Your Guide to Hats Off Day in Burnaby Heights
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Article Summary
Every June, Burnaby Heights hosts one of the city’s most cherished community celebrations. Hats Off Day turns Hastings Street into a lively, pedestrian-friendly festival full of music, food, family activities, and a strong neighbourhood spirit. Whether you attend for the parade, the vintage cars, or just to enjoy the atmosphere, it’s one of the best ways to experience Burnaby like a local.
Planning to Visit in 2026?
Hats Off Day takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along Hastings Street in Burnaby Heights, stretching from Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue. Admission is free, and the festival takes place rain or shine. In 2026, the event theme is Under the Big Top, bringing a playful circus-inspired atmosphere to the day.
What Is Hats Off Day?
Hosted by the Heights Merchant Associations, Hats Off Day has been a Burnaby tradition since the early 1980s. The event began as a way for local businesses to “take their hats off” to the community and has since grown into Burnaby’s largest one-day street festival, attracting more than 60,000 visitors each year.
For one day, Hastings Street closes to traffic and fills with live entertainment, local food, community displays, and activities for all ages.
What to Expect at Hats Off Day
Family Fun Dash
The day begins with the Family Fun Dash at 9:30 a.m., a free and inclusive run/walk along Hastings Street. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, making it a fun way for families to start the day together.
Hats Off Day Parade
At 10:00 a.m., the Hats Off Day Parade brings marching bands, community groups, local businesses, and colourful costumes to Hastings Street. It’s a longtime tradition and one of the festival’s most anticipated moments.
Street Festival
From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the street festival takes over Burnaby Heights with:
- Live music and entertainment on multiple stages
- Roving performers and family activities
- Food trucks and local eats
- Community booths and displays
- Merchant specials and sidewalk sales
Show & Shine Car Show
Car enthusiasts can browse a wide selection of vintage, specialty, and classic vehicles on display throughout the day. The Show & Shine has been part of Hats Off Day since 2002.
Credit: Hats Off Day 2025 / Lisa King
Credit: Hats Off Day
Credit: Hats Off Day 2025 / Brendan McAlpine
Getting There
By Transit: Skip the hassle of parking by taking transit. Please note that the buses that normally run along Hastings Street have been rerouted to Pender Street (one block south of Hastings Street).
By Car: Free public parking is available on surrounding side streets, but it fills up quickly—arrive early for the best spots.
By Bike or On Foot: Hastings Street will be closed to traffic, making it a perfect day for walking or cycling. Bring your own wheels.
Explore Burnaby Booth & Summer Giveaway
While exploring the festival, be sure to visit the Explore Burnaby booth and look for the Burnaby Buzz, which is made possible through a partnership with OpenRoad Auto Group Volkswagen Burnaby. Enter our summer giveaway for a chance to win a picnic basket filled with treats, along with a $200 Sungiven Foods gift card courtesy of our prize partner.
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