The event features a popular dumpling-eating competition, where sponsors, local politicians and attendees compete.
From Korean mandu and Chinese jiaozi to Nepalese momos and Italian ravioli, the BC Dumpling Festival is once again inviting Metro Vancouver to celebrate one of the world’s favourite pocket-sized comfort foods.
The festival, set to return to Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park on Aug. 15, is one of the region’s largest multicultural food festivals with an attendance of around 40,000 people for its fifth year.
But the festival isn’t just about food.
Launched by the Asian Arts & Culture Society, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was created to bring people together through culture, conversation and shared meals. It began as a grassroots initiative, and has become a hallmark Metro Vancouver event that showcases diversity through food, music and community.
“This year we chose to honour China,” says Gina Chong, Asian Arts & Culture Society founder and BC Dumpling Festival organizer. “Every year we celebrate a different country, and we try to focus a little bit more on that country that we’re celebrating in terms of performances.”
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will host 23 food vendors, 12 food trucks, more than 70 community vendors and upwards of 150 performers taking the stage throughout the day along with more than 230 volunteers.
Lion dance performances will kick off the festivities, followed by the always-popular dumpling eating competition, where sponsors and local politicians compete in the opening round before 10 members of the public, selected through Instagram, battle it out in the second round.
“We have actually more food vendors this year than any other year,” Chong adds. “It’s going to be very, very busy.”
This year, a number of new dumpling shops are taking lines, including Naked Mandu, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, Fat Dragon Eatery, May Wei and Fraser Bar dumplings, alongside returning favourites serving dumplings inspired by cultures from around the world.
This year’s theme features a Chinese Pavillion
In addition to the food, this year’s China themed programming features a Chinese Pavilion, cultural exhibits, events at the Chinese Consulate, and the chance to play traditional Chinese game Mahjong with the Vancouver Mahjong Club.
There are many activities for the kids as well including face painting, arts and crafts and (temporary) tattoos.
Entertainment throughout the day includes performances by the Hong De Vancouver Dragon & Lion Dance Team, BC Chinese Chamber Ensemble, 88 Beats Dance Studio, Spark88, Next Move Dance Company, Mamakeish, A3 District Dance Studio, taekwondo demonstrations and evening headliner COCO Project.
The full schedule will be released soon on the event website.
Despite an increase in operating expenses and sponsorship issues, the festival continues to operate free of charge. Organizers say the event has been made affordable for all through community support and volunteers.
From the dumpling eating competitions to the performances, the festival continues to fulfill its original mission of bringing people together, whether they come to hear the music, to eat dumplings or simply to spend a summer day with the community.
BC Dumpling Festival 2026
When: Aug. 15, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Admission: free