Carnaval del Sol is returning to Vancouver bigger and better than ever

Vancouver, mark your calendars, because the largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest is back for 2026.

Carnaval del Sol, presented by Latincouver, is taking over Jonathan Rogers Park from Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12, and it looks to be bigger, louder, and prouder than ever.

The event will bring together thousands of attendees and over 350 artists across three unforgettable days of music, food, fútbol, culture, and community. The festival will feature multiple themed plazas, immersive cultural experiences, family activities, and delicious food.

At the centre of it all is the iconic Plaza del Sol, a hub for concerts, cultural showcases, and non-stop energy from day to night.

Here’s a closer look at what to expect.

Welcome to Carnaval del Sol

Carnaval del Sol

On Friday, July 10, opening night kicks off with a concert headlined by iconic Mexican band El Gran Silencio. For the last 30 years, their iconic fusion of rock, reggae, cumbia, and Latin rhythms has wowed audiences across Mexico and the United States — and now Vancouver will get to host the band for the first time ever.

On July 11 and 12, the festivities kick off in full swing. Visit the Food Plaza to experience a culinary journey across Latin America, with traditional comfort foods, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks from a variety of countries.

Adults can kick things up a notch in the Beer Plaza, where DJs will spin Latin House, reggaeton, salsa remixes, and tropical beats all weekend long.

A plaza for everything

Carnaval del Sol

If a certain soccer – or fútbol – tournament has left you craving more sport, the dedicated Sports Plaza will feature daily soccer tournaments as part of the festival’s celebration of Latin passion, culture, and community connection. Watch teams proudly represent different countries as they showcase talent, teamwork, and cultural pride. And when you’re done, maybe indulge a little shopping over at the Artisan’s Plaza.

The She Latina Plaza will showcase women entrepreneurs and creators, while the Kids and Youth Plazas cater to family-friendly activities.

Meanwhile, Villa Cariño, a popular cumbia band from Chile, and Fulanito, a legendary Dominican-American hip-hop and merengue group, will bring their signature sounds to the Main Stage Plaza.

The Native Plaza will host a pre-Hispanic Juego de Pelota (a sacred ancient ballgame) experience that you don’t want to miss, and finally, the weekend wraps up with the colourful Latin American Parade on July 12.

Carnaval del Sol

This year’s theme is “Play Loud, Celebrate Proud — Together We Are Stronger,” which will see the festival embrace the energy, passion, and joy that unite Latin communities, while welcoming everyone to experience the rhythm, flavour, and spirit of Latin America.

Experience the festivities for yourself from July 10 to 12 at Jonathan Rogers Park in Vancouver.

Carnaval Del Sol 2026

Where: Jonathan Rogers Park, Vancouver
When: Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12
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Cost: Starting at $15 for a one-day general admission pass (July 11 or 12). Children aged 12 and under and seniors receive free admission. Opening Night Concert tickets are available separately for $60 in advance, or $75 at the entrance.