Light Up Chinatown is back for its fifth year running — turning the iconic Vancouver neighbourhood into a vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine, and community.
The free two-day festival, running from Aug. 16 to Aug. 17 on the 500-block of Columbia Street, will feature dazzling live performances, lantern-lit streets, bold street food, and chances to win some awesome prizes.
This year, the crowd-favourite Hawkers Lane Street Food will also be making a comeback, with seven top Vancouver restaurants serving up street-style eats inspired by Asia’s bustling night markets.
Guests can look forward to limited-edition food collaborations created by beloved spots in Chinatown and beyond. Don’t miss the Juke Fried Chicken and Say Hey Cafe’s collab — the “Spicy Fried Chicken Hoagie” — only available at Light Up Chinatown.
Catch some live music over at the Odlum Brown Main Stage at the intersection of Columbia and Keefer, with performances from local talents like Kristina Lao, DJ May Q, and The Phonix Band. There will also be exciting acts from Chinese Opera, CircusWest, Le Plaisir Dance Society, and more.
Bringing the little ones? There will be a Kids Zone with games, crafts, and selfie stations, so be sure to check it out.
You can also expect limited-time deals and offerings from over 50 small businesses around the neighbourhood. Don’t forget to grab a Chinatown Passport at the Passport Tent at Pender & Columbia — collect eight stamps from participating businesses for a chance to win amazing prizes like tickets to see John Legend at Rogers Arena, BC Lions games, Grouse Mountain passes, gift cards, and more.
So come out, celebrate, and soak up the energy of Chinatown’s most vibrant weekend of the year. Have fun!
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, to Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Where: 500-block Columbia Street
Time:
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
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