Giant Lunar New Year lanterns return to Vancouver for free festival this month

One of the Lower Mainland’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations is making its return this month to usher in the Year of the Horse around Vancouver.

LunarFest Vancouver, kicking off on Saturday, Feb. 14 and running until Saturday, Feb. 28, features festive events at several locations across the city, including an exciting concert, crafts, storytelling, trivia, and more.

According to the festival’s organizers, bringing communities together in deeper conversations via art and storytelling is an important part of how Vancouver commemorates the Lunar New Year.

 

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“Vancouver has no shortage of Lunar New Year celebrations, but LunarFest is about celebrating together—for the good of our community and the generations to come,” said Charlie Wu, managing director of the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association, to Daily Hive.

“Diversity goes beyond stereotypes; it comes alive when people connect with one another. That is the heart of what LunarFest Vancouver is building.”

The Lantern City is back for 2026, with five sites running until late February and early March. Enormous, totem-like lanterns by acclaimed artists can be found at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Pendulum Gallery, Granville Island, 800 Robson Street, and Bentall Centre.

Daniel Chai/Daily Hive

Lanterns at the Pendulum Gallery will be on display until Feb. 27. The other four locations will have their huge lanterns up from Feb. 14 to early March.

LunarFest is also presenting the 2026 Lunarfest Concert on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Orpheum Theatre. Attendees will enjoy Taiwanese family theatre troupe, Fooderlon Theater, Kristin Fung, Harmonia, West Vancouver Youth Band’s Symphonic Strings, Nicholas Urquhart, and Emma Qu.

LunarFest

Then head back to Granville Island on Family Day weekend for storytelling through hands-on crafts with Fooderlon Theatre. You can even participate in the inaugural LunarFest Trivia Game and explore the island, finding answers for the chance to win prizes.

Check out the full Lunarfest lineup for more information. And for more great festive Lunar New Year events happening around Vancouver, take a look at our list online.

LunarFest 2026 – Year of the Horse

When: Various dates from Feb. 14 to 28, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free and ticketed events