Vancouver's diverse population means there are many reasons to celebrate one another.
Here are all the free cultural festivals happening in the city this month:
Vancity Roots and Culture Experience Festival
This cultural festival is reggae music jam, from Latin reggae and soul to dancehall, hip hop, and R&B music. There will also be food trucks with various cultural foods.
When: September 24 from noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Granville Island - 1411 Railspur Alley
Mexican Independence Day Fiesta
To celebrate Mexican culture and independence, this fiesta is bringing dancing and music from Mariachi and other performers, a traditional "Mexican call for independence" speech by the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver, games, a piñata party and lots of food trucks.
When: September 15 from 2-9 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre - 181 Roundhouse Mews
Festival of Bulgarian Culture and Literacy
This festival dedicated to Bulgarian culture and writing will have a world-travelling photo exhibition, classical music and traditional performances from Bulgarian folklore, as well as food and drinks.
When: September 25 from 1-6 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Annex Theatre - 823 Seymour St
Moon Festival
Spread out over two weekends, the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival starts with a Harvest Fair on the first weekend and ends with a lantern installation on the following weekend. There will also be workshops and a parade, plus other festivities.
When: September 10 starting at 4 p.m. | September 17 starting at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Various locations
Taiwanfest
This three-day festival will be celebrating the culture with food, performances, activities, music and more.
When: September 3-5 throughout the day
Where: Various activities at three locations: North of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Street, Annex
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Rooted in harvest festival celebrations and moon worshipping rituals, this time of the year celebrates the full moon, lighting of lanterns, eating mooncakes and spending time with family.
When: September 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Filipino Festival
This celebration of Filipino culture will have performances, textile displays, Tinikling, and a storytelling session in both Tagalog and English.
When: September 24 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Surrey - 56A Avenue, Surrey
Vancouver International Flamenco Festival
Local and provincial flamenco dance and music artists will take the stage during this free festival as it makes its way across the world.
When: September 3-4 from 1-5 p.m.
Where: Picnic Pavillion - Granville Island, 267 Old Bridge Walk
Harambeecouver
The Harambeecouver Multicultural, Diversity and Reconciliation Festival is an annual celebration of culture and reconciliation among communities in Vancouver. The festival kicks off with making and distributing 1000 pancakes to unhoused individuals in the Downtown Eastside on the first day, followed by food, arts, and live performances on the second day, and ends with the Harabeecouver run (a 10 and 5 kilometre run/walk).
When: September 2-4 at various times
Where: Thornton Park - 1166 Main St
Polish Festival
This celebration of Polish culture will include folk dancing, live music, traditional food and more.
When: September 4 from 1-8 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards - 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Light It Up Chinatown
The weekend-long community celebration will have food trucks, live entertainment, a self-guided walking food tour, lights, and colourful decorations. This free event is a fun way to explore Chinatown.
When: September 10 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | September 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 500 Columbia St (and neighbouring streets in Chinatown)
Latin Independence Day Festival
Celebrate the nine Latin countries who share the same Independence Day and try traditional dishes, shop traditional crafts, learn the history, and enjoy Latin music and dancing.
When: September 17 from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: TBB El Redentor - 2551 East 49th Ave
Fire Dragon Festival
This event will be filled with cultural activities and performances, such as dragon dancing and workshops, to bring the Chinatown community together and educate about the neighbourhood's legacy.
When: September 17 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Throughout Chinatown, including activities in the Chinese Cultural Centre courtyard and Andy Livingstone Park
