The biggest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest is celebrating 15 years! Enjoy a series of sensational experiences and the popular Carnaval del Sol festival at a brand new location, presented by Latincouver.
Carnaval del Sol 2023
When: July 7 – 9, 2023
Where: David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
One and two-day passes range from $15–$30, with FREE admission for kids under 12 and seniors 65+. A two-day VIP Experience Pass for $60 includes access to the Culinary Experience Plaza (with live chef demos), fast-track access to the Beer Plaza, an invitation to the VIP Plaza (where cocktail tastings, private washrooms and optimal main stage views are available) plus other perks.
Festivities kick off with a spectacular opening night concert, exclusively for adults aged 19 and above. This neon-themed party will feature five DJs, a drag show featuring performances inspired by famous Latin American pop stars, delicious snacks from La Taqueria, and refreshing alcoholic beverages from Topo Chico and Granville Island Brewing (including a limited-edition Carnaval del Sol anniversary cerveza!). Tickets from $30 per person (online in advance). 10% of ticket sales from this event will be donated to Latinos y Amigos, an organization dedicated to supporting the Vancouver Latin LGBTQ2+ community.
Throughout the weekend, more than 400 performers will take to the stage, showcasing Latin rock, salsa, merengue and other performances. The festival also boasts nine plazas, each offering opportunities to engage with the culture, and with other members and friends of the community.
In the Food Plaza, indulge in mouthwatering delights from 22 food vendors representing 11 different countries, serving up more than 30 distinct Latin American dishes, including empanadas, tacos, arepas, tequeños, paella, and much more.
In the Market Plaza, browse through an array of products, including traditional spices and delicacies alongside clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and artwork.
In the Kids Plaza, children can take part in music workshops, games, face painting, and more.
Immerse yourself in an evening of passion, rhythm, and cultural fusion on Thursday, July 13th with Tango & Flamenco Moments. Tango Rumba from Montréal and the multiple award-winning Flamenco Rosario will ignite the stage with dance performances that will transport attendees to the heart of the captivating cultures of Argentina and Spain. This festive evening will have delectable gastronomy and handcrafted cocktails at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay. Completing the sensory experience is a feast of authentic Spanish paella prepared by local caterer Paella Guys, alongside handcrafted Argentinian sangria. The fun begins at 7:00pm.
Win Tango & Flamenco Tickets
We have a pair of tickets to give away to Tango & Flamenco Moments on July 13th. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Welcome to summer in Vancouver! The first weekend of the season has some local staples – like the 35th Dragon Boat Festival and free jazz festival shows – along with new activities and festivities. Find these events and many more things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
Weekend Events in Vancouver Things to do June 16-18, 2023
The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society (VCBIA) presents the 21st Vancouver Chinatown Festival. This free two-day family-friendly community celebration will feature live entertainment, giant mahjong, kids corner with a display by Vancouver Aquarium, artisans’ market, food trucks, and an opportunity to experience a special Historical Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour.
Vancouver Chinatown Festival 2023
When: Saturday, July 15 & Sunday, July 16, 2023 11:00am to 6:00pm
Where: Keefer and Columbia Street
Admission: Free!
The festival‘s new artisans’ market gives space to local arts and crafts makers and food vendors space to showcase their wares. Shop Bon Mano Bon, Doodles by Naomi Studios Inc., Ember Hong Kong Barbeque, Holy Duck Chili, Humblebee Meadery, Minimakers, Inc., Ollie & Co., Sweet U Bakery, and Wisconsin Ginseng Co.
Confirmed live entertainment acts include an eye dotting and lion dance by the Mah Society, with more to be announced. Festival-goers who want to learn even more about Vancouver Chinatown can join its Historical Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour, hosted by Bob Sung from A Wok Around, which will be conducted four times per day on the Saturday and Sunday. First come, first serve.
While guests are encouraged to support the surrounding Vancouver Chinatown restaurants and cafes, for those looking to enjoy something quick and fresh, eight food trucks will be stationed by the main stage at Keefer Street and Columbia. The food trucks this year include Chickpea Food Truck, Hugs Mini Donuts, Indish Foods Inc., Juicy Green Express Inc., Say Hello Sweets, and Tokyo Katsu-sand.
The VCBIA is also bringing back their popular “Where’s Van Van the panda” contest on Instagram, where participants can share photos of where Van Van has been to win prizes. Visit the Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society on Facebook for more community updates.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of the Vancouver Chinatown Festival
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by the West End BIA Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
Things to do in the West End: A day with Miss604 is a three-part summer series, in partnership with the West End BIA, showcasing all the wonderful, delicious, and engaging things to do around this iconic Vancouver neighbourhood.
There is no other neighbourhood in Vancouver that’s bordered by our bustling downtown, the ocean on two sides, and a 1,001 acre park on the other. Over 47,000 people call the West End home, including myself for the last 18 years, and there are hundreds of restaurants, cafes, shops, and services that cater to locals and visitors alike.
It’s one of the city’s best-loved and most popular destinations and over the past century, the three commercial streets of Davie, Denman and Robson have connected everything together.
A Day with Miss604
Start your day off with coffee and a breakfast bite at Cardero Cafe & Latin Snackery (1060 Cardero Street). Their coffee is some of the best in the city and they just launched a new Green Breakfast Croissant with spinach that’s really delicious. Enjoy the ambiance of quiet neighbourhood street and the lush greenery all around the sidewalk patio. You can also shop their variety of Latin treats (their tamales are a staple in our house).
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by FunRichmond Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
The Steveston Salmon Festival, a Richmond tradition for the last 76 years, returns Saturday, July 1st. Once again it’s set to be a grand celebration of the spirit of the community with a parade, family activities, fireworks, and lots of amazing food!
Steveston Salmon Festival Parade – City of Richmond Photo
Steveston Salmon Festival and Parade
When: Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 9:30am to 10:30pm
Where: The festival will take place across multiple city blocks, stretching from Steveston Village to Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site.
Spanning from Britannia Shipyards to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, festival-goers are invited to enjoy the day-long program which will feature live music, exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on activities and the return of the popular Canada Day parade.
Also returning will be the Chow Mein Booth, Japanese Cultural Show, Art Show and Sammy’s Fun Zone where there will be plenty of kid-friendly activities and performances to enjoy throughout the day. Celebratory fireworks will conclude the night at Imperial Landing at 10:15pm.
Food at the Stevestion Salmon Festival – City of Richmond Photo
“The Steveston Salmon Festival is one of Richmond’s most popular and enduring events,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We are delighted to have it return to a full program and parade for the first time since 2019. The festival has been popular for over seven decades. We encourage the community to come together once again to celebrate the spirit of Steveston and its rich fishing history.”
Steveston Salmon Festival Highlights
Kids’ Bike Parade: a fun opportunity for children to cycle the big parade route to the cheers and encouragement of the waiting crowds before the floats take off. Starting at 9:30am.
The Pancake Breakfast will be at 8:00am in the Steveston Community Centre parking lot on July 1st. Enjoy some fluffy pancakes while waiting for the parade to start.
Community Food Stations and food vendors: featuring an array of locally-made cuisine for all tastes including food trucks and participating Community Food Stations from the Steveston Japanese Language School, the Steveston Judo Club and the popular Chow Mein Booth.
Japanese Cultural Show: representing and celebrating the Japanese community’s contributions to the fabric of Steveston.
Marketplace: featuring local vendors and goods.
Spirit of Steveston Entertainment Zone: with live performances by Orchard Sky and Warren Dean Flandez, food vendors and local beer and wine.
Sammy’s Fun Zone: featuring family-friendly performances and hands-on activities in Steveston Park.
“We’re so excited for the return of the popular Canada Day parade this year,” said Alan Sakai, Chair of The Steveston Salmon Festival Committee. “Richmond residents will be in for a treat as there will be more than 70 floats on display, making it the largest Canada Day parade in the region. The festival is all about community and we’re looking forward to bringing everyone together to celebrate with a range of cultural activities, delicious food, and entertainment for all ages.”
Good eats at the Steveston Salmon Festival – FunRichmond Photo
Festival goers are encouraged to use public transportation, walk or ride their bike to the Festival. Parking is limited throughout the day and road closures will be in effect in and around Steveston Village from 8:00am to 6:00pm. A complimentary shuttle and wheel watch (bike storage) will also be available.
