Celebrate all things Japanese-Canadian at the Powell Street Festival 2015

Rich in history, the Powell Street Festival aims to celebrate all things Japanese-Canadian. Powell Street is a historically Japanese-Canadian area, both economically and residentially, after large numbers of Japanese people immigrated to Vancouver during the 1920s.

In pre-internment times, the area was known as Poweru Gai, which literally translates to Powell Street.

Since 1977, the festival has emulated itself on traditional Japanese festivals known as Matsuri. In addition to being a platform for Asian-Canadian arts performers to showcase their talents, the festival engages the broader community through fun cultural activities, volunteer opportunities and, of course, delicious food.

Some of this years events include taiko drumming, sumo wrestling, martial arts, bonsai and ikebana, folk and modern dance, alternative pop/rock/urban music, visual arts, film/video, as well as historical walking tours, tea ceremonies and a fantastic array of Japanese food, crafts, & displays.

For a full list of events, click here.

Powell Street Festival 2015

Where: Various locations. Click here for a complete list of venues.

When: Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2

Cost: FREE!

Website: powellstreetfestival.com