The City of North Vancouver is pleased to announce the return of CityFest, the largest youth-led festival in Metro Vancouver.
Led by youth, for youth, the 2023 CityFest event takes place at The Shipyards on Saturday, May 6 from 12 pm to 4:30 pm. Celebrated during B.C.’s annual Youth Week, CityFest showcases an assortment of local youth musicians, bands, visual artists and the skateboarding community.
“Youth Week is a celebration intended to build strong connections between youth and their communities,” said Mayor Linda Buchanan “That’s why the City of North Vancouver is a proud partner of CityFest. We recognize the importance of creating interactive and safe spaces for youth to connect, learn and have fun. Every year I am blown away by the diverse talent showcased at CityFest and I encourage youth everywhere to get involved in local Youth Week activities.”
The festival will feature various activities and entertainment, including a longboard race, skateboarding competition, live music performed by local youth, art exhibits and food trucks.
“We’re so excited that CityFest is back at the Shipyards, it’s an awesome location for this event that brings youth of all ages together to do the things we love to do,” said Teagan Dawson, CityFest Youth Committee Member. “It’s been great to see the festival grow and we’re looking forward to a big turnout. Everyone on the team is thankful for the support we’ve received from the community and our partners to make CityFest happen. People will be amazed by the talent we have on the North Shore!”
A North Shore Festival by Youth for Youth
The CityFest Committee comprises young people representing local secondary and post-secondary schools who meet throughout the year to organize the event.
CityFest’s sponsors and community partners include Greater Vancouver Youth Unlimited, Flatspot Longboards, The Boardroom, North Shore Alliance Church, North Shore Neighbourhood House, North Vancouver City Library, the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission, and the City of North Vancouver. Find more information on the 2023 CityFest activities and performers at nvcityfest.com.
Getting to CityFest
There will be impacts to parking in Lower Lonsdale, and to accommodate the longboard race, a section of Lonsdale Ave (between Esplanade and Carrie Cates Court) will be closed to vehicle traffic. Carries Cates will also have no vehicle access (between Rogers Ave to Lonsdale Ave). The City encourages sustainable transportation for residents and visitors travelling to the festival. Visit cnv.org/Travel to find out how you can walk, bike, roll or transit to the Shipyards.
Youth Week
Youth Week is an international celebration held annually during the first week of May. It's a week of fun and interactions that build strong connections between young people and their communities and highlights youth issues, accomplishments and diversity.
During Youth Week, young people organize and participate in many activities, including sporting events, musical performances, art displays, movie nights, community projects, educational displays and employment services.