The season of live music and food festivals has taken off in Vancouver, with a number of street festivals set to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity this spring and summer. What’s more, the majority of them are completely free to attend! So with that in mind, here are some of the largest street festivals coming to Metro Vancouver.
Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party
Vancouver’s first-ever Lapu-Lapu Block Party in the Sunset neighbourhood will commemorate the first national hero of the Phillippines, who stood against oppression and fought for the freedom of Indigenous Filipinos. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in Filipino culture with a variety of food and craft vendors, live music, and cultural performances. Oh, and Vancouver’s biggest basketball showdown!
When: Saturday, April 27th
Where: John Oliver Secondary (East 41st Avenue) to East 47th Avenue
Cost: Free admission
Italian Day on the Drive
This next festival takes ‘la dolce vita’ very seriously, Italian Day on the Drive is Vancouver’s largest cultural street festival, transforming all 14 blocks of Commercial Drive into a lively celebration with fresh gelato and cannolis, patio sips, and plenty of pizza and pasta to go around.
When: Sunday, June 9th
Where: Commercial Drive
Cost: Free admission
Greek Day on Broadway
Hosted by the Hellenic Canadian Congress of BC (HCCBC), the 50th anniversary of Greek Day on Broadway promises to be bigger and better than ever, spanning multiple blocks throughout Kitsilano in the heart of Vancouver’s Greektown.
When: Sunday, June 23rd
Where: West Broadway, Kitsilano
Cost: Free admission
Khatsahlano Street Party
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The largest free music and arts festival in the city is back this July with what is sure to be another incredible lineup of live performers and vendors.
When: Saturday, July 6th
Where: West Broadway, Kitsilano
Cost: Free admission
Powell Street Festival
Every year, one of the largest Japanese Canadian festivals in the country takes over the historic Powell Street neighbourhood, AKA Vancouver’s Japantown. The festival showcases the art, culture, and heritage of the Japanese Canadian community through a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and traditional eats.
When: August 3rd and 4th
Where: Powell Street area
Cost: Free admission
Punjabi Market Live
Taking place in Vancouver’s historic Punjabi Market, this celebration of South Asian music, art, fashion, dance, and cuisine has not yet announced its 2024 dates or lineup, but we’re keeping our eyes peeled for the latest updates.
When: TBA, August 2024
Where: Punjabi Market
Cost: Free admission
And that’s a wrap on some of the largest street festivals coming to Vancouver this spring and summer. Enjoy – and stay tuned for more updates as they come!