The City of Burnaby is pleased to announce its 2026 special events program line up, offering vibrant and inclusive experiences across the city. The program features large scale destination events, neighbourhood celebrations, and community partnered programming that support the cultural economy, animate public spaces and strengthen community connections.
“Every year, City staff and our community partners work extremely hard to put together so many incredible events for our community to enjoy," said Mayor Mike Hurley. "From concerts to festivals and community celebrations, we're thrilled to be building on the beloved events that make Burnaby such a special place to live."
Returning signature events
- Burnaby Blooms (May 3): This event returns to Deer Lake Park, with two festival premieres: crow choreography with Still Moon Arts Society and an opportunity to celebrate hummingbirds with HUM. The event will feature increased environmental, nature and Indigenous programming, further strengthening the festival’s role as a platform for creative expression connected to climate awareness and sustainability.
- Burnaby's celebration for National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (June 20) comes to Civic Square, providing an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. In addition to traditional and contemporary performances, the event will include an Indigenous market, community organizations, traditional games and activities for all ages.
- StreetFest on Central (July 1): Programming will span from the Bob Prittie Library to the mainstage in Central Park and conclude with a fireworks display. Additional Canada Day celebrations are also planned at Burnaby Village Museum and Edmonds Community Centre.
- Symphony and Opera in the Park (July 18–19): The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Opera return to Deer Lake Park for its busiest weekend, delighting audiences with a mix of classical favourites the whole family can enjoy.
- Burnaby Pride Festival (July 25): Delivered in collaboration with the Burnaby Pride Committee, the event returns to Civic Square for a vibrant afternoon of family-friendly music, drag, food trucks, games and community booths. Celebrate Burnaby’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community!
- Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival (August 8): The event returns to Deer Lake Park with expanded programming that includes a Community Stage and performances at Burnaby Village Museum, creating additional platforms for emerging local talent across multiple sites.
- Car Free Day Edmonds (August 30): This event returns with presenting partner TransLink, bringing the community together to celebrate local businesses, support economic growth and showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Edmonds neighbourhood.
- Central Spark (October 30): Celebrate Halloween with both fireworks and a drone show (weather permitting), balancing innovation, environmental considerations and public enthusiasm. Costumes are always encouraged.
- Haunted Village (October 23–25 and October 30–31): This event returns to Burnaby Village Museum. The ticketed family-friendly event will include new and returning programming.
- Festive Village (November 25, 2026–January 3, 2027): With presenting partner Concord Pacific, the event returns to Burnaby Village Museum, bringing festive lights, seasonal programming and holiday cheer to kick off the holiday season.
Summer community events: A neighbourhood focused approach
In 2026, Burnaby’s summer community events program will shift to a more neighbourhood focused approach, with smaller events spread across the city to make activities easier to access and closer to home.
Residents can enjoy live local music performances in neighbourhood parks throughout the summer. Summer Stages returns with expanded programming, now offering both daytime performances and a new weekly evening event alongside Summer Cinema at Confederation Park. The season also features family friendly favourites such as Girolino for Kids and Day of Play, outdoor movie nights at Civic Square, and the Willingdon Community Fair and Movie Night, before wrapping up with World Rivers Day at Burnaby Village Museum in September. This approach reflects community feedback and evolving participation patterns, while continuing to provide free, inclusive cultural experiences across Burnaby.
Get involved!
To enhance the programing and experience for our community here are some ways you can get involved and support events in Burnaby:
- Apply to the Artisan Market
- Apply to be a performer
- Participate as a community group
- Apply as a community partner for summer stages
- Sponsor an event
- Volunteer at an event
- Plan your own event
Learn more: Burnaby.ca/BurnabyEvents
The City of Burnaby gratefully acknowledges the generous support from
Concord Pacific, RBC, Government of Canada, Appia Development and TransLink
BTogether
Burnaby is home to some of the biggest and best festivals in the region. From vibrant summer street festivals, to world-class concerts on the lawn at Deer Lake Park, we’re proud to offer incredible opportunities to gather with friends and family. So get out there and explore what Civic Special Events has to offer!