Carnaval del Sol returns to Vancouver this July with three days of music and food

Carnaval del Sol is returning to Vancouver for three days of music, food, and culture, July 10 to 12 at Jonathan Rogers Park. The annual festival, produced by Latincouver, has grown into the largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest, drawing thousands of attendees each year to celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and communities that make up Latin America. This year's theme—"Play Loud, Celebrate Proud — Together We Are Stronger"—aligns with Vancouver's summer-long football fever. The festival's main stage, Plaza del Sol, will host performances from more than 350 artists throughout the weekend. Opening night kicks off with Mexican band El Gran Silencio, whose blend of rock, reggae, cumbia, and Latin rhythms makes its Vancouver debut as the group celebrates its 30th anniversary. Other featured performers include Chilean cumbia outfit Villa Cariño and Dominican-American group Fulanito, known for mixing hip-hop and merengue. Fútbol will play a major role with daily tournaments at a dedicated Sports Plaza. Beyond the music, the festival features a Latin American parade, Indigenous ceremonies from both Latin America and Canada, live art installations, traditional performances, and a recreation of the ancient pre-Hispanic Juego de Pelota at the Native Plaza. The Kids and Youth Plaza offers family programming, while the She Latina Plaza spotlights women entrepreneurs and creators. Wellness programming and senior-focused activities are also planned. Festival-goers can explore food vendors serving regional specialties, street food favourites, desserts, and refreshing drinks from across the Americas. Adults can head to the Beer Plaza, where DJs spin Latin house, reggaeton, salsa remixes, and tropical beats. Tickets are $15 and up; kids 12 and under and seniors attend free.