From the Polar Bear Swim on January 1 to the Festival of Lights in late December, festivals and other exciting events are happening all the time in Vancouver.
Remember that things do change, so be sure to confirm dates and times before making travel plans.
MAY 04
BMO Bank of Montreal Vancouver Marathon
Canada's largest marathon takes participants from BC Place Stadium through False Creek to Stanley Park and the Kitsilano neighbourhood.
604.872.2928
www.vanmarathon.ca
MAY 12 - 19
Vancouver International Children's Festival
Jam-packed with music, theatre, dance, storytelling, puppetry, circus arts and much more, the Vancouver International Children's Festival embodies the buoyant spirit and endless curiosity of children all over the world.
604.708.5655
www.childrensfestival.ca
MAY 16 - SEPTEMBER 07
The Chinatown Night Market
A shopping extravaganza featuring Asian traditional handicraft, fashionable gifts & tempt your taste buds with ethnic snacks. A shopping experience like never before - on every Fri, Sat & Sun.
604.632.3808
www.vancouver-chinatown.com/
MID-MAY
All British Field Meet of Classical Cars
More then 400 classic cars are displayed on the Great Lawn.
604.878.9274
www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website/index.htm
MAY 17 - SEPTEMBER 21
Bard on the Beach
Presented in a magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vancouver's Vanier Park, the 20th season of this Vancouver favourite will feature Twelfth Night, King Lear, Titus Andronicus and The Tempest.
604.739.0559
www.bardonthebeach.org
MAY 29 - SEPTEMBER 30
KRAZY! The Delirious World of Anime + Comics + Video Games + Art
The first major presentation to bring the worlds of contemporary comics, anime, manga, cartoons, graphic novels and video games together, KRAZY! Examines the important links between visual art and contemporary culture
604.662.4700
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
JUNE 04-14
Magnetic North Theatre Festival
This premier festival of new Canadian theatre is one of the most significant annual cultural events in the country. Magnetic North gives us the opportunity to share stories, to interpret history and times, and to explore how we see the world. The festival acts as an annual gathering place where long-lasting relationships are made and a catalyst to promote Canadian theatre touring throughout the country and internationally.
1.866.850.2787 ext 719
www.magneticnorthfestival.ca/index.html
JUNE 05-08
2008 Vancouver BG Triathlon World Championship
Whether you come out for the Triathlon Expo, to see the Athletic Wear, Sports Equipment and Health Food vendors during the week, the Kids triathlon, the AWAD Athletes, the best of the amateurs, or to cheer on the elite Olympians themselves, this event is not to be missed. It's free for all spectators, so come out and support the world's best Triathletes.
604.904.9248
www.triathlonvancouver.com/
MID-JUNE
Festival d'été francophone de Vancouver
One of the most acclaimed cultural rendezvous in French west of Ontario. The program reflects on the multicultural character of the international Francophonie. It happens in the purest traditional forms of Francophone summer festivals, with exterior stages set up in the heart of the city.
604.736.9806
www.lecentreculturel.com
JUNE 12 - JULY 06
Corteo - Cirque du Soleil
Corteo, which means "cortege" in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
1.800.678.2119 ext 7291
www.cirquedusoleil.com
JUNE 21-22
Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
The Festival has developed into one of Vancouver's most anticipated annual family summer events. Recognized as North America's biggest and best, the Festival is a true celebration of multiculturalism.
604.688.2382
JUNE 22
Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5K Run/Walk, "Canada's easiest scenic Half-Marathon - running past beaches, mountains in the background and finishing in Stanley Park - a net drop of 250 feet."
WWW.canadarunningseries.com/svhm/
LATE JUNE - EARLY AUGUST
Pride Season and Parade
Vancouver is known to have one of the nation's best known and welcoming Pride celebrations and continues to put on a brilliant parade for all. Join us in a celebration of our Pride and diversity on Sunday, August 3rd. With over?100 parade entries and over 380,000 spectators this is the MUST SEE event of the year.
604.687.0955
vancouverpride.ca
LATE JUNE - EARLY JULY
Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Some of the biggest names in jazz take the stage at 40 venues in the Vancouver area. In addition, a free, two-day New Orleans-style festival is held in historic Gastown and at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Presented by the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society.
604.872.5200
www.coastaljazz.ca
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