60+ International Food & Cultural Experiences, World Stage Performances, FIFA Soccer Activities, and Canadian Job Expo
Hosted by the Vancouver Young Volunteer Association (VYVA), proudly presented by BCIT, and supported by the Government of Canada and Festival Burnaby, the 3rd Annual Canadian Cultural Festival took place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby.
As one of Burnaby’s largest multicultural celebrations, this year’s festival welcomed more than 3,500 attendees in a single day, bringing together over 60 international cultural, culinary, and interactive experiences. Visitors enjoyed authentic global cuisine, cultural performances, workshops, an artisan market, family-friendly activities, FIFA-themed Unity through soccer experiences, the Canadian Job Expo, complimentary instant photo printing, the popular Cultural Passport Challenge sponsored by Haidilao Hotpot and Fantuan, and the festival’s first-ever Matchmaking & Speed Dating event.
The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished guests from all levels of government and the diplomatic community, including Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, Burnaby City Councillors Maita Santiago, Richard T Lee, MLA Raj Chouhan, Paul Choi, MLA, representatives of Minister Gregor Robertson and Minister Anne Kang, Richmond councilor Alexa Loo, along with many community leaders, diplomatic missions and consulates, including Brazil, Mexico, India, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Türkiye, Japan, India, and others, celebrating Canada’s rich multicultural community together.
Charlene Liu, the Executive Director of VYVA and Chair of the Canadian Cultural Festival, once said: “We are lucky that in Canada, culture and identity can be defined by ourselves — through how we share, serve, and belong. Volunteerism is the spirit of the Canadian Cultural Festival, bringing people from different backgrounds and generations together to build a stronger community. Let’s carry this gratitude, keep an open heart, take more steps forward, and continue giving back.”
Throughout the day, audiences enjoyed performances from 20 different cultural groups representing diverse traditions from around the world while supporting local artists, small businesses, community organizations, and food vendors.
In celebration of the FIFA excitement in Vancouver, the festival introduced an Outdoor Soccer Activities Zone, offering interactive football games and activities for families of all ages while promoting healthy living and community engagement.
The festival also featured the Canadian Job Expo 2026, connecting students, newcomers, young professionals, and job seekers with employers and industry leaders. Sessions included career development workshops, networking opportunities, HR insights from TNT, and presentations from BCIT Dean Kenton Low, also a former Disney executive, lawyer Cindy Lee, and Educational Partner Fortinet Technologies on career growth, personal branding, and Canada’s evolving job market.
More than just a festival, the Canadian Cultural Festival serves as a platform to celebrate diversity, strengthen community connections, support local businesses, and create meaningful cultural exchange. Families, students, newcomers, and residents from all backgrounds came together to experience the best of Canada’s multicultural spirit.
For more 2027 vendors and sponsors information, contact marketing@vyvacanada.com
Photo Credits: @CanadianCulturalFest
