City of Vancouver’s special event season kicks off this weekend with Vaisakhi Parade and Sun Run

VANCOUVER’S spring special events season is officially here.

Following a three-year hiatus, the Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade returns Saturday, April 15, welcoming thousands of residents and visitors to the heart of the Punjabi Market for first harvest celebrations. The following day on Sunday, April 16, thousands of runners will take to downtown streets in the annual Vancouver Sun Run 10k road race.

“Events, festivals, and cultural celebrations have a significant and positive impact on our city. They bring vibrancy into our communities, help support our local economy, and play an integral role in enhancing quality of life in Vancouver,” says Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “We are thrilled to see the return of these fantastic and long-standing events.”

To help ensure the Vaisakhi Parade and the Vancouver Sun Run operate as smoothly as possible this year, the City is asking everyone participating to follow these tips:

  • Walk, bike, roll, or take transit whenever possible.
  • Stay ahead of road closures.
  • Don’t let waste become litter: put waste in its place in the nearest garbage, recycling or organics bin.
  • Be considerate of the neighbourhood and keep noise to a minimum when leaving.

Vaisakhi parade details and road closures

  • Saturday April 15 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Parade route
  • Event website
  • To accommodate the parade road closures will be in effect on Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on sections of the following streets:
    • 1100-200 SE Marine Drive from Ross Street to Main Street
    • 8100-6500 Main Street from SE Marine Drive to East 49th Avenue
    • 200-600 E 49th Avenue, from Main Street to Fraser Street
    • 6500-7200 Fraser Street from East 49th Avenue to East 57th Avenue
    • 700-1000 East 57th Avenue from Fraser Street to Ross Street
    • 7300-8000 Ross Street from East 57th Avenue to SE Marine Drive

 

Sun Run details and road closures

 

More upcoming major special events for spring and early summer:

  • BMO Marathon and ½ Marathon, May 7
  • RBC Race for the Kids, June 11
  • Italian Day on the Drive, June 11
  • Jazz Festival – Downtown, June 23-July 3
  • Vancouver Half Marathon, June 25
  • Greek Day on Broadway, June 25