As the harvest moon rises over Vancouver this fall, the Renfrew Ravine will glow with the magic of lanterns, live music, and community celebration. From September 12 to October 4, 2025, the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival, presented by the Still Moon Arts Society, transforms the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood into a vibrant canvas where art, nature, and culture intertwine.
For more than two decades, the festival has offered Vancouverites a unique way to celebrate the changing seasons while honoring the Still Creek watershed and the rich cultural traditions of the local community. Walking through the ravine during the festival, visitors encounter a harmonious mix of illuminated art installations, giant lanterns swaying gently in the breeze, and the sounds of live music drifting through the trees. The festival is a rare opportunity to experience both the beauty of the natural environment and the creative energy of Vancouver’s artists in one immersive experience.
Leading up to the main festival day, a series of workshops and events give participants a chance to engage directly with art and nature. Lantern-making workshops allow families and friends to craft their own glowing creations, while guided nature and history walks invite attendees to explore the stories of the land and water that make the ravine so special. Mural projects and art panels offer insights into the creative process and give local artists a platform to share their vision with the wider community. These pre-festival events set the stage for the crescendo of color and light that awaits.
The highlight of the festival takes place on October 4, when Slocan Park and Renfrew Community Park come alive with celebration. The day begins in the afternoon with a harvest fair featuring live performances, food vendors, artisan booths, and hands-on activities. As the sun sets, the lantern procession winds through the ravine, creating a mesmerizing parade of light that reflects off the waters of Still Creek. Along the route, attendees encounter illuminated sculptures and site-specific performances that explore themes of nature, community, and creativity. The evening culminates with a large-scale community performance called Consciousness of Streams, an evocative piece that highlights the interconnectedness of people, water, and the environment.
The Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival is more than just a seasonal celebration. It is a testament to Vancouver’s community spirit, the power of art to inspire connection, and the importance of preserving natural spaces. Volunteers, artists, and participants all play a role in bringing the festival to life, creating a shared experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who attends. It is a reminder that culture is not confined to galleries or theatres; it can be found in the glow of a lantern, the rhythm of live drums, and the laughter of a neighborhood coming together.
Whether you are a longtime Vancouver resident or visiting the city for the first time, the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival offers a magical opportunity to connect with art, nature, and community. As the lanterns light up the night, they illuminate not only the ravine but the collective spirit of a city that celebrates creativity, culture, and togetherness. This is one Vancouver tradition that truly shines.
Dan Baltag
dbaltag@my.bcit.ca