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The Vancouver Chinatown Festival is returning for its 24th year this summer, bringing two days of performances, cultural programming, family activities, and local vendors to the heart of the neighbourhood.
The free annual event, organized by the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society, will once again take over Keefer and Columbia streets with programming spread across multiple stages and activity zones throughout the weekend.
The Main Stage lineup will kick off with a grand opening ceremony and a lion dance before giving way to a mix of musical and cultural performances that reflect the diversity of the city and the neighbourhood.
Among the performers this year are the B.C. Chinese Chamber Ensemble, which blends traditional and contemporary Chinese music, Vancouver Okinawa Taiko’s energetic drum performances, and the George Nie Jazz Duo, which combines American jazz standards with influences from the golden era of Chinese jazz. Festival-goers can also catch performances from the UBC Thunderbird Marching Band, the Canto Lounge Trio, the Vancouver Chinese Choir Association, and local pop and rock group Rain City 6, which will close out the festivities.
Dance performances will span a range of styles and traditions, including Chinese cultural dance, Filipino folk dance, K-pop choreography, hip hop, and street dance showcases. Audience participation may also come with a reward, as attendees who take part in select activities will be entered for a chance to win tickets to Cirque du Soleil.
New this year is the addition of Sichuan face-changing performances, known as Bian Lian, a centuries-old art form from Sichuan Opera in which performers appear to swap masks in an instant.
Families can expect an expanded children’s area featuring interactive programming, alongside returning favourites including lion dance and drumming workshops. Face painting, balloon twisting, t-shirt decorating, origami, carnival games, and appearances from festival mascot Van Van the Panda will also be available throughout the weekend.
The festival’s Cultural Zone will once again offer opportunities to learn more about Chinatown’s history and traditions through walking tours, calligraphy and painting demonstrations, paper-lantern and fan-making, giant mahjong games, henna art, and other hands-on activities.
Meanwhile, Keefer Street’s artisan market will showcase local makers and food vendors, offering another excuse to wander through the festival with a snack in hand.
Visitors are also encouraged to take part in the return of the “Where’s Van Van the Panda?” scavenger hunt. By following clues posted on the Visit Chinatown Instagram account and locating the panda mascot at participating businesses, participants can earn admission to some of the neighbourhood’s best-known cultural attractions, including the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the Chinese Canadian Museum, and the Chinatown Storytelling Centre.
When: July 25 and 26
Where: Keefer and Columbia
Admission: Free