A dazzling free festival is lighting up Vancouver's Chinatown this weekend
A huge family-friendly festival reconnecting Vancouverites to Chinatown is happening this weekend, and foodies are especially in for a treat!
The third annual Light Up Chinatown! is happening from September 9 to 10 at 500 Columbia Street and neighbouring streets in the historic cultural neighbourhood.
Everyone is invited to enjoy live entertainment, a kid’s fun zone, and unique food collaborations during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Plus, there are some epic prizes to be won.
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“Vancouver’s Chinatown is brimming with rich history, unique culture, and home to many small businesses,” said Carol Lee, chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, in a release. “Light Up Chinatown! is a celebration of the neighbourhood’s spirit and a testament to the community’s resilience.”
“We’d like to extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us at Light Up Chinatown! and experience the colours, tastes, and sounds of this important historic neighbourhood.”
Light Up Chinatown!/Submitted
The festival is produced by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and co-hosted by the Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society, the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and the Chinese Cultural Centre.
Over 12,000 are expected to attend the two-day event, which features delectable collaborations between some of Chinatown’s most popular dining spots. Pairings exclusive to the festival include:
- Bao Bei and The Boss
- DD Mau and Boba Run
- Kam Wai and Treasure Green Tea
- Chinatown BBQ and Beaucoup Bakery
@ddmau/Instagram
A “Party of 5” pop-up skewer event is taking place on Saturday, September 9, at 127 East Pender. Restauranteurs from Chinatown and across the city are coming together for the evening of culinary appreciation, including Michelin star chef Pete Ho of Sumibiyaki Arashi and Doug Chang of Ai & Om Knives.
Light Up Chinatown! will be fully licensed for the first time, allowing attendees 19+ with a valid ID to enjoy beer, wine, and spirits while exploring the festival site.
Light Up Chinatown!/Submitted
Shoppers can visit local merchants to discover exclusive discounts throughout the neighbourhood. They can also collect stamps for a chance to win prizes such as tickets to see Beyonce and Coldplay at BC Place.
Other prizes up for grabs include a $500 Aritzia Gift Card, a Gourmet Warehouse gift basket, an Arc’teryx Backpack and Toque set, and tickets to PNE Fright Nights and the Vancouver Canucks.
Light Up Chinatown!
When: September 9 and 10, 2023
Time: 11 am to 9 pm (Saturday), 11 am to 6 pm (Sunday)
Where: 500 Columbia Street and neighbouring streets in Chinatown
Cost: Free
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