The Kitsilano Farmers Market is adding a burst of colour, rhythm, and tradition to the neighbourhood this weekend as it celebrates Lunar New Year with a live kung fu and lion dance performance.
On Sunday, February 15 at 10am, the Bak Mei Vancouver Kung Fu and Lion Dance Team will take over the market with an energetic showcase combining centuries-old Chinese Bak Mei martial arts and the vibrant spectacle of lion dance.
The performance promises acrobatics, percussion, and coordinated movement — a fast-paced cultural tradition often seen at New Year celebrations across Asia and in Vancouver’s Chinatown — brought right into the heart of Kitsilano.
Founded in 1972 and rooted in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, the Bak Mei team practices a traditional Southern Chinese martial art known for its strong, mobile stance and balance of offence and defence. Their lion dance performances blend athleticism and storytelling, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and the driving away of bad spirits for the year ahead.
Organizers say visitors should arrive early, as the performance begins promptly and typically draws a crowd.
The free event takes place during regular market hours, giving shoppers the chance to grab produce, coffee, and baked goods while experiencing one of the most dynamic cultural performances of the season.
Expect drums, movement, and plenty of good fortune to kick off the day.
Last modified: February 17, 2026
