FAQ
Yes, a full schedule of performances and activities will be released closer to the festival date. This will include details on programming such as competitions, performances, and cultural showcases.
The festival features live performances, Korean food vendors, cultural exhibits, and interactive activities throughout the day. It’s a mix of traditional and contemporary experiences in one setting.
No, the festival is free to attend. Visitors can drop in at any time during event hours.
No, TJ Fest is free to attend. Visitors can drop in at any time during festival hours without needing a ticket.
Yes, TJ Fest is designed for all ages. Families can enjoy performances, games, activities at Avondale Park, and a wide range of food options throughout the day.
TJ Fest is a community event centred around Taiwanese temple festival traditions. It features food, cultural performances, a vendor market, and interactive experiences that reflect the values and practices connected to Tian-Jin Temple.
Tickets for the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival are available at the gate only. Advance online tickets are not offered.
Yes, the festival is designed for all ages. Kids can enjoy games, crafts, and themed areas, while adults can explore performances, food, and cultural experiences.
The weekend includes live music, cultural performances, traditional Midsummer activities like pole raising and dancing, food vendors, a marketplace, and family-friendly games and activities.
Many parts of Nikkei Matsuri are interactive. Visitors are welcome to join in activities like Obon dancing, try traditional games, explore crafts, and fully take part in the experience.
Tickets are required for general admission, with discounted advance tickets available online. Youth (under 18), seniors (65+), and Nikkei National Museum members can attend for free.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of live performances, traditional dance, food vendors, marketplace shopping, and hands-on activities. From taiko drumming and Obon dancing to games and crafts, there’s something for all ages.
The event includes live performances, Filipino food vendors, a marketplace, and interactive activities throughout the day. It’s a lively, family-friendly environment where you can explore culture, try new food, and spend time with the community.
Yes, admission is free. Visitors can enjoy performances and activities throughout the site, with food, drinks, and vendor items available for purchase.
The event takes place over two days in June at Swangard Stadium. For 2026, it runs on June 20 and 21, with programming throughout the day and into the evening.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of live cultural performances, global food, local vendors, and interactive experiences. There are also outdoor activities, community booths, and opportunities to explore different cultures all in one place.
The event takes place at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby. It’s accessible by public transit, and there are parking options nearby. Planning ahead is recommended, as it can get busy throughout the day.
Admission is free and open to all. While tickets aren’t required, registering in advance is recommended to receive updates and be entered into prize draws.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair to relax in the meadow seating area while you enjoy the performances. Sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and payment for food and vendors are also recommended. Please note that tents and pets are not permitted.
Yes, admission is free. You can enjoy a full day of live music and activities, with food, beverages, and artisan vendors available to purchase on site
This annual summer event takes place at Deer Lake Park. In 2026, it’s scheduled for Saturday, August 8. Check back for updates, including artist announcements and event details.
Everyone is welcome. Burnaby Pride events are inclusive spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, allies, families, and visitors to come together, learn, and celebrate in a respectful and welcoming environment.
Many Burnaby Pride events, including the community picnic and festival, are free and open to all. Some partner or community-led events may vary, so it’s a good idea to check details ahead of time.
Burnaby Pride events typically take place throughout the summer, with key celebrations happening over a dedicated Pride period. Dates and details vary each year, so check back for the latest updates as they are announced.
Yes. It’s accessible by car and transit, and the main strip along Hastings Street is easy to walk.
Visitors can explore local shops, enjoy cafés and restaurants, discover artisan goods, and experience public art along the street.
Burnaby Heights is located in North Burnaby along Hastings Street, stretching through a walkable strip of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Cherry blossom season typically takes place from late March through April, when thousands of cherry trees bloom across the region.
Burnaby participants include EGGBOMB+, Matcha Tea Lab and Coffee Loft, each offering special sakura-themed drinks or desserts during the festival.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Fest is a seasonal celebration in which cafes and restaurants create limited-time cherry blossom-inspired food and drinks throughout Metro Vancouver.
Yes. Crystal Mall is a convenient transit stop in the Metrotown neighbourhood, with SkyTrain and bus access nearby.
Expect a wide range of Asian comfort foods, including noodles, soups, barbecue, and grab-and-go snacks, plus drinks and desserts.
It’s best known for its busy, affordable food court and its mix of independent retailers and specialty shops.
Yes. Burnaby offers patio dining across multiple neighbourhoods, making it easy to enjoy outdoor meals during warm weather.
Outdoor dining is available at restaurants throughout Burnaby, with patios in major areas such as Brentwood, Metrotown, and neighbourhood shopping districts.
Burnaby offers summer patios across neighbourhoods like Brentwood, Metrotown, and Burnaby Heights, featuring outdoor seating at local restaurants and casual dining spots.
Yes. Cherry blossoms in Burnaby can be enjoyed in public parks and outdoor spaces at no cost.
Yes. Many Burnaby parks provide open spaces and scenic backdrops that are popular for cherry blossom photography.
Cherry blossoms typically bloom in spring, with peak viewing depending on weather conditions each year.
Cherry blossoms can be viewed at select parks and public green spaces across Burnaby during the spring blooming season.
More than 75 restaurants across Burnaby are participating in the 2026 festival, the largest lineup in the event’s history.
Bite of Burnaby 2026 runs throughout March, with special restaurant menus available all month and ticketed events scheduled on select dates.
Bite of Burnaby is a month-long food festival held each March in Burnaby, British Columbia, featuring more than 75 participating restaurants and curated culinary events.
Yes. Día de los Muertos in Burnaby is designed as a family-friendly and inclusive celebration. Activities often include art workshops, storytelling, live performances, and opportunities for children and adults to learn about cultural traditions in a respectful, engaging way.
Día de los Muertos in Burnaby is typically held each October as part of the city’s broader Halloween-season programming. The event is typically held at The Amazing Brentwood, with exact dates and schedules announced annually as the event approaches.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional celebration from Mexico and Latin America that honours loved ones who have passed through remembrance, storytelling, art, music, and food. In Burnaby, the celebration is presented by Latincouver and features cultural performances, hands-on workshops, community altars, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
MetroCon is designed for fans of all ages, from dedicated pop culture enthusiasts and cosplayers to families and casual fans looking to explore a fun, immersive Halloween-season event. Programming and experiences vary each year, offering something for first-time visitors and returning fans alike.
MetroCon takes place each October during the Burnaby Halloween Festival. The convention is typically hosted at a major Burnaby venue, such as the Hilton Metrotown, with locations and dates announced annually closer to the festival season.
MetroCon is a pop culture convention held in Burnaby as part of the Burnaby Halloween Festival. The event celebrates fandom through cosplay, fan panels, interactive experiences, and programming inspired by popular film, television, gaming, and science-fiction franchises.
Costumes are encouraged as part of the Halloween theme, adding to the festive and playful atmosphere of the event.
Yes. The event encourages community participation and costumes, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Yes. The Monster Dash is a 5-kilometre run designed for participants of varying fitness levels.
The Burnaby Spooky Run takes place in Burnaby, with the race route and event activities located within designated areas of the city.
The Burnaby Spooky Run Monster Dash 5K is a Halloween-themed 5K run in Burnaby that combines a fun race atmosphere with costumes and community participation.
A blanket or portable chairs, reusable containers, weather-appropriate clothing, and a plan to pack out what you bring are recommended. Always follow park guidelines and check local regulations before setting up.
Yes, picnicking in Burnaby is possible year-round when weather permits. Many parks offer sheltered areas, benches, and paved paths, making them suitable for casual outdoor meals outside the peak summer months, especially on dry, mild days.
Some of the best picnic spots in Burnaby include Deer Lake Park, Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, Central Park, Barnet Marine Park, and Fraser Foreshore Park. These parks offer a mix of lakeside views, waterfront access, open lawns, shaded areas, and easy access for families and casual outings.
Easy winter activities include short nature walks, playground visits, wildlife spotting, and enjoying seasonal scenery in local parks.
Yes. Burnaby has many family-friendly trails with wide paths, gentle terrain, and nearby amenities, making them suitable for all ages.
Popular winter walks include flat, well-maintained paths at Central Park and Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park, offering scenic views year-round.
Several cycling routes connect easily from SkyTrain stations near Central Park, Metrotown, and Brentwood, making it easy to combine biking with public transit.
When you’re hiking and biking the Burnaby Mountain trails, you can park at the Mountain Air Bike Skills parking lot, located off Takeda Drive on the south side of Barnet Highway. The Mountain Air Trail begins at the southwest corner of this lot, which has more capacity than the Drummond’s Walk trailhead across the highway in Barnet Marine Park.
Flat, family-friendly routes can be found around Central Park, Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park, and along Burnaby’s urban greenways, which offer paved paths and gentle grades.
Themed events highlight Burnaby Heights’ local character, making it a lively way to discover shops, dining, and community culture in Burnaby.
Yes. The experience is designed as a neighbourhood stroll, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors looking for a fun and casual activity in Burnaby.
Burnaby Heights is a neighbourhood in Burnaby, known for its walkable streets, local shops, restaurants, and strong community vibe.
Visitors can explore museums, attend cultural festivals, shop at local markets, and enjoy authentic dining experiences at venues such as the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.
Yes. Burnaby is known for its diverse Asian communities and vibrant food scene, with strong Chinese, Korean, Japanese, South Asian, and Southeast Asian influences.
Asian culture can be experienced across Burnaby through cultural centres, neighbourhoods, festivals, and everyday food experiences at places like Crystal Mall and community hubs throughout the city.
The tour length is flexible and can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a half day, depending on how many sites you choose to visit.
Along the tour, visitors can discover historic farm buildings, heritage landscapes, and stories that reflect Burnaby’s agricultural roots and early settlement history.
Yes. The tour is self-guided, allowing visitors to explore each site at their own pace and choose which locations to visit.
The Burnaby Heritage Farm Tour features historic farm sites and agricultural landmarks located across Burnaby, including areas in South and Central Burnaby.
Yes. Burnaby features Valentine’s Day activities and experiences that make it easy for couples to plan a meaningful day or evening together.
Couples can enjoy romantic experiences across Burnaby, from dining and strolling through scenic areas to taking part in seasonal and local activities.
Burnaby offers a range of Valentine’s date ideas, including romantic outings, shared activities, and local experiences designed for couples.
No. Festival drinks are limited-time only and typically available only during the official festival dates.
Participating Burnaby locations include cafés, bakeries, and dessert shops such as Artigiano, Bella Gelateria, Chez Christophe, Crema Ice Cream, Glenburn Soda Fountain, Little Pisces, Modus Coffee Roasters, Mon Paris Patisserie, Peaked Pies, and The Pie Hole.
The Hot Chocolate Festival runs from January 17 to February 14, 2026, with Burnaby vendors offering limited-edition drinks during the festival period.
Yes. Metrotown and central Burnaby are home to several well-loved brunch spots, many within walking distance of SkyTrain stations.
Brunch is easy to find throughout Burnaby, with cafés and restaurants serving everything from classic eggs benedict to globally inspired brunch dishes in multiple neighbourhoods.
Burnaby offers a wide range of brunch options, from cozy neighbourhood cafés to popular weekend spots across Burnaby Heights, Metrotown, and North Burnaby.
Yes. Metropolis at Metrotown and central Burnaby continue to see new restaurant openings, making the area a go-to spot for trying the latest food and drink concepts.
Burnaby is known for its diverse food scene, offering everything from local cafés and bakeries to globally inspired restaurants across areas like Burnaby Heights, Metrotown, and North Burnaby.
Burnaby’s dining scene is always evolving, with new cafés, casual eateries, and restaurants opening regularly, especially around Metrotown, Brentwood, and neighbourhood hubs across the city.
The City of Lougheed is easily accessible by public transit and by car, making it convenient for visitors and locals traveling from across Burnaby and nearby areas. It is accessible from the Millennium line and Expo line at Lougheed Town Centre Skytrain Station.
The City of Lougheed offers a variety of dining options at The Eateries, including casual eateries and food-focused businesses located within the shopping centre.
The City of Lougheed is located in the Lougheed area of Burnaby, serving as a shopping and services hub for the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Yes. The Amazing Brentwood offers a wide mix of dining options, from casual eats to sit-down restaurants, along with entertainment and community experiences throughout the year.
Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy restaurants, cafés, public plazas, seasonal events, and entertainment options all in one walkable destination.
The Amazing Brentwood is located in North Burnaby at Lougheed Highway and Willingdon Avenue, directly connected to Brentwood Town Centre SkyTrain Station.
Metrotown is easily reached via Metrotown SkyTrain Station on the Expo Line, and drivers have access to multiple parking facilities surrounding the mall.
Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy dining, movies, entertainment venues, and seasonal events, all within one of Metro Vancouver’s largest urban centres.
Metropolis at Metrotown is located in central Burnaby and is directly connected to Metrotown SkyTrain Station.
Absolutely. The celebrations include arts and crafts, LEGO® building activities, cultural exhibitions, performances, and interactive workshops designed for all ages.
Yes. All Lunar New Year activities and performances at Metropolis at Metrotown are free and open to the public during regular shopping centre hours.
Lunar New Year celebrations run from February 2 to March 3, 2026, with select performances and activities taking place on specific dates throughout the month.
Burnaby is directly east of Vancouver. While Burnaby is not technically within Vancouver, it is still a part of the Metro Vancouver Regional District (GVRD). It’s right in the middle of this Metro Vancouver area, bordered by Vancouver and Port Moody to the west, and Coquitlam and New Westminster on the east. The Burrard Inlet forms the northern border and the Fraser River runs along its southern border.
The 2016 census notes the Burnaby population at 232,755 people, which makes it the 20th biggest city in Canada and the 3rd largest city in British Columbia.
