By Raynee Novak

The third-annual Light Up Chinatown! is happening from September 9 to 10 at 500 Columbia Street and neighbouring streets in this historic cultural area of Vancouver.

The free outdoor event, produced by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, features musicians, traditional dancing, bright and colourful lights, lanterns, a kid fun zone, and food vendors. It’s a family-friendly showcase of all that Chinatown has to offer.

Special inventive food collaborations featuring iconic Chinatown restaurants will be offered, too, including Bao Bei Brasserie with The Boss Bakery, DD Mau with Boba Run, Kam Wai with Treasure Green Tea Co., and Chinatown BBQ with Beaucoup Bakery. These offerings will only be available during the festival.

Light Up Chinatown! will also be fully licensed for the first time, allowing attendees 19 and over to enjoy beer, wine, and spirits while exploring the festival site.

Shoppers can visit local merchants to discover exclusive discounts throughout the neighbourhood, too, as well as collect stamps for a chance to win prizes. The Chinatown Passport giveaway offers participants the chance to collect eight stamps from eight businesses across Chinatown—and enter to win a multitude of prizes including gift cards; tickets to upcoming concerts like Beyoncé and Coldplay; prize packs to Aritiza, Arc'teryx, or Gourment Warehouse; and tickets to PNE Fright Nights or the Vancouver Canucks.

Light Up Chinatown!

When: September 9, 11am to 9pm; September 10, 11am to 6pm

Where: 500 Columbia Street

Admission: Free