Twenty thousand ravers descend on West Vancouver's Ambleside Park for Soulrise
DJ Anyma headlined the electronic music festival Saturday, performing on the largest LED wall in the country as local businesses reported record crowds.
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Twenty thousand people descended on Ambleside Park in West Vancouver on Saturday, Aug. 29, for Soulrise Music Festival—the largest crowd the district has recorded since its 1912 incorporation.
The electronic music festival ran from around 3 to 10 p.m., with DJ and producer Anyma headlining. His iconic visual art was displayed on what organizers described as the largest LED wall in the country. The event was promoted by GSL Group (behind the now-defunct Ambleside Music Festival), Insomniac, Off2 Project, and Harbour Event & Convention Centre.
Ambleside businesses reported being packed throughout the day. Council member Scott Snider said he spoke to business owners in the neighbourhood, and "they're very excited about the number of people in the community." He reflected on the change for West Vancouver: "If five years ago someone asked him if this sort of thing would happen in West Van.... 'Not bloody likely,' Snider says."
Mayor Mark Sager praised the organizers. "This is incredible," he said over the pulsing sound system.
Inside the venue, crowds in rave attire moved through entry gates into an area packed with food vendors, bartenders, and portable restrooms. The festival delivered big sound paired with lasers, lights, smoke, and trippy visuals. Council members Sharon Thompson, Christine Cassidy, and Scott Snider attended alongside the mayor.
Reactions online were mixed. Some praised the event for bringing something new to the region, while others complained of a lack of free water stations and parking challenges around the venue.
At a glance
Where did Soulrise take place?
Soulrise Music Festival was held at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Who was the headliner?
DJ and producer Anyma headlined the festival, performing with his iconic visual art displayed on what organizers called the largest LED wall in the country.
How many people attended?
Twenty thousand people attended Soulrise, making it the largest crowd West Vancouver has recorded since its 1912 incorporation.
What did attendees say about the event?
Online reactions were mixed: some praised Soulrise for bringing something new to the region, while others complained about the lack of free water stations and parking challenges around the venue.
