Many of our beloved celebrations are finally returning this year after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID. Joining this list is CityFest! This year marks the 19th annual North Vancouver’s CityFest, a free youth festival that takes place during BC’s Youth Week. This year’s festival is taking place on Saturday, May 7th at North Vancouver Shipyards. 

CityFest was started in 2002 when the City of North Vancouver threw a party to celebrate the opening of a new skate park. The event consisted of a barbecue and a small skateboard competition. Since then, CityFest has expanded to include food stalls, longboard and skateboard competitions, and hundreds of performers and competitors showcasing their talents in dance, music, drama, fashion, and film. 

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The festival’s motto is “For youth, by youth” as the event is run by youth volunteers who meet throughout the year to plan and execute the festivities. This year you can look forward to food trucks, live music, skate contests, and a youth art exhibit featuring work from artists ranged 10 to 24. Over 400 local youth performers will be showing off their talents in various art categories.

Never skated before? Don’t feel intimidated! CityFest is offering free skateboard lessons so you can learn and practice with help!

CityFest is still searching for art created by local youth artists (ages 10-24) to display at the festival. If you’re interested in applying, check out this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgNXvk8Jn5yea1tpv0XaiEs54U7Le_qcuC0tf5bz4nvd_wvg/viewform

The application deadline has been extended to April 29th at midnight! They are accepting various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. 

They are also looking for youth volunteers (ages 10-24) to assist at the festival. You can contact Volunteer Director bitagholamian@gmail.com if you’re interested. 

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For the most up-to-date information regarding CityFest, check out their Instagram @nvcityfest.