Since the 1970s, the Powell Street Festival has been celebrating Japanese culture in Vancouver.
Now in its 48th year, the festival returns August 3 and 4 to the historic Paueru Gai neighbourhood (now part of the Downtown Eastside) as it takes over parks, venues and nearby streets.
"This year’s festival features over three dozen events, showcasing traditional and contemporary music, dance, literature, film, and performances from both local and international talent," states the organizing society in a press release.
The multi-faceted festival will include a craft market place, two stages of performances, and, of course, Japanese food.
Entertainment will range from a screening of a documentary on Tamio Wakayama (a Japanese Canadian photographer and civil rights advocate in the 1960s), fusion music from local acts like Kotojiro, and traditional music from the likes of Katari Taiko (a taiko ensemble founded at one of the first Powell Street Festivals).
There will also be authors, martial artists, walking tours and a sumo tournament. On Saturday, Aug. 3 a portable shrine "Mikoshi" will be paraded through the grounds.
"Between events, visitors can enjoy over 20 food booths offering a variety of Japanese cuisine, browse handmade crafts in the marketplace, purchase festival lottery tickets and merchandise, and participate in interactive games in the zone," reads a press release.
Powell Street Festival
When: Aug. 3 and 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Oppenheimer Park, Powell Street and surrounding area
Cost: Free
