Celebrate Vancouver’s Chinatown through family-fun activities, live performances, and delicious bites
The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society (VCBIA) are gearing up to launch the inaugural Light Up Chinatown! celebration this weekend. The two-day event runs September 11 and 12, 2021 with a full slate of live performances, family-fun activities, exclusive food collaborations, and beautiful displays of lanterns and lights.
WHO: Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society (VCBIA) invite the community to Vancouver’s Chinatown for an early Mid-Autumn Festival celebration of lanterns, live entertainment, food, and more.
WHAT: The inaugural Light Up Chinatown!, presented by RBC, happens this weekend. Interviews are available with Carol Lee, co-founder and chair of Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, Jordan Eng, president, VCBIA, special speakers, performers, and volunteers.
WHEN: Saturday, September 11, 2021 (opening ceremony at 11 a.m.) and Sunday, September 12, 2021
WHERE: Vancouver’s Chinatown, with the main stage located at Columbia Street at Keefer.
WHY: To encourage the community to reconnect with Vancouver’s Chinatown, leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival, and highlighting the vibrant heritage and significance of the neighbourhood.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Saturday, September 11, 2021
11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremony with emcee Fred Lee, the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and VIP guests; lion dance by Hon Hsing Athletic Club of Vancouver; and special performance by the award-winning students of Goh Ballet
12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Chibi Taiko, the first children’s taiko ensemble in Canada
2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Now or Never Crew, hip-hop winners of Battle of the Year International
3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Madison Reunion Band, well-loved local band
5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Niña Mendoza, sought after DJ who has set the stage for Frank Ocean, Badu and Saadiq
7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. – Marie Hui, singer praised for her strong, soulful voice
8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. – DJ Kubanito, join in shaking your hips to some hot Latin music
Sunday, September 12, 2021
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. – International Champion Magician Rod Chow
1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. – Maestro Kenneth Hsieh performing with violinist Ken Lin
3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. – comedian Ed Hill
4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Bonnie Northgraves Quartet Hot jazz with a smoky twist
Ken Tsui of Here There creative studio has brought together an incredible line-up of culinary collaborations, bridging cultures together. These include:
- Chinatown BBQ x Beaucoup Bakery – Popular Peking duck croissant returns with new surprises (Saturday and Sunday)
- Kam Wai Dim Sum x The Keefer Yard – All-day Sunday dim sum and cocktails
- DD MAU – Saigon Saturday Cocktail and Sunday pop-up brunch
- Jade Dynasty x Juice Bar – Multi-course Cantonese dinner, paired with organic wines (sold-out)
- Bao Bei x Kissa Tanto – Sunday brunch event featuring Nancy Go Yaya (sold-out)
Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s second Taste of Chinatown, includes a self-guided culinary tour of Chinatown and features the Chinese Restaurant Awards Critics’ Choice showcasing over 25 restaurants in Chinatown. The Chinese Restaurant Awards are the longest-running, Chinese culinary awards event in the world and the judges are sharing their favourite Chinatown eateries and dishes.
The Light Up Chinatown! festival guide includes: a Taste of Chinatown Passport, complete the passport and enter to win daily prizes from a variety of Chinatown businesses and restaurants; and a Grand Prize Chinatown Package valued at $250.
For more information, please visit www.lightupchinatown.com.
Instagram: @visitchinatown | Facebook: vancouverchinatownBIAsociety | Twitter: @chinatownfest | https://vancouver-chinatown.com |
