Light Up Chinatown! 2026

Organized by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, the festival occupies the 500-block of Columbia Street and surrounding areas. This year’s celebration continues the mission of drawing visitors back to the neighborhood through family-friendly entertainment and community-led initiatives. The event features the Odlum Brown Main Stage, which hosts diverse cultural acts ranging from the Hon Hsing Athletic Club and Goh Ballet to contemporary music by The Phonix Band and Marie Hui.

Food is a major draw, centered around the Hawkers Lane experience which brings together prominent chefs for Asian street food. Unique collaborations between local establishments, such as Beaucoup Bakery and Chinatown BBQ, offer exclusive menu items only available during the festival. Visitors can also participate in the Chinatown Passport Program, an exploration initiative where collecting stamps from local vendors across 16 blocks provides chances to win prizes like concert tickets and outdoor gear.

Additional amenities include a Community Kids Zone with mini-golf and activities from the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. For adults, there is a 19+ licensed area and a Mahjong Garden for social play. The festival is supported by the Vancouver Police Department and private security to ensure a safe environment for the expected crowds, which have historically reached upwards of 20,000 attendees.