Vancouver comes alive throughout the year with a full roster of festivals that celebrate everything from arts and culture to food and music. Showcasing the city’s rich diversity, these festivals provide a plethora of opportunities for residents and visitors to come together, celebrate and bring forward the spirit of community.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
As the temperatures drop and Vancouverites seek warmth and comfort, the city transforms into a haven for chocolate enthusiasts. This delectable celebration, taking place from January 13 to February 14, transforms the winter chill into a season of sweet indulgence, where local chocolatiers, patisseries and cafes offer a diverse array of hot chocolate creations. Over 162 hot chocolate designs will be featured in 105 locations all over the city - ranging from traditional European-style hot chocolate to avant-garde blends using unique ingredients, each cup tells a story of creativity and discoveries.
The Just for Laughs Comedy Festival features a diverse range of comedic performances, including stand-up comedy, sketch shows, improv and more. Attracting top comedians and emerging talents from around the globe, JFL provides a platform for comedians to showcase their work and comedy fans an opportunity to enjoy a variety of performances. From February 15 to 24, big names including Bill Burr, Wanda Sykes, Marlon Wayans and Kathy Griffin will be bringing in the laughs to some of Vancouver’s live-show venues.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
The International Wine Festival had humble beginnings, with its roots dating back to the 1970’s. Over the decades, what started off as a small gathering of wine enthusiasts, has now evolved into one of the most anticipated and revered wine festivals in North America, showcasing wines from renowned vineyards across the continents. With hundreds of wineries in attendance, pouring samples of their finest vintages, it’s an opportunity to explore new varietals, discover emerging wine regions and engage in conversations with passionate winemakers. Each year, the festival shines a spotlight on a particular region, allowing participants to delve deep into its unique terroir and winemaking traditions. Running from February 24 to March 3, the 45th Vancouver International Wine Festival will feature Italy as the theme country.
