I’ve explored Vancouver long enough to know this: timing matters. You can visit the same city twice and have completely different experiences depending on when you go.
If you’re planning a 2026 trip and want it to feel lively, festive, and worth building around, these are the events I’d put at the top of the list. Some are iconic. Some surprise first-time visitors. All of them showcase Vancouver at its best.
This is one of my favourite ways to experience the city. Dine Out Vancouver Festival turns winter into an advantage, offering prix-fixe menus and special events across the city. It’s approachable, family-friendly, and a great excuse to explore neighbourhoods you might otherwise skip.
If you like your travel with a cultural edge, PuSh International Performing Arts Festival delivers. Expect bold theatre, dance, and experimental performances that feel global but grounded. It’s not flashy — it’s thoughtful, and that’s very Vancouver.
Winter visitors often underestimate Vancouver, which is a mistake. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park transforms during Canyon Lights, wrapping the forest and suspension bridge in thousands of lights. It’s atmospheric, easy to access, and surprisingly magical for all ages.
Spring arrives early here, and the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates that beautifully. Parks, neighbourhoods, and walking routes come alive with blooms. It’s simple, free, and one of those moments where the city quietly shows off.
Even if you’re not running, BMO Vancouver Marathon is worth being around for. The city buzzes, streets fill with spectators, and there’s a shared sense of momentum. It’s one of those weekends where Vancouver feels especially alive.
Held at False Creek, the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival blends sport, culture, and community energy. It’s fast-paced, colourful, and fun to watch even if you stumble upon it accidentally.
This is one of the city’s strongest summer events. The Vancouver International Jazz Festival brings free and ticketed shows across multiple neighbourhoods. You don’t need to be a jazz expert — the atmosphere alone makes it worth it.
Few events say “Vancouver summer” like the Celebration of Light. Fireworks light up English Bay, crowds gather along the beach, and the city leans fully into summer mode. It’s busy, yes — but memorable in the best way.
The Vancouver Pride Festival is colourful, welcoming, and joyful. Whether you attend the parade or just feel the energy around the city, it’s one of those weekends where Vancouver’s inclusive spirit is impossible to miss.
If you’re travelling with family, this one’s hard to beat. The Pacific National Exhibition hosts the PNE Fair every summer with rides, games, concerts, and classic fair food. It’s nostalgic, lively, and very easy to build a day around.
A few more worth watching as dates and lineups are confirmed:
What I like about Vancouver’s event calendar is how well it layers into everyday travel. You don’t have to choose between sightseeing or events. You get both.
Plan your trip around one of these, and everything else — food, nature, neighbourhoods — fills in naturally. That’s when Vancouver really shines.