Crowds lining Pender Street, drums keeping time: the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade has been part of Vancouver’s Lunar New Year since 1974. The parade starts at the Millennium Gate and loops through Chinatown. The 2027 date hasn’t been announced yet; the 52nd annual parade stepped off Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 11 AM.
What to expect
The parade lasts about three hours and follows a 1.3 km route from the Millennium Gate along E Pender and Gore to Keefer and Carrall. It’s free to watch, so all you need is a good curb and some patience for the people who arrive after you.
In 2026, the Spring Festival also included a free cultural fair at the Chinese Cultural Centre from 2 to 4 PM.
Good to know
- Last held: Sunday, February 22, 2026, starting at 11 AM.
- Admission: free to watch.
- Where: Chinatown, starting at the Millennium Gate (W Pender St & Taylor St), Vancouver.
- Road closures: roads around Chinatown close from 8 AM to 5 PM on parade day.
- Getting there: the City encourages walking, cycling or transit. The nearest SkyTrain is Stadium–Chinatown Station (Expo Line), and buses R5, 3, 8, 19, 22 and 50 serve the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade in 2027?
The 2027 date hasn’t been announced yet. The 52nd annual parade was held Sunday, February 22, 2026, starting at 11 AM.
Is the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade free?
Yes. The parade is free to watch from anywhere along the route.
What happens at the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade?
The parade, organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, travels about 1.3 km through Chinatown over roughly three hours, starting at the Millennium Gate.
Source: 52nd Annual Lunar New Year Parade – City of Vancouver, 51st Annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade – City of Vancouver
How Do I Get to Chinatown, starting at the Millennium Gate (W Pender St & Taylor St)?
Chinatown, starting at the Millennium Gate (W Pender St & Taylor St) is at W Pender St & Taylor St, Vancouver, BC. Transit: The City encourages walking, cycling or transit. Nearest SkyTrain is Stadium–Chinatown Station (Expo Line); buses R5, 3, 8, 19, 22 and 50. Use the directions and parking links on this page to plan your trip from where you are.
How to Get Here
The City encourages walking, cycling or transit. Nearest SkyTrain is Stadium–Chinatown Station (Expo Line); buses R5, 3, 8, 19, 22 and 50.
Where to Park
Parking near big Lunar New Year events fills early and some streets close. Arrive early, or take transit if you can.
Map
Chinatown, starting at the Millennium Gate (W Pender St & Taylor St), W Pender St & Taylor St, Vancouver, BC