The Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival returns for its 22nd year this September with several events culminating in a full-day fest featuring lanterns, a parade and a moment of reflection in one of Vancouver's few remaining salmon-bearing streams.
Based at the Renfrew Ravine and Still Creek in East Vancouver, the festival celebrates several things at once, including local art, the Harvest Moon and the natural world.
"Expect dazzling lanterns, live music, dance, food, art & nature workshops and community performances," reads the annual festival's page.
Run by Still Moon Arts, the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival has events scheduled for several days throughout the month.
On Saturday, Sept. 7 there will be several midday lantern-making workshops at the Renfrew Community Centre focusing on creating salmon lanterns (for use later in the month). There's a $10 fee to participate.
Also on Sept. 7 will be a tour through the Renfrew Ravine, discussing its history and natural features as one of Vancouver's urban forests. Participation is by donation.
On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 12, a free mooncake-making workshop will be held at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House, teaching people how to make the mid-autumn festival favourite.
The following Saturday, Sept. 14, will see a birdwatching tour through Renfrew Ravine Park (by donation) in the morning, followed by a tea-and-poetry event in the Colour me Local Dye Garden in the park (also by donation).
"Enjoy a cup of tea in the garden during an artistic evening of music, poetry, and dance performances," reads the event description.
On Thursday, Sept. 17 (the night of the Harvest Moon) a special walk of the labyrinth located at the park will be held, with the path lit by candles and live music.
The Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival will culminate with the main festival day on Sept. 21. It starts at 4 p.m. with the Harvest Fair at Slocan Park, with live music, local artists, more lantern workshops, and more, including food and drink.
At 7 p.m. activities at Slocan Park will wrap up and the Twilight Lantern Procession will head out into the evening, making its way to Renfrew Ravine Park by 7:30 p.m.
At the ravine streamside lanterns will be set up next to Still Creek. Visual arts displays and live music will be going on as well.
The finale will start at 8:30 p.m. when a performance involving stilt performers, shadow theatre and live music will create a dance piece contemplating the lost streams that used to exist in the neighbourhood.
