Categories: Things To Do

Western Canada’s largest halal food festival is celebrating Ramadan in Metro Vancouver

Photo via @bchalalfoodfest / Instagram

With over 35,000 expected attendees and 130 market vendors, Ramadan Fest B.C. is the first of its kind in Western Canada, and the largest halal food festival in the region. This year, the massive celebration takes place across five nights in honour of Ramadan, which is coming up this March.

When is Ramadan 2025?

According to Stats Canada, Ramadan is “one of the five pillars of Islam, taking place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar to commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.”

The sacred month is observed worldwide through fasting from sunrise to sunset, religious reflection, and community get-togethers. According to Islamic Relief Canada, Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 or Saturday, March 1, 2025, depending on the “sighting of the moon,” as the Islamic calendar is based on the
the lunar cycle.

Western Canada’s first Ramadan festival

Taking place at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, Ramadan Fest B.C. will feature five nights of live cooking by 20+ Iftari and Suhoor vendors, drink vendors, Eid shopping, a prayer space, and Ramadan lights, according to the festival’s website.

Organizers also note that there will be a dedicated Masjid onsite for all prayers.

The community-wide celebration will run from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day of the festival, from Wednesday, March 5, 2025 to Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Tickets are available online for $6.64 per person.

Last year’s B.C. Halal Food Fest saw 72,000 people gathered at Surrey’s Holland Park to enjoy delicious halal food and drinks, cultural market vendors, and live performances, so it’s worth it to grab your tickets ahead of time to secure entry!

Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate!