Light Up Chinatown!, presented by RBC and organized by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, returns for its fifth year with a weekend celebration of small businesses, food, and culture in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. Taking place August 16 from 11 am to 9 pm and August 17 from 11 am to 6 pm, the event brings together chefs, performers, artists, and local vendors for a vibrant street festival along the 500 block of Columbia Street.
Food remains a central focus. The Hawkers Lane market returns with a fresh lineup that includes Torafuku, Street Hawker, Potluck Hawker, Golden Smell Mee, and a new collaboration between Holy Duck Chili and Ember HK BBQ. Returning favourites include DD Mau and a collaboration between Chef William Lew and MAMAintheKitchen. Other vendors include Lee’s Donuts, Hype Chocolate, and the festival’s own slushie station. Limited-edition collaborations such as the Golden Rooster croissant by Chinatown BBQ and Beaucoup Bakery, and Kam Wai’s commemorative Light Up Chinatown! Bao will also be available.
The weekend’s music programming features live sets from artists including Marie Hui, DJ May Q, and The Phonix Band, alongside traditional performances of Chinese opera, folk music, and dance. A new Saturday night event, After Glow, will include an R&B set by FARA, a DJ party, and an afterparty hosted by Fortune Sound Club.
Families can head to the Kids Zone for crafts, face painting, selfie stations, and prize giveaways. The Passport Program invites visitors to explore neighbourhood shops and earn chances to win prizes such as event tickets, gift cards, and merchandise from brands like Arc’teryx, Lululemon, and Patagonia.
Inside the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, programming includes a HK milk tea demonstration by MasterChef Canada winner Christopher Siu and a watercolour workshop led by artist Donna Seto.
More information and the full schedule are available at lightupchinatown.ca.