Light Up Chinatown! Festival Returns with Food, Entertainment and Family-Friendly Fun

Bring your appetite for good food and fun to the annual Light Up Chinatown! festival, which returns this summer. When you go to the fest, you’ll discover that Light Up Chinatown! lives up to its name. It’s about celebrating Chinatown’s rich history and culture, but also about supporting unique local restaurants and shops that make the neighbourhood so vibrant today.

When and Where is Light Up Chinatown! 2026

Light Up Chinatown!, one of the city’s most beloved festivals, is happening August 8th from 11am to 7pm and August 9th from 11am to 5pm. The main activities take place on Columbia Street, between East Pender and Keefer Street, but everyone is very much encouraged to explore the rest of the area.

Entertainment at Light Up Chinatown! Festival

The Light Up Chinatown! festival, organized by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, has a packed and exciting line-up of entertainment, with more on the way. Over the two days, musical artists, dancers and cultural performers will take to the stage. Look out for the Jin Wah Chinese Opera, which features elaborate costumes and dramatic make-up in their performances. DJ Niña Mendoza will get the crowd dancing while Circus West will wow everyone with their acrobatics. Other highlights include the Goh Ballet, as well as singers Marie Hui and Krystle Dos Santos.

Eats at Light Up Chinatown!

When you attend the Light Up Chinatown! festival, be prepared to eat! On site, they’ll have a bunch of tasty food features from famous chefs and local restaurants, like Chef Deseree Lo from Top Chef Canada, DD Mau and Street Hawker.

You’ll want to make a beeline for Chinatown BBQ, which will again sell a limited edition baked treat in collaboration with Beaucoup Bakery. Another returning favourite will be a Hong Kong snack bar takeover by Dicky’s Dumps at Say Hey Cafe & Deli.

The festival is also a great chance to try one of the many restaurants in Chinatown, a big foodie neighbourhood. People come from all over town to feast at Juke Fried Chicken, known for their crunchy, gluten-free fried chicken.

Or, make a stop at Torafuku, which received a MICHELIN recommendation for their inventive pan-Asian cooking. Their spicy fried egg noodles with prawns hit the spot.

Family-Friendly Activities at Light up Chinatown! Festival

Besides great food and live entertainment, there will be plenty of other activities that the whole family can enjoy. The Community Kids Zone is where little ones can get their faces painted as well as make crafts.

And if you like taking part in contests, you can participate in the Passport Program. It involves going on a scavenger hunt, collecting stamps and getting to know local businesses. You could win Rogers Arena concert tickets or a gift certificate to a local eatery.

Other Fun and Educational Things to Do in Chinatown

Chinatown is home to two really important museums, both devoted to Chinese Canadian history. The Chinatown Storytelling Centre brings the past to life by sharing the stories of Chinese Canadians. Meanwhile, the Chinese Canadian Museum celebrates Chinese Canadian contributions, from fighting in WWII to making Cantopop a world-wide success.

For some tranquility away from the Chinatown festival, head to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, to wander its many pathways, admiring the greenery and elegant pavilions.

Where to Stay for Light Up Chinatown!

You’ll probably want a hotel close to all the action of Light Up Chinatown! Hotel Willo is within strolling distance to Chinatown. The rooms have been recently revamped, with access to a fitness zone and a rooftop patio.

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver gives you a lux stay within a casino complex, complete with a spa, fitness centre and Aqua Lounge. The hotel is near Chinatown, city stadiums and the rest of downtown.

After a day at the Light Up Chinatown! festival, you’ll return to your hotel with memories of food, culture and community spirit.