Get ready to eat, explore, and awaken your inner culture buff—because on May 25th, Victoria’s historic Chinatown will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Awakening Chinatown!
This free, family-friendly festival celebrates the heritage and vibrant culture of the city’s Chinese Canadian community in the most joyful, interactive way possible.
Hosted by the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society, it wraps up Asian Heritage Month with a full afternoon of performances, hands-on activities, and community spirit.
Here’s a look at what’s happening:
- A high-energy lion dance and martial arts demo by Wong Sheung Kung Fu
- Harpist Michelle Kwan blending traditional and modern melodies—Kwan is also a social media phenomenon, with over 2 million views of her rendition of Guns n’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
- The always crowd-pleasing Chinese Dance Victoria, Happy Drum Group, and opera singer Alex Chen with Shelley Shen joining in the finale
- Rising pop/rap performer Hua Li
- Plus: calligraphy, fortune telling, and arts and crafts galore
And let’s not forget the food! Local eateries in the Chinatown precinct will be serving up delicious bites, so come hungry.
You can also hop on a guided tour to learn about the stunning architecture and the rich legacy of the Chinese immigrants who helped build this city more than two centuries ago.
Victoria’s Chinatown isn’t just Canada’s oldest—it’s one of the most architecturally intact in North America. It’s a living, breathing piece of history, and this festival is a chance to experience it like never before.
Awakening Chinatown takes over lower Fisgard Street from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 25th. Lead sponsor is RBC, with Townline as the proud Dragon sponsor.
While you’re in the neighbourhood, pop into the Victoria Chinatown Museum at 10 Fan Tan Alley to dive even deeper into the stories of the city’s earliest Chinese pioneers.
Awakening Chinatown
- Where: Lower Fisgard Street, Chinatown (downtown Victoria)
- When: Sunday, May 25th – 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
