Featuring local talents and international performers, PUSH 2026 will showcase a dynamic lineup, including standout productions such as All That Remains and SEEING DOUBLE.
3. Dine Out Vancouver Festival
Canada’s biggest food and drink festival, Dine Out Vancouver, is back from January 21 to February 8, 2026. Over 17 days, more than 400 restaurants will serve special fixed-price menus and host unique culinary events. Attracting over 100,000 food lovers, this festival is a vibrant celebration of Vancouver’s delicious cuisine and welcoming community spirit.
4. Canyon Lights at Capilano
Vancouver’s festival season glows with Canyon Lights, a magical winter event at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Running from November 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the park comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, a festive atmosphere, and the new WildLight 3D wildlife projection.
The park is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm (staying open up to an hour after closing) and closed on December 25. Book early to make sure you don’t miss this dazzling experience!
5. Festival of Lights (VanDusen)
The VanDusen Festival of Lights – lights up VanDusen Botanical Garden from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This holiday event transforms 15 acres into a sparkling wonderland with over 1 million lights.
Tickets are $29 for adults, and children under four enter free. Because tickets are limited and often sell out in the ten days before Christmas, it’s best to book early. For a quieter, more relaxed visit, try going Monday to Thursday during the festival’s first two weeks.
In February,
6. LunarFest Vancouver
LunarFest Vancouver 2026, themed “Year of the Horse – Brave the Wind,” lights up the city with lantern art, lively markets, performances, and hands-on workshops at Granville Island, Robson Plaza, Bentall Centre, and other locations.
Blending modern creativity with traditional celebration, LunarFest invites visitors to explore bold lantern installations, connect with the community, and experience cultural storytelling like never before.
7. Black History Month
Vancouver will celebrate Black History Month 2026 on Friday, February 13, honoring the achievements and culture of the Black community. From the city’s early pioneers in 1858 to the vibrant legacy of Hogan’s Alley, the celebration reflects on history, acknowledges past struggles, and highlights the voices and contributions that have helped shape today’s Vancouver.
8. Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
The Chinatown Spring Festival Parade will be held on February 22, 2026. It is one of Vancouver’s largest Lunar New Year parades, featuring colorful dragon dances, lion dances, drummers, martial arts performances, and cultural shows.
The parade usually starts at 11 a.m. at Millennium Gate and covers a route of approximately 1.3 km. Thousands of people line both sides of the road to enjoy the festivities, and A good luck ritual called ‘Choy Cheng’ is performed at the shops there. This is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and traditional February events.
9. Robson Square Ice Rink
Robson Square Ice Rink is open from 12 pm on November 28, 2025, to 9 pm on February 28, 2026. This open-air rink is one of Vancouver’s most loved winter attractions.
Families, kids, and visitors of all ages enjoy skating here. Bring your own skates for free, or rent a pair for just $5. With twinkling lights, festive music, and seasonal decorations all around, the rink offers a magical winter experience in the heart of the city.
In March,
10. Vancouver International Wine Festival
The 47th Vancouver International Wine Festival, which will take place from March 7 to March 14, 2026, will feature France as the theme country and rosé as the global focus. One of the world’s leading wine events, it hosts 140 wineries from 15 countries with 40+ tastings, seminars, dinners, and trade events. Tickets, ranging from $35 to $595, go on sale November 19.
11. Vancouver International Dance Festival
The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) will take place from March 4 to March 14, 2026. It is an international dance festival that showcases contemporary, experimental, and innovative performances.
Each year, local, national, and international artists participate, and performances take place at venues across the city, including the Roundhouse, Annex, and Museum of Anthropology.
The festival features a variety of events, including live music, street dance battles, installations, workshops, and late-night shows. VIDF is one of the most creative cultural events in Vancouver.
12. Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival will bloom from March to April 2026, as around 43,000 cherry trees transform the city into a pink wonderland. The festival includes The Big Picnic, perfect for families and friends to enjoy the spring outdoors.
Guided botanical walks, called “Tree Talks & Walks,” let visitors learn about the city’s trees and flowers. The Sakura Days Japan Fair takes place at VanDusen Botanical Garden, adding a touch of Japanese culture to the celebrations. Most events are free, with only a few, like the Sakura Fair, requiring tickets.
13. Festival du Bois
Festival du Bois, Vancouver’s annual Francophone celebration, will take place from March 6 to 8, 2026, at Mackin Park in Maillardville, Coquitlam. The festival is packed with music, dance, workshops, and fun family activities. Enjoy folk, Celtic, and world music, and explore the Métis Village Experience to learn about Métis culture and history.
Savor French-Canadian treats like poutine, peanuts, maple taffy, and maple sugar pie. Performances include contra dancing, children’s music shows, and main concerts on the performance stage. Tickets range from $23 to $34, while Friday’s open community night is usually free.
In April,
14. Easter Events
Easter Sunday 2026 will be March 31, 2026. Easter weekend dates:
- Good Friday: March 29, 2026
- Holy Saturday: March 30, 2026
- Easter Sunday: March 31, 2026
- Easter Monday: April 1, 2026
Easter is a very important celebration for Christians, marking the day Jesus was crucified and resurrected on the third day. Easter weekend is usually filled with Easter egg hunts, Easter brunches, and other spring-themed activities in the city.
While most events wrap up on Easter Sunday, Maan Farms and Fantasy Farms in the Fraser Valley, Britannia Mine Museum in the Sea-to-Sky region, and Abbotsford, Botanica, and the Harrison Tulip Festival remain open to visitors until Easter Monday.
15. Vancouver Sun Run
Vancouver’s Sun Run will take place on April 19, 2026. It is a popular 10-kilometer road race, suitable for runners of all levels. It starts in Downtown and finishes at BC Place Stadium. More than 10,000 people participate each year, including children, adults and elite athletes.
Live music, community performances and cheering spectators add to the excitement along the route. It is the largest 10K race in Canada and a major event on Vancouver’s sports calendar.
In May,
16. Vancouver International Children's Festival
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival will take place on Granville Island from May 25 to May 31, featuring shows from around the world for children and families. The 2026 festival will feature circus arts, puppetry, theater, dance, music shows-as well as a variety of arts activities designed specifically for children.
Each event includes a ticket with an Activity Village wristband. It features over 15 art installations where families can participate in fun and creative games.
17. BMO Vancouver Marathon
The BMO Vancouver Marathon is Canada’s top destination race, taking in the scenic mountains, beaches and Stanley Park Seawall. Race options include Marathon ($175), Half ($135), 8KM ($75), and Green Bib ($10).
Participants receive a tech t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a two-day expo. Kids Run on May 2 and Main Race on May 3. This is the second event in the RUNVAN Grand Slam series, which attracts 14,000+ runners each year.
18. Victoria Day in Vancouver
Victoria Day will be celebrated over the long weekend of May 15 to May 18 in 2026. The holiday marks the birthday of Queen Victoria, and Vancouver hosts a variety of festivals and events.
Popular attractions include the Cloverdale Rodeo, Royal Canadian International Circus, All British Field Meet Car Show, Brewhalla Fort Langley, and Fort Langley May Day Parade.
In addition, the Shipyards Night Market, Playland Rides, and the Victoria Day Boat Party make the city even more festive during this time.
In June,
19. FIFA World Cup Fan Festival
The Vancouver 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival will be held at the PNE Grounds, Hastings Park. The festival will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Visitors will be able to enjoy live football match screenings, cultural exhibits, live performances, food and entertainment.
The festival will be held in a weather-protected setting using the new 10,000-seat PNE Amphitheatre. The fan festival is shaping up to be a memorable, vibrant and international experience for families, football fans and tourists. Vancouver’s theme for the event is “A Force of Nature!”, reflecting the city’s energy and vibrancy.
For those interested in exploring apart from festivals, Vancouver also offers must-see historical places, including Gastown, the oldest neighborhood in the city with its iconic Steam Clock, and the historic buildings of Chinatown, which enrich the cultural experience for visitors year-round.
20. Vancouver International Jazz Festival
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is BC’s largest music festival, attracting over 100,000 visitors and more than 100 international artists. The festival, which has been running since 1986, features 180+ concerts over 12 days, including many free outdoor shows.
It takes place in the city’s theatres, clubs, and parks, with Granville Island serving as one of the main venues. The 2025 festival was held from June 20 to July 1, and the dates for 2026 are yet to be announced.
21. Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
The 2026 Bird on the Beach Shakespeare Festival will take place at Vanier Park from June to September. This season will feature new productions of comedy, tragedy, and myth. The BMO Mainstage will showcase The Merry Wives of Windsor and Macbeth, while the Douglas Campbell Theatre will present Goblin: Oedipus and Antigone. These dramas will show modern and creative versions of classic Shakespeare and Greek tragedies.
In July,
22. Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Vancouver’s 49th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival will be held July 17 to July 19, 2026. It is held at Jericho Beach Park and is open to all ages. The festival features music from around the world, performances by local artists, folk, blues, and regional music.
The three-day festival by the ocean offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. Camping is not available at the festival, but nearby hotels and lodging are available.
23. Khatsahlano Street Party in Vancouver
Khatsahlano Street Party is held in July in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver. It is a large street festival, with live music, dance, street performances and food stalls. Families, friends and young people enjoy the entertainment together. Local artists and the community come together to make the city festive.
In August,
24. B.C. Day Long Weekend
Vancouver’s B.C. Day Long Weekend is celebrated on the first Monday of August, and in 2026, it falls on Monday, August 3. It is a provincial holiday that is a time for British Columbians to enjoy themselves and spend time with family and friends. Boat parties, parades, community festivals and other events are held throughout the Lower Mainland.
In September,
25. TaiwanFest
Vancouver’s TaiwanFest is held annually over the Labour Day long weekend, September 5 to September 7 in 2026. The festival celebrates Taiwanese food, music and culture, and highlights Taiwanese culture’s connections to Canada and the world. Live performances, films, discussions, food events, exhibitions and workshops explore the history and impact of human migration.
26. Vancouver Fringe Festival
The Vancouver International Fringe Festival will take place from September 10 to September 20 in 2026. It is one of Vancouver’s most important and renowned alternative theatre festivals. The festival runs for 10 days and features theatre shows on Granville Island and in various venues across the city. Audiences can enjoy plays by new and independent artists, street performances, comedy and small theatre shows.
In October,
27. Halloween Events
Vancouver celebrates Halloween in October with haunted houses, trick-or-treating, costume parties, tours, and other events. There are activities for children of all ages, as well as Halloween parties and scary movies for adults.
Fright Nights at Playland is the city’s main attraction, featuring a number of haunted houses, thrilling rides, and scare zones. Vancouver’s Granville Street used to be home to a Halloween parade, featuring action heroes, a zombie dance school, and other entertainment.
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Gastown) is also a popular place to see spooky happenings.
28. Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is held annually in the fall, running from October 1 to October 11 in 2026. The festival’s main venue is the VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour Street, where most films are screened, but other theatres in the city also host shows.
The festival features 200+ films, live performances, panel discussions, and industry sessions. VIFF brings together audiences and creative filmmakers, offering an opportunity to enjoy international and independent films, documentaries and red carpet premieres. It is Vancouver’s largest and most renowned film festival.
In November,
29. Eastside Culture Crawl
The Eastside Culture Crawl is an annual arts festival where hundreds of East Vancouver artists open their studios. Visitors can see and purchase artists’ work, paintings, sculptures, handmade items, etc. The various studios have various exhibits if the event is ongoing or has started.
30. Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is a European-style festive market featuring handmade crafts, delicious food, hot drinks, Christmas decorations, and photo opportunities.
31. Circle Craft Christmas Market
The Circle Craft Christmas Market is one of the largest craft fairs in Western Canada. Local artisans and artists sell their handmade jewelry, clothing, ceramics, woodwork, and more. The event begins in mid-November.
32. Vancouver North Shore Craft Beer Festival
This festival features craft breweries from the North Shore serving specialty beers, food trucks, live music, and tasting sessions. It begins in early November and runs for several days.
33. Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience
The Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience is a magical nighttime walking trail in Stanley Park, where visitors can see magical creatures, lights, sound effects, and magical stations.
34. Boundary Bay Marathon
The Boundary Bay Marathon is a coastal running event with various distances-marathon, half, 10K, 5K-held. It usually begins on the first of November.
In December,
35. Christmas at Canada Place
Held in December at Canada Place, “Christmas at Canada Place” is one of Vancouver’s most beautiful and family-friendly festivals, featuring brightly lit walkways, a giant gingerbread display, North Pole-themed decorations, music, photo stops, and stunning waterfront views; this completely free outdoor event is a great place for locals and visitors to enjoy the holiday season.
36. New Year’s Eve Events in Vancouver
Vancouver’s New Year’s Eve celebrations take place throughout the night of December 31, with live music, DJ performances, family-friendly countdowns, fireworks displays, party cruises, rooftop galas, and special dinner packages; the entire city comes alive with the excitement of welcoming the New Year, with downtown, Granville Island, Canada Place, and a variety of nightclubs.
37. Royal Winnipeg Ballet to The Nutcracker
Performing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 12 to December 14, this classic ballet performance features Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music, dazzling costumes and fairytale-like sets, transporting audiences into the magical world of Christmas.
38. Goh Ballet to The Nutcracker
Performing from December 18 to December 21, Goh Ballet’s acclaimed show brings Clara’s magical journey to life with over 200 performers, a live orchestra and stunning set designs, making it one of Vancouver’s biggest holiday season attractions.
39. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Held on Granville Island and Yaletown on December 21, this lantern festival features a procession of hand-crafted lanterns, music, dance and a labyrinth lit by hundreds of candles, creating a serene, artistic and contemplative atmosphere.
To sum up
Vancouver is a city full of festivities and joy all year round. There is music, dance, art, food, sports and a variety of seasonal festivals. Whether it is the colorful summer festivals or the winter light shows and Christmas markets, every event has something for everyone.
Families, friends or solo travelers – everyone can enjoy and have a great time. The excitement of the FIFA World Cup and other annual events will make Vancouver even more vibrant and exciting in 2026. Visiting Vancouver is not just about traveling around; it is a joyful experience and an opportunity to create beautiful memories.
FAQs
Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Celebration of Light in the summer, Vancouver Christmas Market and Glow Christmas Festival in the winter, Vancouver Halloween Parade in the fall are popular.
Celebration of Light Fireworks, free concerts in Stanley Park, exhibitions and workshops in Vancouver Public Market can be enjoyed for free.
Vancouver International Film Festival, Vancouver Pride Parade, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and Vancouver Christmas Market are the main events in the city.
The best time is generally from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry, and most outdoor festivals take place. Summer months are ideal for music, food, and cultural events.
Vancouver Kids Fest, Stanley Park Christmas Train, VanDusen Festival of Lights are suitable events for children and families.
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