8 great Asian Heritage Month events to check out in Vancouver
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time to discover and reflect on the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage. Across Vancouver, numerous fun events are being held in celebration.
From concerts to mural tours and a tea festival, here are eight Asian Heritage Month events to check out in Metro Vancouver this month.
Vancouver Hong Kong Fair
@hkhouseofficial/Instagram
What: The annual Vancouver Hong Kong Fair, presented by HK House, is the biggest Hong Konger cultural celebration in Canada. Guests can visit the free event to learn about the region’s Hong Konger community while checking out the numerous vendors in the HKer cultural market for $3.50.
When: May 11, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free for general event, $3.50 for HKer cultural market
Ikebana & Bonsai Show
What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is hosting the Ikebana & Bonsai Show in May. Join the Vancouver Ikebana Association in its 60th anniversary celebration with an exhibition, demonstrations, and workshops. There will also be Bonsai materials, pots, and stands available for purchase to bring home.
When: May 24 and 25, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby
Cost: Free
ExplorAsian Festival Opening Reception
What: The 29th anniversary of the ExplorAsian Festival begins with an opening ceremony filled with art displays, music, live performances and more. Discover artists from China, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and India while learning how they share their traditions and artistic expressions.
When: May 10, 2025
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 550 West Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: $70, purchase online
Asian Heritage Month at Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver Art Gallery
What: Vancouver Art Gallery is celebrating Asian Heritage Month with a variety of programs and events. Catch a live performance of Vancouver–based, interdisciplinary arts company Hong Kong Exile, go on a public tour of the gallery in Mandarin and Punjabi, explore the new feature exhibition Otani Workshop: Monsters in My Head, and more throughout May.
When: Various dates in May
Time: Various times
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Tickets: Purchase online
East Meets West – A Musical Fusion of Cultures
What: The Iranian Arts Centre and the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra are collaborating for a special concert that celebrates the rich melodies of Eastern traditions and the symphonic music of the West. The performance will feature the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra with conductor Jin Zhang, Iranian vocalist Sina Sarlak, and music composed by Kambiz Roshanravan.
When: May 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Massey Theatre — 735 Eighth Ave. New Westminster
Tickets: Starting at $45, purchase online
Vancouver Chinatown Mural Walks
What: The creators of the Suzhou Alley Women’s Mural, a commemorative mural and storytelling project that highlights the contributions of women who have helped shape Vancouver’s Chinatown over the last 100 years, are hosting mural walks during Asian Heritage Month.
Attendees of the pay-what-you-can tour will learn about the people and stories behind the various murals in the historic neighbourhood. Tours will be offered in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
When: May 10, 24 and 31, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 565 Columbia St., Vancouver
Cost: Pay-what-you-can, purchase online
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Tea Festival: Tea For All
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (one pony/Shutterstock)
What: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is bringing together tea professionals, tea vendors and tea lovers to celebrate the joy of tea. Learn about the traditions and cultures of tea, sample products from local makers, and listen to live music from B.C. Chinese Music during the festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own small teacup with them.
When: May 17, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — 578 Carrall St., Vancouver
Cost: $12 to $15, free for Garden Annual Pass holders. Purchase online
Staircase Sounds: Orchid Ensemble
What: Juno-nominated Orchid Ensemble wraps up the first season of Staircase Sounds with a live concert that spotlights its Taiwanese roots while mixing in influences from Chinese, Indian, Jewish, and Central Asian music.
When: May 24, 2025
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Central Library — 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Admission: Free