The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society (VCBIA) is excited to announce the return of its annual hallmark summer event Vancouver Chinatown Festival. For its 21st year, the free two-day family-friendly community event will take place on July 15 and July 16, 2023 at Keefer and Columbia Street. Festival-goers can expect a celebration featuring live entertainment, giant mahjong, kids corner with a display by Vancouver Aquarium, artisans’ market, food trucks, and an opportunity to experience a special Historial Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour.
“The Vancouver Chinatown Festival is our marquee summer event, a cherished annual tradition for our local community,” says Syrus Lee and Chris Chan from the VCBIA board of directors. “It was amazing to see the outpouring of support last year, where we showcased Chinatown as an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient neighbourhood. Our team has been working hard on programming. Returning favourites last year include the giant mahjong and live performances.
We are also thrilled to be creating a full kids corner, including farm animals. Our popular mascot VanVan will continue to walk around and greet festival goers. And of best of all, we’re proud to have an incredible line-up of local artisans joining us this year in our first artisans’ market.”
The new artisans’ market gives space to local arts and crafts makers and food vendors space to showcase their wares. Each will receive their own tents. Confirmed businesses include Bon Mano Bon, Doodles by Naomi Studios Inc., Ember Hong Kong Barbeque, Holy Duck Chili, Humblebee Meadery, Minimakers, Inc., Ollie & Co., Sweet U Bakery, and Wisconsin Ginseng Co.
Confirmed live entertainment acts include an eye dotting and lion dance by the Mah Society, with more to be announced. Festival-goers who want to learn even more about Vancouver Chinatown can join its Historical Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour, hosted by Bob Sung from A Wok Around, which will be conducted four times per day on the Saturday and Sunday. First come, first serve.
While guests are encouraged to support the surrounding Vancouver Chinatown restaurants and cafes, for those looking to enjoy something quick and fresh, eight food trucks will be stationed by the main stage at Keefer Street and Columbia. The food trucks this year include Chickpea Food Truck,Hugs Mini Donuts, Indish Foods Inc., Juicy Green Express Inc., Say Hello Sweets, and Tokyo Katsu-sand.
“Our festival is for all ages, and there is definitely something for everyone,” adds Joey Kwan, executive director, VCBIA. “More activities and experiences will be announced as we get closer to our dates.”
To encourage people to share their experiences at Vancouver Chinatown Festival, the VCBIA is bringing back their popular “Where’s Van Van the panda” contest on Instagram, where participants can share photos of where Van Van has been to win prizes.
For more information about Vancouver Chinatown Festival, please visit www.vancouver-chinatown.com/festival.
