This weekend, Vancouver’s Chinatown will be adorned with colourful light decorations in a two-day community-wide celebration.

Now in its third year, Light Up Chinatown offers visitors the chance to roam the historic neighbourhood and indulge in local food collaborations, enjoy live music, and experience a special pop-up event bringing together esteemed restauranteurs.

New this year

As well, the event will be fully licensed for the first time this year, allowing guests who are 19+ to sip on some beer, wine, or spirits inside the festival grounds.

“Light Up Chinatown! is a celebration of the neighbourhood’s spirit and the testament to the community’s resilience,” says Carol Lee, Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “We’d like to extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us and experience the colours, tastes and sounds of this important historic neighbourhood.”

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The eats

Visitors can expect to sample tasty food collabs between Bao Bei and The Boss, DD Mau and Boba Run, Kam Wai and Treasure Green Tea, and Chinatown BBQ and Beaucoup Bakery.

Local merchants will offer exclusive discounts across the neighbourhood, and visitors can additionally collect stamps for select vendors for the chance to win some exciting prizes.

Light Up Chinatown is presented by RBC and co-hosted by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, along with several other local associations. The event will take place at 500 Columbia Street and neighbouring streets in Chinatown from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday, September 9th and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday, September 10th.

So there you have it, Vancouver. Get ready to see the glowing lights and lanterns of the festival light up the skies in Chinatown.

Light Up Chinatown!

When: Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th
Where: 500 block of Columbia Street
Cost: Free admission