Best Festivals in Vancouver

Real videos of Festivals in Vancouver — 12 places, filmed by creators on the ground.


Ranked venues

  1. ActiveCulturalCommunity-focusedOutdoor iceCultural festivalsPublic events

    About the venue

    Robson Square in Vancouver serves as a public plaza and event space, known for hosting gatherings and performances since its opening in 1983. The area features impressive architecture and is a popular meeting point for locals, tourists, and art events. Its outdoor ice rink in winter draws families and friends, while summer events often include cultural festivals. Regular activities enhance its status as a vibrant community hub.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a vibrant mini Japanese pop culture market in downtown Vancouver. It features various stalls selling merchandise like plushies, clothing, and accessories related to popular culture themes. Performances include maid singers, traditional Japanese dance with long poles, and a schedule board for events over three days. The market also displays kimonos for sale and hair clips with intricate designs. The video captures the lively atmosphere and cultural elements of the event.

    800 Robson St

  2. FestiveCheerfulCulturalHandcrafted goodsLive entertainmentWaterfront views

    About the venue

    Vancouver Christmas Market, held annually at Canada Place, offers a festive holiday shopping experience since 2010. The market features wooden booths selling handcrafted goods, holiday treats, and seasonal beverages like mulled wine. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, including music and dance performances, creating a cheerful atmosphere. The waterfront location provides picturesque views of the city and the harbor.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a vibrant Christmas market in Vancouver, featuring festive decorations, artificial snowfall, and various activities. It highlights food stalls, including raclette cheese, hotcakes, and chimney cakes, as well as shopping stalls and entertainment like a carousel and photo booths. The market also offers events such as storytelling sessions with Santa, Jack Frost appearances, and karaoke nights.

    1055 Canada Pl

  3. SereneCulturalSpiritualIntricate architectureBeautiful gardensCommunity events

    About the venue

    Tian-Jin Taoist Temple is located at 3426 Smith Avenue in Burnaby, BC, serving as a serene spiritual site since its construction in 1999. This temple features striking architecture with intricate details, attracting visitors interested in Taoist practices and cultural exploration. The grounds include beautiful gardens and spaces for worship, making it a peaceful retreat from the urban environment. Regular events and ceremonies offer insight into the local community's cultural practices.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a scene from a food festival on a rainy day. It shows people standing under umbrellas and wearing raincoats and masks. The camera pans across the festival area, revealing tents, tables with seated diners, and balloons spelling out 'FOOD'.

    3426 Smith Avenue

  4. DynamicVersatileCommunity-focusedLarge capacityYear-round eventsVersatile layouts

    About the venue

    PNE Forum in Vancouver has been an event hub since its opening in 1987, located adjacent to the Pacific National Exhibition grounds. This indoor venue can accommodate up to 6,000 guests, hosting concerts, trade shows, and community events throughout the year. Its proximity to the Hastings Park area makes it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists attending exhibitions or concerts. The venue also features flexible layout options for a variety of events.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a group of people, mostly dressed in pink, gathered around white tents labeled 'VIRGINIA' and 'SEA CIDER'. The camera pans right, showing more attendees under yellow-striped umbrellas near deck chairs. A woman in a red top walks past from left to right.

    2901 E Hastings St

  5. $$InvitingCasualCozyFresh pastriesQuality coffeeLong hours

    About the venue

    Breka Bakery & Cafe on Davie Street in Vancouver is renowned for its freshly baked pastries and quality coffee. The café features a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for casual meals or quick bites. With a variety of options including sandwiches, salads, and desserts, it caters to a diverse clientele. Regulars often appreciate the bakery's long hours and the relaxing vibe, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

    What the videos show

    A lively outdoor event unfolds in front of a modern building, featuring a group of people dancing in a paved area surrounded by several tents, one marked 'Children's Service.' The handheld camera captures dynamic, slightly shaky footage of the dancers in casual attire, conveying a festive and communal atmosphere. The scene transitions to a wide shot showing a stage with a performance and a seated crowd, suggesting a structured public gathering. A brief spoken line, 'I know,' is heard at 00:15–00:16, possibly from a participant reacting to the moment. The video ends with a quick pan to the right, emphasizing the scale of the audience and event space.

    855 Davie St

  6. FestiveFamily-friendlyCommunity-focusedLive entertainmentFood trucksCultural festivals

    About the venue

    Festival Square at PNE is the vibrant heart of the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, featuring a variety of food trucks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The square hosts special events, including the popular Summer Night Market and various cultural festivals, providing a showcase of local talent. Open to the public during the fair, it offers an engaging atmosphere filled with fun and seasonal excitement. It is surrounded by historic buildings and attractions, making it a central gathering spot during fair dates.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a vibrant outdoor music festival scene during sunset. A large crowd is gathered before a massive stage adorned with dynamic LED screens displaying colorful abstract patterns that shift rhythmically to match the unseen performance's tempo. The crowd is engaged, with many individuals raising their hands and some holding up mobile phones presumably recording the event. The scene is captivating, with a leafy tree partially obscuring the view in the foreground. The video ends with a Spanish phrase thanking viewers for watching.

    2901 E Hastings St

  7. TranquilScenicEducationalHedge mazePlant speciesVisitor center

    About the venue

    VanDusen Botanical Garden, spanning 55 acres in the heart of Vancouver, boasts over 7,500 plant species from around the world. The garden features a stunning hedge maze and a visitor center designed by architect Cornelia Oberlander. Opened in 1970, it offers seasonal events such as the popular Festival of Lights during the winter months. There's an extensive collection of rare and endangered plants, making it a significant horticultural site in Canada.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a vibrant scene from the Cherry Blossom Festival 2019, featuring three musicians in traditional kimonos and hats performing under a white tent. The audience is seated facing the performers, creating a lively atmosphere. Midway through, a slice of cheesecake with sprinkles and whipped cream is shown on a brown paper plate, hinting at the festival's food offerings.

    5251 Oak St

  8. BreezyVibrantOpenWaterfront viewsOlympic CauldronPublic events

    About the venue

    Jack Poole Plaza, located at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC, is a public gathering space that overlooks the waterfront and the North Shore Mountains. It features striking architectural designs and is known for its iconic Olympic Cauldron, a symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The plaza is popular for various events, festivals, and food markets, often bustling with visitors and locals enjoying the views and atmosphere. It's an accessible space perfect for leisurely walks or photo opportunities.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a Christmas market stall decorated with festive lights and garlands, selling artisanal dried fruits such as grapes and apricots. The stall is named 'Cactus Haus', and the camera focuses on the products and the stall's ambiance, providing a clear view of the offerings.

    Vancouver Convention Centre

  9. ExperimentalDynamicCulturedRotating installationsEmerging artistsProgressive exhibitions

    About the venue

    The Vancouver Art Gallery Annex, located within the same premises as the main gallery, focuses on more experimental art forms and offers rotating installations. Established as an extension of the main gallery, it provides artists with a platform to showcase progressive and emerging works. Its curated exhibitions foster a dialogue between different styles and mediums, appealing to diverse audiences looking for cutting-edge art experiences.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases various scenes from a Japanese festival, including people in traditional attire, food stalls, and cultural performances.

    750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7

  10. ExcitingCulturalDynamicRides andFood stallsCultural showcases

    About the venue

    The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), held annually since 1910, is a major event in Vancouver, featuring rides, games, and live entertainment across its expansive grounds. Over 1 million visitors attend for the 17-day extravaganza filled with cultural showcases, marketplace shopping, and delicious food options. The exhibition's long history includes traditional fair acts alongside modern attractions, ensuring diverse offerings each year. Situated adjacent to Hastings Park, PNE is an essential part of Vancouver's summer calendar.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases various scenes from a fair, including crowds, food stalls, art projections, and animals.

    2901 Hastings St E

  11. BustlingDiverseConvenient400+ storesCineplex theaterFood court

    About the venue

    Metropolis at Metrotown, established in 1986, is a sprawling shopping center in Burnaby, featuring over 400 stores, including major retailers like Hudson's Bay and Best Buy. The mall includes an impressive food court offering diverse culinary options, from sushi to burgers. It also hosts a Cineplex movie theater and special events throughout the year. The complex is easily accessible via public transit, drawing both local shoppers and visitors.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases various scenes from a food festival, including people enjoying food, street performers, and vendors preparing dishes. It features a diverse range of activities and attractions, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

    4700 Kingsway

  12. ArtisticCreativeInvitingContemporary artWorkshopsRotating exhibitions

    About the venue

    Kings Art Gallery, located at 3596 Kingsway in Vancouver, focuses on showcasing contemporary and classical art from both local and international artists. Established in 2015, the gallery hosts rotating exhibitions and art events that cater to a diverse audience. Regular art workshops also form part of their community outreach. This vibrant space is perfect for art enthusiasts looking to engage with the creative community.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a Ferris wheel at the Downtown Winter Festival, with a signboard displaying festival information visible in front of it. People are seen queuing near the entrance to ride the Ferris wheel, and the sky appears clear.

    3596 Kingsway