Lunar New Year parade closing major Vancouver roads this weekend | Daily Hive

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The 52nd Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade is happening this weekend to commemorate the Year of the Horse, and with it comes a slew of road closures.

The Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver has announced that the massive celebration on Sunday, Feb. 22, will cause several traffic impacts throughout the historic neighbourhood.

Drivers and parade attendees should expect delays in the area and plan alternate routes or modes of transportation. The popular event is expected to draw over 5,000 participants and 100,000 spectators.

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Attendees can catch the 1.3 km parade at 11 a.m. at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street (between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street). The procession, featuring a wide array of cultural groups, will wind its way east along Pender Street and then turn south onto Gore Street.

The colourful parade will turn west onto Keefer Street and then disperse at the intersection of Keefer and Carrall. The entire event is estimated to take about three hours.

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Road closures will be in effect on Sunday, Feb. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on sections of the following streets:

Main Street
Pender Street (East and West)
Beatty Street
Abbott Street
Taylor Street
Shanghai Alley
Columbia Street
Quebec Street
Carrall Street
Keefer Street and Keefer Place
East Georgia Street
Gore Avenue

“New this year is a lane closure between West Hastings and West Pender,” added Frank Huang of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver. “This change will lock in several businesses and residents, preventing them from exiting their buildings during the parade, as they have been able to do in previous years via Abbott Street.

“VPD will assist as much as possible in clearing vehicles. However, once the closure is in place, vehicles will no longer be able to exit the area.”

Parking restrictions in the area of the Lunar New Year parade will begin after 6 am.

Chinatown BIA

This year’s Lunar New Year parade will showcase dozens of cultural groups from various communities. Attendees can expect to see dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances, and traditional lion dance and dragon dance teams.

And with the Year of the Fire Horse officially galloping in, here are five fun ways to ring in the Lunar New Year.

From meaningful traditions to snack-filled festivities, it’s a great time to usher in the transition from winter to spring with plenty of energy and joy.

Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and Parade

When: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. (parade start), 2 to 4 p.m. (fair)
Where: Various locations throughout Chinatown
Cost: Free for parade and fair