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.
