Walk downtown on a winter evening and stumble onto a giant glowing lantern: that’s the charm of LunarFest Vancouver. The festival spreads across Granville Island, the Vancouver Art Gallery north plaza, 800 Robson and other downtown sites. The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet; in 2026 it ran from Monday, February 2, to Monday, March 9.
What to expect
Lantern City is the headline: large modern lantern installations at several downtown sites. Free performances take place on Granville Island and the Art Gallery plaza, and there are workshops, dumpling games, fortune telling and an artisan market.
Most events are free. The orchestra concert at the Orpheum is pay-what-you-can from C$8. Plan a lantern walk between stops, and see how many installations you can find before your phone battery gives up.
Good to know
- Last held: Monday, February 2, to Monday, March 9, 2026.
- Admission: most events are free; the Orpheum orchestra concert is pay-what-you-can from C$8.
- Where: Granville Island, Vancouver Art Gallery north plaza, 800 Robson and other downtown Vancouver sites.
- Organizer: LunarFest Vancouver (Asian Canadian Special Events Association); the festival started at the 2010 Cultural Olympiad.
- Getting there: bus 50 to Granville Island; the Art Gallery plaza is near Granville Station (Expo Line) and Vancouver City Centre Station (Canada Line).
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is LunarFest Vancouver in 2027?
The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet. The 2026 festival ran for more than a month, from Monday, February 2, to Monday, March 9.
Is LunarFest Vancouver Free?
Mostly, yes. Most LunarFest events are free, and the Orpheum orchestra concert is pay-what-you-can from C$8.
What Happens at LunarFest Vancouver?
LunarFest features Lantern City installations around downtown, free performances on Granville Island and the Art Gallery plaza, workshops, dumpling games, fortune telling and an artisan market.
Source: LunarFest Vancouver – Destination Vancouver annual events, Take transit to Lunar New Year events across Metro Vancouver (TransLink Buzzer)
How to Get Here
Granville Island via bus 50; Art Gallery plaza near Granville Station (Expo Line) and Vancouver City Centre Station (Canada Line) (TransLink).
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
Granville Island, Vancouver Art Gallery north plaza, 800 Robson and other downtown sites, Vancouver, BC
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