Vancouver Events and Festivals

(Vancouver, British Columbia - BC, Canada)

Vancouver has a well-deserved reputation as an impressive city of arts and cultures, hosting many popular events and festivals throughout the year. For the latest listings of events, festivals and general things to do in Vancouver, be sure to check the local newspapers and visit Vancouver's tourist information centers.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in February - Family Day (Alberta)
• Monday closest to 17th March - St. Patrick's Day (Newfoundland)
• March or April - Good Friday and Easter Monday
• Monday closest to 23rd April - St. George's Day (Newfoundland)
• Monday before 24th May - Victoria Day
• 24th June - Fete Nationale / St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec)
• 1st July - Canada Day (known as Memorial Day in Newfoundland)
• Monday closest to 13th July - Orangeman's Day (Newfoundland)
• First Monday in August - Civic Holiday
• Third Monday in August - Discovery Day (Yukon)
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Thanksgiving
• 11th November - Remembrance Day
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 26th December - Boxing Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Annual Polar Bear Swim - January 1st, locals take to the waters at English Bay Beach for the sole purpose of braving the extreme temperatures, which are generally around 8°C / 46°F to 9°C / 48°F. Many spectators turn up to observe this ritual of madness, at which the atmosphere is always jovial

February

• Vancouver International Boat Show - early February, this annual event is the biggest and oldest show of its kind in Western Canada. Expect to see displays of modern and classic vessels as well as innovations in equipment and accessories

March

• Pacific Rim Whale Festival - held just outside of Vancouver in nearby Tofino, this annual event celebrates the annual migration of some 24,000 grey whales on their way past the West Coast. Expect to see boat races, parades, art shows, live musical performances and more

April

• International Wine Festival - Lovers of the fermented grape will be in their element at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, which sees more than 40 events held at a range of venues across the city. Expect wine tasting and talks and discussions involving some 150 different wineries from 15 countries

May

• International Children's Festival - Beginning the last week of the month and running into June, this annual event is a must for the young and young at heart. Expect to see theatrical performances, dance exhibitions and puppet shows from a variety of international performers

June

• International Jazz Festival - late June, this 10-day event is one of Canada's biggest jazz festivals and features many of the world's top jazz performers. Highlights include the best in live jazz music and performances on 40 stages spread across the city, while in Vancouver's Gastown district there is a two-day street festival

July

• Caribbean Days Festival - late July, the Caribbean Days festival is held at North Shore's Waterfront Park and is a two-day celebration of the best of Caribbean culture. Expect live music and dance performances as well as some tasty food and interesting tropical beverages

August

• Victoria Fringe Theater Festival - late August to September, this is one of Canada's oldest and best fringe festivals and it features a myriad of different stages, with shows running from noon to 24:00. Attractions include the best in alternative comedy, music and dance

September

• Vancouver International Film Festival - film buffs from around the city and beyond assemble to view the best in movies from independent directors across the globe. Some 300 movies from 50 countries air at 17 participating theaters

October

• International Writers Festival - mid to late October, this popular five-day literary event sees more than 60 authors, both well-known and up-and-coming, who assemble at venues around Vancouver's Granville area to give readings and talks to enthusiastic audiences

November

• Aboriginal Film and Video Festival - early November, this annual affair is a celebration of works by Native Canadians and some of the world's most talented indigenous people

December

• Festival of Lights - held at Vancouver's Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, this annual event sees more than 20,000 spectacularly beautiful lights and displays add a festive ambiance to an already beautiful setting