Light Up Chinatown Festival Returns to Revitalize Historical Vancouver Area

Liza J. Lee | WBN News Vancouver | July 30, 2025

Vancouver’s historic Chinatown is set to shine brighter than ever this summer as the Light Up Chinatown street festival returns for its fifth year August 16 - 17, 2025. This free, two-day celebration transforms Columbia Street into a pedestrian-only cultural corridor, showcasing the best of Chinatown’s food, arts, and community spirit.

📌 At A Glance

• 🥢 Hawkers Lane returns with new vendors and exclusive food collabs
• 🎶 Live performances from Kristina Lao, DJ May Q, The Phonix Band & more
• 🎨 Kids Zone with games, crafts, and selfie stations
• 🛍️ Over 50 small businesses offering limited-time deals
• 🎁 Passport challenge with prizes like John Legend tickets and Lululemon gear

🔍 What Is It?

Light Up Chinatown is a vibrant street festival that celebrates the cultural richness of Vancouver’s Chinatown. Now in its fifth year, it takes over the 500-block of Columbia Street, turning it into a pedestrian zone filled with food stalls, live music, and community activations. The event was created to revitalize the area and support local businesses while offering a joyful way to wrap up summer.

The Light Up Chinatown festival is a cornerstone of Vancouver’s Economic Revitalization Program (ERP), a community-driven initiative led by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation to rejuvenate the city’s historic Chinatown. The ERP is built on five pillars: physical restoration, revitalizing the local economy, increasing vibrancy, preserving history and heritage, and enabling self-sustainability.

💡 Why It Benefits Small Businesses

For small business owners and solopreneurs, this festival is more than just a party—it’s a strategic opportunity. With over 50 participating businesses, the event drives foot traffic, boosts visibility, and fosters direct engagement with new customers. The Chinatown Passport challenge gamifies local shopping, encouraging attendees to explore and support vendors—boosting sales and visibility for Chinatown’s entrepreneurs. Food entrepreneurs also benefit from high-profile collaborations, like the Golden Rooster croissant and Kam Wai’s exclusive bao, which spotlight culinary innovation and cross-brand synergy. 

🛡️ Trust, Safety, and Regulation

Safety remains a top priority. The Vancouver Police Department will provide additional foot patrols, and festival grounds will have heightened security measures. All guests will be subject to entry checks to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for families, performers, and vendors alike.

🌍 Broader Impact

By transforming the 500-block of Columbia Street into a pedestrian-only cultural corridor, the festival breathes life into the area. Decorative lighting, art installations, and live performances create a vibrant atmosphere that reimagines Chinatown as a dynamic, welcoming space. 

Light Up Chinatown exemplifies how cultural festivals can drive economic revitalization and community cohesion. It’s a blueprint for how heritage areas can thrive through inclusive, experience-driven events. As cities look to support small businesses and preserve cultural identity, this festival stands as a model for sustainable urban celebration.

🧩 Signature

Liza J. Lee – Contributor, WBN News | Follow Me on X

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TAGS: #WBN News Vancouver #Liza J Lee #Light Up Chinatown #Vancouver Events #Cultural Revival #Celebrate Community