Burnaby Festivals
& Events
Burnaby shows up for a good celebration. Cultural festivals and seasonal gatherings happen year-round, with food to share, music to dance to, and a city in full motion.
Upcoming Events
In town and wondering what’s on? From major festivals to smaller events and neighbourhood gatherings, see what’s coming up while you’re here.
Multi-Day Events
mar 26, 2026Return to Paueru Gai: 50 Years of Powell Street Festival
Time
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Event Details
Discover the story behind one of Canada’s most influential Japanese Canadian cultural celebrations at Return to Paueru Gai: 50 Years of Powell Street Festival at the Nikkei National Museum
Event Details
Discover the story behind one of Canada’s most influential Japanese Canadian cultural celebrations at Return to Paueru Gai: 50 Years of Powell Street Festival at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. This retrospective exhibition explores how the Powell Street Festival has helped preserve Japanese Canadian culture, build community, and advance social justice since 1977. “Paueru Gai” is the Japanese pronunciation of Powell Street, Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian neighbourhood.
What’s Included
Curated by Emiko Morita, the exhibition features photographs, archival videos, and immersive installations that bring to life 50 years of art, activism, and community stories. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the festival’s roots and its continuing impact on Japanese Canadian identity and cultural expression. Learn more here.
Registration
Admission is by donation. No advance registration is required for general visits.
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent
Dates and Times
March 26 to September 5, 2026
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed Mondays and Canada Day
mar 26, 2026Return to Paueru Gai
Time
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Event Details
Celebrate the rich history and cultural legacy of the Powell Street Festival at Return to Paueru Gai, a retrospective exhibition
Event Details
Celebrate the rich history and cultural legacy of the Powell Street Festival at Return to Paueru Gai, a retrospective exhibition marking 50 years of art, activism, and community. Curated by Emiko Morita, the exhibition features photographs, videos, and large-scale installations that explore the stories and traditions of the Japanese Canadian community.
Visitors can experience unique highlights including rare archival footage, the playful Macro Maki giant sushi costumes, and Otsukare, a striking installation of volunteer headbands stretching 21 feet.
The Powell Street Festival began in 1977 to honour early Japanese settlers and celebrate Japanese Canadian culture. Today, it continues to be a vibrant gathering that showcases music, dance, visual arts, and cultural traditions.
Exhibition Dates: March 26 – September 5, 2026
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10:00am–6:00pm | Saturday–Sunday 10:00am–5:00pm
Closed Mondays and Canada Day
Admission: By donation
Everyone is welcome to explore this special exhibition celebrating community, culture, and creativity.
Time
Location
Burnaby Heights
Event Details
Step right up for one of Burnaby’s most anticipated summer traditions as Hats Off Day returns to Burnaby Heights on Saturday, June 6, 2026. This year’s playful Under the
Event Details
Step right up for one of Burnaby’s most anticipated summer traditions as Hats Off Day returns to Burnaby Heights on Saturday, June 6, 2026. This year’s playful Under the Big Top theme brings circus-inspired fun to Hastings Street, featuring live music, roving performers, the Family Fun Dash, Show & Shine, and the always-popular Hats Off Day Parade. With Hastings Street transformed into a lively pedestrian festival zone, it’s the perfect day to explore local shops, enjoy great food, and celebrate community spirit.
Location
Hastings Street, Burnaby Heights (Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue), Burnaby, BC
Date and Time
Saturday, June 6, 2026
9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Admission
Free admission
Learn more at: hatsoffday.com
Photo Credit: The Heights Merchants Association
jun 06, 2026Shogi Meetups at the Nikkei Centre
Time
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Event Details
Challenge your mind and make new friends at the Shogi Meetups, a drop-in program hosted by Canada Shogi Club at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Event Details
Challenge your mind and make new friends at the Shogi Meetups, a drop-in program hosted by Canada Shogi Club at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby. Shogi is one of the oldest forms of chess in history and remains a beloved mind sport today — whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player, all are welcome.
Canada Shogi Club members are on hand to help newcomers get started, with instruction available in both English and Japanese. The game is suitable for all ages.
Fees
$5 drop-in, free for NNMCC Members. No registration required.
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 2F Kaede Room, 6688 Southoaks Cres, Burnaby, BC
When
First and third Saturday of the month 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM — drop in any time
jun 06, 2026Pinxtos the Tapas of Northern Spain
Time
Event Details
Fresh from a trip to San Sebastián, Chef John brings the flavours of northern Spain to the Gray Olive Cafeteria in Burnaby with Pinxtos: The Tapas of Northern Spain. This
Event Details
Fresh from a trip to San Sebastián, Chef John brings the flavours of northern Spain to the Gray Olive Cafeteria in Burnaby with Pinxtos: The Tapas of Northern Spain. This fully hands-on class works through six classic Spanish bar dishes, with plenty of tips, tricks, and a few surprises along the way.
What You’ll Make:
- Bacon-wrapped dates with sausage and almond
- Chorizo and potato tortilla with onions and eggs
- Albondigas con salsa with minced pork, garlic, tomatoes, and parsley
- Gambas a la plancha with prawns, saffron, olive oil, and garlic
- Patatas bravas with tomato sauce
- Mushrooms with sherry
Registration
Tickets are available through Eventbrite via PayPal or credit card. Gift card payments can be arranged by calling 604-773-7829. Payment is required to secure your spot — no seats can be held. Cancellations receive credit toward a future class, except within 72 hours of the class start time. Book your spot here.
Good to Know
Vegetarian substitutions are available on request. Free street parking opens on Hastings Street at 6:00 PM; there is also a multi-level lot next to the nearby Tim Hortons. Please do not arrive before 6:00 PM.
Location
The Gray Olive Cafeteria, 4190 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC
Date and Time
Saturday, June 6, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
jun 07, 2026Jukendo and Tankendo Workshops at the Nikkei Centre
Time
Event Details
Explore a rare and fascinating martial art with Jukendo and Tankendo classes held every Sunday at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. Rooted in the traditions of Japanese Sojutsu
Event Details
Explore a rare and fascinating martial art with Jukendo and Tankendo classes held every Sunday at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. Rooted in the traditions of Japanese Sojutsu and Kenjutsu and blended with Western Bayonet Fencing, Jukendo and Tankendo offer a unique window into a lesser-known corner of Japanese martial arts.
Classes are led by a highly credentialed team of instructors, including Miki Takashima, Americas Director of the International Jukendo Renmei, alongside instructors Jimbo Ayahara and Justin Leung.
Fees
$60 per month or $15 drop-in. Registration in advance is required — email vanjtclub@gmail.com to sign up.
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres, Burnaby, BC
When
Every Sunday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
jun 07, 2026Burnaby Farmers Market at Brentwood
Time
Location
Brentwood Boulevard (between Halifax Way and Alpha Ave, outside Tables Food Court)
Event Details
Spend your Sunday mornings exploring fresh local flavours at the Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market at Brentwood. Located just steps from Brentwood SkyTrain Station, this vibrant community market brings
Event Details
Spend your Sunday mornings exploring fresh local flavours at the Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market at Brentwood. Located just steps from Brentwood SkyTrain Station, this vibrant community market brings together local farmers, food producers, and artisans from across British Columbia.
Browse stalls filled with seasonal produce, baked goods, handcrafted products, and other locally made treasures while supporting regional agriculture and small businesses. From farm-fresh ingredients to unique handmade finds, there’s always something new to discover.
Hosted by the Artisan Farmers Market Society, the market helps connect the community with local growers and makers while promoting sustainable food systems and access to fresh, healthy food.
Location: Brentwood Boulevard (between Halifax Way and Alpha Ave, outside Tables Food Court)
Dates: Sundays, June – August
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Come by, meet local vendors, and enjoy one of Burnaby’s favourite summer community markets.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
jun 12, 2026Kizuna Art Salon at the Nikkei Centre
Time
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Event Details
Drop in and get creative at the Kizuna Art Salon, a weekly Japanese arts and crafts session led by artist and educator Yoriko Gillard at the Nikkei National Museum &
Event Details
Drop in and get creative at the Kizuna Art Salon, a weekly Japanese arts and crafts session led by artist and educator Yoriko Gillard at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. Kizuna (絆) — a Japanese word for the bonds formed between people — is the heart of this welcoming, relaxed space where curiosity is the only requirement.
Each session explores a different Japanese art form, from sumi-e ink painting and chigiri-e paper collage to furoshiki wrapping, katazome stenciling, kiri-e paper cutting, and tsukuroi-mono mending. If you have your own project on the go, bring it along and get feedback from Yoriko. No experience necessary — newcomers are always welcome.
Current Focus
May sessions are centred on tsukuroi-mono — the Japanese art of mending. Bring clothes you’ve been meaning to repair or upcycle and give them a new life. Please bring your own mending kit and fabric; sewing materials are not provided.
Fees
$5 drop-in. No registration required.
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 2F Tatami Room, 6688 Southoaks Cres, Burnaby, BC
When
Every Friday 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
jun 12, 2026Pokémon League at the Nikkei Centre
Time
Event Details
Join fellow trainers every week with the Pokémon League, at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or picking up your first deck,
Event Details
Join fellow trainers every week with the Pokémon League, at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or picking up your first deck, this is a welcoming space to play, trade, and connect with the local Pokémon community.
What to Expect
Casual play and trading kicks off at 4:30 PM, followed by a for-fun tournament from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The league runs until 9:30 PM, giving trainers plenty of time to keep playing and meet others after the tournament wraps. You don’t have to enter the tournament to show up, learn-to-play decks are available for newcomers.
Monthly VGC (Video Game Championships) tournaments are also held on-site. VGC is the official competitive format for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on Nintendo Switch, using a format that matches players of similar skill levels. Expect 4 to 8 best-of-3 matches depending on attendance and placement.
Registration & Fees
Weekly league tournaments are $6, or $4 for NNMCC Members. Monthly challenge days are $12 — pre-register at donscards.ca. Register for VGC tournaments here.
Location
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres, Burnaby, BC
When
Every Friday Casual play: 4:30 PM Tournament: 5:30 PM Special events vary — check the Nikkei Centre for details
jun 12, 2026Couples Class: Elevated Italian Trattoria
Time
Event Details
Cook a full Italian dinner side by side at Couples Class: Elevated Italian Trattoria, a hands-on evening class for two at the Gray Olive Cafeteria in the Burnaby Heights. From
Event Details
Cook a full Italian dinner side by side at Couples Class: Elevated Italian Trattoria, a hands-on evening class for two at the Gray Olive Cafeteria in the Burnaby Heights. From homemade pasta carbonara to pan-roasted chicken with truffled orzo, you and your partner will work through a proper three-course Italian menu together under the guidance of a head chef.
What You’ll Make
- Mixed greens with candied walnuts and lemon vinaigrette
- Homemade pasta carbonara with eggs, pecorino romano, parmesan, black pepper, and pancetta
- Pan-roasted grilled chicken with pesto and truffled orzo pasta, with white bean fricassée
Registration
This class is designed for pairs — you must bring someone with you and purchase one ticket per person. Tickets are available through Eventbrite via PayPal or credit card. Gift card payments can be arranged by calling 604-773-7829. Payment is required to secure your spot — no seats can be held. Cancellations receive credit toward a future class, except within 72 hours of the class start time. Book your spot here.
Good to Know
Dietary substitutions are available — please advise in advance.
Location
The Gray Olive Cafeteria, 4190 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC
Date and Time
Friday, June 12, 2026 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
BURNABY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
October is right for frights! The Halloween Festival fills the month with glowing installations, creative costumes, family-friendly scares, and after-dark events that lean into the spooky season.
Annual Festivals in Burnaby
There’s always a reason to show up in Burnaby. Seasonal favourites run alongside citywide events such as the Bite of Burnaby, Pride celebrations, and Halloween, filling the calendar with festivals shaped by the many cultures, creativity, and voices that make our city shine.
Bite of Burnaby
More than a festival, Bite of Burnaby is a celebration of diversity, bringing together cultures, flavours, and communities.
BURNABY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
October is right for frights! The Halloween Festival fills the month with glowing installations, creative costumes, family-friendly scares, and after-dark events that lean into the spooky season.
Annual Festivals in Burnaby
There’s always a reason to show up in Burnaby. Seasonal favourites run alongside citywide events such as the Bite of Burnaby, Pride celebrations, and Halloween, filling the calendar with festivals shaped by the many cultures, creativity, and voices that make our city shine.
Bite of Burnaby
More than a festival, Bite of Burnaby is a celebration of diversity, bringing together cultures, flavours, and communities.
BURNABY PRIDE
Now in its eighth year, Burnaby’s Pride event takes place at Civic Square and celebrates the diversity of the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community!
BURNABY PRIDE
Now in its eighth year, Burnaby’s Pride event takes place at Civic Square and celebrates the diversity of the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community!
BURNABY STORIES
These stories offer a closer look at Burnaby, from what we eat and celebrate to the small, everyday moments that shape the city.
