Huge block parties closing Metro Vancouver roads this weekend
The last weekend of summer has arrived, and several large-scale events are closing roads across Metro Vancouver.
From cultural street festivals to culinary block parties, this weekend will be a busy one across the region. Commuters and residents are being warned of potential traffic impacts.
To help you navigate Metro Vancouver and get you to the festivities smoothly, here are the events and street closures this weekend to be aware of.
Fire Dragon Festival (Kristopher Jonathan/Instagram)
The annual Fire Dragon Festival, presented by Chinatown Celebration Society, is on Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20.
You can meet the artists in residence on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., including Bagua Artist Association, Steven Dragonn, and Sifu Michael Tan from Chau Luen Athletics, to ask questions about the Fire Dragon as well as the festival.
Then on Saturday at 7 p.m., the ceremony and main parade commence on Carrall Street in Chinatown.
The Fire Dragon Festival parade will wind its way down Keefer Street before ending at the Chinatown Memorial Plaza on Columbia Street.
Expect road closures in the area to facilitate the procession and activities throughout the late afternoon and evening, though emergency vehicle access will be maintained.
An aerial view of North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
On Sept. 21, the Shipyards Festival will coincide with Car-Free Day North Vancouver, presented by TransLink.
Carrie Cates at the bottom of Lonsdale will be transformed into a “pedestrian paradise,” and the event is expected to draw a huge crowd of visitors.
Road closures and parking impacts are expected in the area, including the 100 block of East 1st Street (between Lonsdale Avenue and St. George’s Avenue), which will be closed to vehicle traffic.
The massive annual event will be filled with live concerts, a brewery district festival, activations by local businesses, food trucks, and more.
Mount Pleasant BIA
Also happening on Saturday, Sept. 20, is the End of Summer Block Party, hosted by the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area (MPBIA), at 11th Avenue and Kingsway.
The free community celebration on the 300 block of East 11th Avenue features dining, shopping, kids’ activities, and live entertainment. And it promises to be a great way to celebrate the last weekend of summer.
Guests can enjoy Italian bites from Sprezzatura and Farmhouse Restaurant, and Indian snacks from Chai Wagon.
There will also be a Vin Van Wine Bar pop-up and Main St. Brewing beer on site. And all ages can enjoy cool treats from Kobo Ice Cream.
Fire Dragon Festival
When: Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. (Friday), 7 p.m. (Saturday)
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Shipyards Festival and Car Free Day North Vancouver
When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Time: Noon to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards and East 1st Avenue, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Mount Pleasant End of Summer Block Party
When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Kingsway and 11th Avenue
Cost: Free
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