More than 350 performers at the City of Bhangra Festival

May 16 2017, 12:43 am

The City of Bhangra Festival is hitting up both Vancouver and Surrey this June.

Taking place at various venues from June 11 to 17, the unique festival will showcase the best in creative performances, cutting edge art, and conversations celebrating Bhangra – the Punjabi folk arts.

Performance/City of Bhangra Festival

Organized by non-profit the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society (VIBC), the City of Bhangra Festival is set to feature an array of events including a world premiere at the Reel Bhangra Short Film Festival.

This year’s theme is ‘Intersections’ and it aims to recognize both diversity and interconnectedness in culture and community. You can see this for yourself by attending one of the many inspiring events taking place in the two cities this June.

Here are some of the cool things you can check out over the six day festival.

Reel Bhangra

This two-hour evening of film will highlight the voice of young South Asians in cinema by showing some several short films. This includes a number of entries from the Global Bhangra Video competition and the world-premiere of Hidden World of Bhangra – a documentary produced by Delhi 2 Dublin and funded by TELUS.

When: June 12, 7 – 9 pm
Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street
Price: $14 – tickets available through Reel Bhangra

Rupi Kaur with guests

Feminist author, poet, multi-media artist, and international phenomenon, Kaur has been called the voice of her generation. Now you have a chance to see her on her only stop in Canada this year. Baltimore-based singer, Beya Likhari will be opening for Kaur’s spoken word performance.

When: June 14, 7 – 9:30 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street
Price: $30 + service charges – tickets available through TicketFly

Bhangra: WE

Join a panel of artists, musicians, and writers of all genders, as they discuss and explore the complexity of their identities as young South Asian change makers. This follows the success of last year’s panel Bhangra: SHE.

When: June 15, 6 – 9 pm
Where: Kwantlen Polytechnic University- 12666 72 Avenue, Surrey
Price: Free

Intersessions

Admire the work of all of the artists featured in the festival in an intimate space. Each artist will have the stage for 10-15 minutes to perform, collaborate, or show a short film to the audience. This will be held immediately before the annual Jaloos event and in the same space.

When: June 16
Where: Fortune Night Club – 147 East Pender Street
Price: TBD

Jaloos

This all female musical night is returning to the City of Bhangra festival for its second year and it’s set to be an amazing evening. Baltimore’s Beya Likhari and San Diego’s Sabrina will be performing and a mini art show curated by the dontdoze collective and Monica Cheema will be accompanying the music.

When: June 16, 8 – 10 pm
Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 East Pender Street
Price: $15 – tickets available through MyShowPass

Downtown Bhangra

This year, Vancouver’s biggest backyard party is coming to the heart of Surrey. The free open-air concert will feature a range of programming, food, and crafts. Oh, there will be more than 200 local, national and international superstars there to get you dancing, too.

When: June 17, 12 – 8 pm
Where: Surrey City Plaza – 13450 102 Avenue Surrey
Price: Free

Bhangra Heavyweights 

Finish the festival off in style in Vancouver at North America’s biggest Bhangra party. With more than 500 expected to attend, the event will feature DJ Khanvict, DJ Impact, and J. Statik, spinning the latest bhangra and urban beats.

When: June 17, 9 am – 2 pm
Where: Club 560 – 560 Seymour Street
Price: MyShowPass$15  – tickets available through


For more information, check out the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of the City of Bhangra Festival

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

+ Listed
ADVERTISEMENT