Massive parade will cause road closures in Metro Vancouver this weekend
The 54th annual Hyack Multicultural Parade and Festival returns to New Westminster this weekend, and local residents and commuters are being warned of traffic disruptions in the area.
The province’s largest family-oriented parade, presented by the Hyack Festival Association, takes place in New Westminster on Saturday, May 23 and includes dozens of colourful and free family activities and entertainment.
Several major Uptown New West streets will be closed for the festivities, with organizers even providing attendees a guide on where to park so they don’t get a ticket.
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The parade begins at 11 a.m. at the intersection of 8th Avenue and 6th Street. It will then head down 6th Street before turning left onto Queens Avenue and past this year’s festival area at Tipperary Park. It will then turn north on 1st Street and into Queens Park at 3rd Avenue.
Expect neighbourhood streets to be closed to the public for parade staging early on Saturday, until all participants have cleared the area. In past years, the road closures included:
- 8th Avenue between 6th Street and 10th Street
- 8 th Street between 6th Avenue and 10th Avenue
- Edinburgh Street between 10th Street and 8th Street
- Dublin Street between 10th Street and 8th Street
- London Street between 10th Street and 8th Street
- 6th Street between 8th Avenue and 10th Avenue (Southbound only)
- Queens Avenue between 6th and 1st Street
- 1st Street between Queens Avenue and Emory
Hyack Festival Association
“No parking” signs and barricades will also be set up in the staging area and along the parade route.
Those driving to the parade have several spots to park without impeding the procession. The Hyack Festival Association identified the Royal City Centre, Westminster Centre, and Belmont Parkade as ideal spaces.
There will also be free local street parking, though for non-residents, there is a maximum of two hours before you risk getting a ticket.
Organizers also highly recommended that attendees take transit to the events and activities.
Hyack Festival Association
Thousands of attendees are expected to attend and participate in inclusive, diverse, intergenerational, and multicultural activities during this year’s Hyack Parade and Festival in the Park.
During the afternoon family-friendly event at Tipperary Park, guests will be able to enjoy live music, dine at various food trucks, and visit the vendors and artisans on-site.
Hyack Festival and Parade
When: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: Parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festival from 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at 8th Avenue and 6th Street. The festival takes place at Tipperary Park in New Westminster
Cost: Free