In the heart of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown—one of the oldest in North America and an important piece of Canada’s multicultural fabric—TD Vancouver Chinatown Festival is a celebration of the neighbourhood’s unique history and community. 

Reflecting Chinatown’s diversity, the festival will feature multicultural live entertainment like salsa dancing, an all-Asian comedy set, and music performances, as well as an eclectic lineup of craft vendors and food vendors such as Disco Cheetah and DD Mau Chinatown—a beloved Vietnamese eatery that has finally re-opened after suffering massive flooding last year. 

A brand new app, Visit Chinatown BIA, will be the go-to source for all things festival-related including schedules, artist profiles, vendor lists, and more.

The free and family-friendly weekend will also be filled with fun daytime activities like a new augmented reality scavenger hunt featuring Chinatown’s beloved “Van Van” mascot via the Visit Chinatown BIA app, and a giant Mahjong tile game (lessons are on hand for those who don’t know how to play or need a refresher). Limited Edition 20th Anniversary Special Access Passes are also available via the app, giving festival-goers exclusive bonuses like free admission to select attractions including the Chinatown Storytelling Centre and Science World, special offers from local businesses, and a tote bag! 

TD Vancouver Chinatown Festival is also a great way to discover all the wonders the historic neighbourhood has to offer. Within just a few blocks, you can find everything from hip fashion boutiques, cocktail bars, and plant-based restaurants to live music venues, gardens (the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first of its kind built outside of China), and legacy businesses.

Both BC Place and Science World will be illuminated in red on July 16 and 17 to honour TD Vancouver Chinatown Festival and its milestone 20th anniversary.