This weekend, the streets of Vancouver's historic Chinatown will be filled with the lively sights, sounds, and tastes of the community joining together to welcome one and all to a free, family-friendly street festival.
Light Up Chinatown! returns Sept. 9 and 10, taking over the 500-block of Columbia Street and neighbouring streets. The free event celebrates the living heritage of Vancouver's Chinatown, and everyone is invited to experience the vibrant area as it lights up from day to night.
For many, it's not a trip to Chinatown without trying some spectacular eats. To that end, in addition to the chance to grab a bite from popular local food trucks, guests can stop by area businesses to enjoy special promotions on food and drink - and there are lots of delicious places in Chinatown to eat!
Additionally, a few Vancouver businesses have teamed up to offer exclusive Light Up Chinatown! food and drink creations, available only during the festival (and while supplies last).
Look for these tantalizing treats:
- Bao Bei Brasserie x The Boss Bakery: Crispy Pork Polo Bao - Bao Bei crispy pork belly, cilantro root sauce, compressed cucumbers, the Boss pineapple bun. Available at Bao Bei from noon to 4 p.m. (take out only) and 5:30 p.m. until sold out.
- Chinatown BBQ x Beaucoup Bakery: Bolo BBQ Pork (Char Siew) Cruffin - Succulent char siew pork in a flakey croissant-muffin, topped with a crumbly savoury cookie crust. Available at Chinatown BBQ from 1 p.m. until sold out.
- DD Mau x Boba Run: Korean Watermelon Che Thai - A dessert made with a blend of cold-pressed watermelon juice, coconut milk, hand-scooped watermelon balls, and an assortment of bright and colourful Vietnamese toppings. Available for take-out only from DD Mau from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
- Kam Wai x Treasure Green Tea Co.: Rose Tea Sesame Bao - A fluffy and aromatic Yunnan Rose Tea infused bao with coconut milk wrapped around a sweet and slightly bitter toasted black sesame filling; the perfect balance to the floral rose and sweet coconut flavour. Available at Kam Wai Dim Sum from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“My brother and I have great love for Vancouver Chinatown, and we are honoured to continue supporting the community through collaborations with neighbourhood stalwart Chinatown BBQ,” says Betty Hung, who co-owners Beaucoup Bakery with her brother Jacky Hung.
More food, drink, and entertainment to enjoy at Light Up Chinatown!
Want a guided tour of Chinatown's tastiest eats? Bob Sung of A Wok Around Chinatown will be offering 35-minute walking tours throughout the duration of the festival priced at $15/person, and Sung's tours include a tasting.
For those who wish to imbibe, as a new perk this year, the festival site on the 500-block of Columbia will be licensed. The Light Up Chinatown! Bar will be located in front of Sun Yat-Sen Park, and it's where you can grab a drink or two from a selection of beers from Stanley Park Brewing and Tsingtao, wines from Vanmak and Grow Wild, and canned cocktails from White Claw. Non-alcoholic options include Vitasoy and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Take a stroll through the festival and enjoy special live performances by local legends and emerging talent. You'll find the full schedule and performance details on the Light Up Chinatown! website.
