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“Small business is everything; it is the backbone of Chinatown,” said Carol Lee, chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, in a release. “Our first Light Up Chinatown! festival in 2021 to bring visitors and tourism back to Chinatown during the pandemic. That initial spark has developed into a landmark summer festival in Vancouver, where we expect upwards of 20,000 visitors over the two days.

“We’re so excited for everyone to join us this year to experience the culture and colour of Chinatown.”

Hawkers Lane returns to the Light Up Chinatown festival grounds with several new vendors, along with long-time favourites.

The list of food vendors and chefs includes:

• Torafuku
• Street Hawker
• Potluck Hawker
• Golden Smell Mee
• DD Mau
• Lee’s Donuts
• Hype Chocolate
• Light Up Chinatown! Bar
• Slushie Station

There will also be exclusive collaborations between a number of popular Vancouver chefs and Chinatown dining destinations such as Holy Duck Chili and Ember HK BBQ, and William Lew and Mama in the Kitchen.

Make sure to treat yourself to a Golden Rooster croissant from Chinatown BBQ and Beaucoup Bakery, and Kam Wai’s special Light Up Chinatown! Bao before they’re gone.

Guests can enjoy live entertainment by artists like Marie Hui, DJ May Q, and The Phonix Band throughout the day. There will also be Chinese opera, dance performances, programming inside the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, and a kids’ zone with family-friendly activities.

Stick around after the festival for the new Light Up Chinatown!: After Glow at Fortune Sound Club. The official after party features a performance by R&B artist FARA, a live DJ set, happy hour festivities, and more.

Shoppers can visit local merchants to discover exclusive discounts throughout the neighbourhood. They can also collect stamps for a chance to win prizes, such as tickets to concerts and sporting events, experiences like Grouse Mountain and Science World, and gift certificates and apparel from major brands, including Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and lululemon.

Light Up Chinatown!

When: Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: 500 Columbia St. and neighbouring streets in Chinatown
Admission: Free