FESTIVALS

Word Vancouver: Reading and Writing Festival

Word Vancouver fosters the joy of the written word and inspires creativity by bringing together readers and writers from all backgrounds in an annual, inclusive, and free literary arts festival. It connects local communities and celebrates literary arts through the collective experience. They aspire to embrace innovation, encourage discourse, and provide a safe and accessible experience for all members of our richly diverse communities.

The Festival runs from September 8-24, 2023, with the main events taking place on September 16th from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. 

Details:
  • Main events on September 16th are held at Robson Square (UBC)
  • There are also online, hybrid, and off-site events
  • Events include readings, workshops, vendors, and live entertainment
  • The event is free, with the option of purchasing a $10 membership to support the organization

Commercial Drive Car Free Day
Car Free Days are a community-led and created festival that showcases diversity, sustainability, localization, and car-free culture. It is hosted by the Car Free Vancouver Society, whose goal is to make communities healthier and more vibrant by nurturing and growing car-free spaces, and by collaborating with local communities.  

Details:
  • Local artists, music, and live entertainment
  • Drag performances, storytelling, and face painting
  • Workshops and information stands
  • Activities for children
  • Local vendors, with priority given to local artisans, nonprofits and businesses owned by people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, having a disability or as a woman, as well as community organizations that actively serve underrepresented people in our community
  • Opportunities to interact and engage with others
  • Admission is free!

Upcoming Car Free Days:
  • West End: September 24, 2023
    • ​Denman St., from Davie St. to Robson St.

Kamayan Fest
The Kamayan Festival is a celebration that highlights the vibrancy and richness of Filipinx culture through food, art, and entertainment. 
Kamayan describes the act of eating with bare hands, which is the traditional pre-colonial method of eating in Filipinx culture. Kamayan also describes the traditional comminal feasts or family meals, and has brought filipinxs together for thousands of years.

Details:
  • Free for all ages
  • Filipinx food, live music, and market
  • Breakdancing competition 
  • Open Arts studios
Date: September 24, 2023
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: 2111 Main St., Vancouver ​​​

Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival

Take part in a festival celebrating community art, sustainability, and the lost stream system of Still Creek. The festival is run by the Still Moon Arts Society.
Details:
  • Live music, dance, and other entertainment
  • Community vegetable competitions
  • Youth performances
  • Workshops
  • Harvest Fair
  • Twilight lantern procession
  • And more
Dates: September 9-23, 2023
Location: Slocan Park and other locations
Cost: Free admission

Mid Autumn Moon Festival

The Mid Autumn Moon Festival is an ancient festival with roots in harvest festival celebrations and moon worshiping rituals. It is a popular, happy time of year when families get together to share food, admire the full moon, light lanterns and eat mooncakes.

The Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden has compiled a collection of online learning activities that allow individuals to learn and celebrate the festival from home.
These resources include information on:
  • Ancient roots and traditions
  • Food and drink
  • The moon
  • Stories and poetry

Individuals can also visit the Garden, at 578 Carrall St., Vancouver.

Fire Dragon Festival

The Fire Dragon Festival brings the Chinatown community together through celebration, cultural activities and performances, culinary exploration, and the appreciation of intangible heritage. It establishes community tradition and strengthens Chinatown’s cultural legacy for years to come. 

Details:
  • Fire Dragon dance performance
  • Dragon dancing workshops
  • Live entertainment
  • Chinese food and vendors
​
Dates: September 23-24, 2023
Times: To be confirmed
Cost: Free entry
Location: Vancouver's Chinatown

Vancouver Writers Fest

The Vancouver Writers Fest fosters a love for literature and intellectual discussions with its year-round events, encouraging appreciation for words and our surroundings. It connects people to the exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue through year-round programming that ignites a passion for words.

The 2023 Vancouver Writers Fest:
  • October 16-22, 2023​
  • Featured writers include Naomi Klein, Cherie Dimaline, Michael Crummey, Kai Thomas, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Patrick deWitt, John Vaillant, Rebecca Solnit, Celeste Ng, Aisha Harris, Lauren Groff, and many more
  • In-person and virtual events are available
  • Ticket prices run from $10-$25, with free and pay-what-you-can tickets available for some events
  • Events held at various locations around Vancouver
There are lots more events on our Arts & Culture page and Music & Movies page. Click below and check it out!