Carnaval del Sol returns to Vancouver, July 10 - 12
Carnaval del Sol 2026 returns to Vancouver: bigger, louder and prouder than ever!
The Pacific Northwest’s largest Latin American festival takes over Jonathan Rogers Park, July 10 – 12
Get ready to dance, sing, cheer and celebrate under the sun. From Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, Carnaval del Sol returns to Jonathan Rogers Park, transforming Vancouver into the ultimate Latin American summer fiesta with three unforgettable days of music, food, fútbol, culture and community.
Presented by Latincouver, Carnaval del Sol 2026 promises its biggest edition yet — bringing together thousands of attendees and more than 350 artists in a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture from across the Americas.
Under this year’s theme, “Play Loud, Celebrate Proud — Together We Are Stronger,” the festival embraces the energy, passion and joy that unite Latin communities while welcoming everyone to experience the rhythm, flavour and spirit of Latin America.
MORE MUSIC, MORE CULTURE, MORE FIESTA
This year’s festival will feature:
• Over 350 artists and performers
• Multiple themed plazas and immersive cultural experiences
• Live music, dance, art, sports, gastronomy and family activities throughout the weekend
At the heart of the celebration is the iconic Plaza del Sol, where festival-goers can expect explosive concerts, cultural showcases and non-stop energy from day to night.
OPENING NIGHT KICKS OFF WITH EL GRAN SILENCIO
Carnaval del Sol launches on Friday, July 10 at 5 pm with an electrifying Opening Night concert headlined by legendary Mexican band El Gran Silencio. Celebrating 30 years of their iconic fusion of rock, reggae, cumbia and Latin rhythms, the band will make their first-ever Vancouver performance at the festival.
The weekend continues with two full days of music, dance, food and cultural experiences on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12.
A FESTIVAL THAT BRINGS COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
More than a festival, Carnaval del Sol is a celebration of identity, connection and belonging.
Festival highlights include:
• The colourful Latin American Parade on July 12
• Indigenous ceremonies from Latin America and Canada
• Live art, cultural exhibitions and traditional performances
• Villa Cariño, a popular cumbia band from Chile, and Fulanito, a legendary Dominican-American hip-hop and merengue group, will bring their signature Latin fusion sounds to the Main Stage Plaza
• A pre-Hispanic Juego de Pelota (the sacred ancient ballgame played by Indigenous civilizations of Mesoamerica) experience at the Native Plaza
• Family-friendly activities at the Kids & Youth Plaza
• The She Latina Plaza, showcasing women entrepreneurs and creators
• Wellness experiences, senior programming and inclusive community spaces
This year, fútbol (soccer) takes centre stage as part of the festival’s celebration of Latin passion, culture and community connection. The dedicated Sports Plaza will feature daily soccer tournaments. Watch teams proudly represent different countries as they compete, showcasing talent, teamwork, and cultural pride on the field.
A TASTE OF LATIN AMERICA
From sizzling street food to regional specialties, Carnaval del Sol offers a culinary journey across Latin America with flavours representing countries throughout the region.
Guests can enjoy everything from traditional comfort foods to sweet treats and refreshing drinks — while adults 19+ can raise a glass in the Beer Plaza featuring DJs spinning Latin House, Reggaeton, Salsa remixes, and tropical beats all weekend long.
“Carnaval del Sol is more than a festival — it’s a powerful celebration of who we are as a community. Every year, we see people from every background come together through music, food, art and sport to experience the joy, resilience and diversity of Latin American culture,” says Paola Murillo, Executive Director of Latincouver. “In 2026, we’re inviting everyone to play loud, celebrate proud and be part of something that truly reflects the spirit of Vancouver — vibrant, inclusive and united. This year’s festival will be our biggest and most exciting yet!”
CARNAVAL DEL SOL 2026
Dates: Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12
Location: Jonathan Rogers Park, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $15 for a one-day general admission pass (July 11 or 12). Children aged 12 and under and seniors receive free admission. carnavaldelsol.ca/tickets
Opening Night Concert tickets are also available separately for $55 in advance, with advance ticket sales ending June 26.
BEYOND THE FESTIVAL: TRIBUNA LATINA FAN EXPERIENCE, JUNE 8 – JULY 19
In celebration of the upcoming soccer festivities in Vancouver, Latincouver will host an extended fan experience from June 8 to July 19 at the Latin Plaza Hub in Gastown (301-68 Water St.), bringing communities together to watch, celebrate, and share the excitement of the game. Tribuna Latina will offer big-screen match viewings throughout the tournament, with select match days featuring special Latin-themed celebrations, including food and drinks available for purchase, live DJs, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free; however, seating is limited and advance reservations are required and can be secured online. For details and reservations, visit latincouver.ca/tribunalatina.
ABOUT CARNAVAL DEL SOL
Produced by Latincouver, Carnaval del Sol is the largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest and one of Canada’s leading celebrations of Latin culture. For 18 years, the festival has created a platform for artists, entrepreneurs, performers and communities to connect, celebrate and share the richness of Latin American heritage with Metro Vancouver and beyond.
For tickets, programming and festival updates, visit carnavaldelsol.ca.
