Powell Street Festival marks 50 years of Japanese Canadian culture in Vancouver this long weekend

The 50th annual Powell Street Festival returns to Vancouver's historic Paueru Gai (Powell Street neighbourhood) on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, celebrating five decades of Japanese Canadian arts, culture and community.

More than 80 performances and programs, 60 craft and marketplace vendors, 20 food vendors and at least 10 community booths will transform Oppenheimer Park, the Vancouver Japanese Language School, Firehall Arts Centre and surrounding venues. The festival extends into the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall, where additional exhibitions, workshops and presentations will be held, allowing visitors to explore more than ever before.

Founded in 1977, the Powell Street Festival has evolved into one of Vancouver's biggest cultural events while keeping the history of Vancouver's former Japantown alive. "Whether it's your first festival or your 50th, I want to thank you for choosing to spend your long weekend here with us in Paueru Gai," said festival society president Russell Chiong.

Fan favourites return including the Shig Hirai Sumo Tournament, taiko performances across multiple stages, martial arts displays, tea ceremonies, Japanese dance, live music, theatre and film screenings. New additions this year include the Paueru Gai Ondo community dance, children's games, tug-of-war, the Kiai Contest and the popular Suika Wari watermelon game.

Food is a major draw. More than 20 vendors will serve Japanese favourites and the famous Salmon BBQ—a staple of Japanese Canadian redress history—alongside community booths and artisan markets. In honour of the 50th anniversary, organizers have created a PSF50 Stamp Hunt: pick up five stamps throughout the festival to create a piece of art inspired by the original 1977 stage.

Exhibitions, documentaries, panel discussions and projects supported by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society shine a spotlight on Japanese Canadian history. A featured panel discussion, "Return to Paueru Gai to celebrate Fifty Years of Vancouver's Powell Street Festival," explores the festival's past and future alongside a newly released commemorative book and exhibition.

Organizers expect more than 23,000 attendees over the two days. Parking around Oppenheimer Park is limited; attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle or take transit. Free bike valet service, water stations, accessible seating, gender-neutral washrooms and ASL interpretation at opening ceremonies will also be available.