Huge 14-block festival closing major Vancouver street this weekend
Italian Day, one of Vancouver’s most popular festivals, is returning this weekend, and visitors and commuters are being warned of road closures and traffic impacts.
The city’s largest free cultural festival takes over Commercial Drive on Sunday, June 14.
Thousands of Vancouverites will take over historic Little Italy as it transforms into a 14-block car-free zone from noon to 8 p.m.
However, road closures will begin earlier in the day and stretch into the evening.
City of Vancouver
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The City of Vancouver has posted online that there will be a closure of Commercial Drive from Venables Street to North Grandview Highway, as well as side streets and nearby alleys, for Italian Days.
Venables, East 1st Avenue, and Grandview will remain open to through traffic during the annual event.
In previous years, road closures for Italian Days began as early as 7 a.m. and lasted as late as 11 p.m.
The Drive
“With road closures in effect for the day, we encourage you to walk, cycle, or take public transit,” added Italian Day online.
Organizers shared that there will be a bike valet offering secure parking near the centre of the festival, as well as Mobi bike share stations nearby.
The event is also just steps away from the Commercial–Broadway Station for those taking transit.
There will be over 100 food vendors and trucks, merchants, entertainment, and more to discover throughout the day-long festival.
Italian Day
The beloved cultural street festival is known for drawing huge crowds with live performances and events, all-ages activities, local merchants and artisans, and, of course, delicious food.
From cannolis to pasta bars to wood-fired pizza trucks, there will be a little bit of everything for every kind of taste on The Drive. There will also be three licensed beverage gardens for visitors to relax in, with a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits.
Seven intersections, as well as Grandview Park, will transform into Piazza-style cultural destinations. Stop by to check out live music and DJs, fashion shows and cultural performances. And don’t be surprised if you get drawn into a dance party on the street.
There is plenty of fun for the little ones, too. Drop by the children’s zone, cheer on the participants in the pasta-eating contests, or even take part in human foosball.
Italian Day
When: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Commercial Drive (Venables Street to Grandview Highway), Vancouver
Cost: Free