A brand-new B.C. Day summer festival will shine the spotlight on British Columbia’s cultural diversity, culinary traditions and artistic talent.
The inaugural Celebrate BC festival will fill Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park on Aug. 4.
The free, one-day event is being organized by S.U.C.C.E.S.S., in collaboration with the City of Coquitlam, and developed under the guidance and partnership of the Kwikwetlem First Nation (kʷikʷəɫʻɛɛm).
Organizers promise a vibrant day that honours the spirit of B.C. through music, food, art and cultural storytelling.
One of the festival’s most anticipated features is B.C.’s largest-ever salmon barbecue, where an incredible 2,000 pounds of wild salmon will be prepared on-site by some of the province’s most acclaimed chefs. The salmon feast will pay homage to B.C.’s coastal heritage and longstanding Indigenous traditions.
“Celebrating B.C. Day means celebrating the cultures, diversity and traditions that make up our beautiful province,” says Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“Our province is home to incredible creativity, from Indigenous artists to newcomers finding new ways to express their heritage, and we are proud to celebrate British Columbians every day.”
A zipline is among the events planned as part of the Celebrate BC festival in Coquitlam on B.C. Day. Courtesy the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation
Festival-goers can expect an exciting lineup of entertainment and cultural experiences, including:
- B.C.’s biggest salmon barbecue, hosted by the Kwikwetlem First Nation
- An Indigenous fashion show presented by Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week
- Live music performances, headlined by Juno Award-winning artist George Leach
- A Heritage Walk showcasing cultural timelines from Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese and Indigenous communities
- The BC Wine Garden and Best of BC Pavilion, highlighting local wines, food and artisans
- A thrilling zipline adventure
- Captivating Indigenous storytelling sessions
Beyond the festivities, Celebrate BC aims to become an annual tradition, offering a platform to showcase the diverse voices and regions that shape British Columbia’s unique identity.
“Celebrate BC is all about bringing people together,” says Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation. “It’s a chance for communities from every background to share stories, food and traditions, and to celebrate everything that makes British Columbia such a special place to call home. At S.U.C.C.E.S.S., we’re proud to help create a space where everyone feels welcome and included.”
The event is free to attend and open to all ages, making it an ideal destination for families, foodies and music lovers alike. Organizers note that more details, including a full schedule of performances and activities, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Mark your calendars for Aug. 4, and get ready to join thousands of fellow British Columbians in Coquitlam for a day of celebration, connection, and community spirit at Celebrate BC.
For updates and event details, visit successbc.ca or the City of Coquitlam’s events page.
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