The Surrey Vaisakhi Parade celebrates Vaisakhi, a centuries-old religious festival observed by Sikhs around the world. The holiday marks the birth of Sikhism in 1699 and is also connected to the celebration of the spring harvest.

Surrey is home to the largest Vaisakhi Parade in the world, which takes place annually around the third weekend in April. In 2026, the parade will take place on April 18.

Everyone is welcome to attend this joyful celebration of faith and culture. The event features a colourful procession with more than 2,500 participants representing over 20 community organizations, along with live music, cultural performances, and hundreds of booths along the route offering free food and drinks to visitors.

To help you make the most of the experience, local influencer Raj Thandhi of Pink Chai Living shared some of her tips for attending the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade.

What to expect and how to prepare for Surrey's most colourful event

Having lived in Surrey for most of my life, I’ve watched the annual Vaisakhi Parade (also known as Nagar Kirtan in Punjabi) grow into the incredible community celebration it is today. With between 200,000 and 500,000 visitors each year, it’s widely considered one of the largest Vaisakhi parades held outside of India—and it takes place right here in our city.

Visitors travel from across British Columbia and even the United States to take part in the religious ceremonies and vibrant festivities surrounding the parade. If you’re planning to attend, here are a few tips to help make your visit easier and more enjoyable.

Visitors from all over the province and even the United States visit Surrey each year to participate in the religious ceremonies and the vibrant festivities related to the parade. If you are considering coming out to watch the procession, here are some tips to make the visit easier and more enjoyable.

Everyone Is Welcome

Although Vaisakhi holds deep religious significance for Sikhs, the parade is open to everyone, and people of all cultures are warmly welcomed to attend.

As a sign of respect, visitors are encouraged to cover their heads if they are walking alongside the floats or while enjoying food from the stalls along the parade route.

Know the parade route and parking spots.

The Surrey Vaisakhi Parade begins at Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar (12885 85 Avenue) and follows a large loop through the surrounding neighbourhood. From the temple, the procession travels along 124 Street, turns onto 75 Avenue, continues along 76 Avenue, and then heads up 128 Street before returning to the gurdwara.

Because the parade attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, most streets along the route are closed to vehicle traffic, and parking nearby can be difficult to find. Your best option is to take public transit or arrange to be dropped off close to the route.

As the colourful procession moves through the neighbourhood, many attendees walk alongside it, so the crowds shift throughout the day. If it’s your first time attending, a good strategy is to find a spot along 76 Avenue or 124 Street. Arrive early, grab a place along the curb, and enjoy watching the floats, performers, and community groups pass by as the celebration unfolds.

Entertainment Stages

Along the parade route, several stages feature live entertainment throughout the day, including traditional music, singing, and dance performances. The largest and most popular stages are located along 128 Street, where crowds gather to enjoy the vibrant performances. Take a moment to stop and watch an act or two to experience the festive spirit of Vaisakhi. This section of the parade route tends to be the busiest, so if you’re visiting with children, be sure to keep them close.

Food Stalls

One of the highlights of the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade is the extensive food offerings along the route. Many families, community groups, and local businesses set up free food stalls to share meals and snacks with visitors. This tradition reflects the Sikh values of seva (selfless service) and langar (the community kitchen).

Visitors are warmly welcomed to enjoy the food and try something new. Please remember to be respectful—take only what you need and dispose of plates and waste in the designated containers along the route. And don’t be shy. Sharing langar with the community is an important part of the celebration, and many Sikh families are delighted to offer it to visitors.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

The Vaisakhi Parade attracts large crowds, and you’ll likely be doing plenty of walking as you explore the entertainment, watch the colourful floats, and sample the delicious food along the route. Comfortable shoes are a must. It’s also a good idea to bring a poncho or light rain jacket. The parade takes place rain or shine, so being prepared will help you enjoy the day no matter the weather.

We hope you’ll get out to the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade this year and experience the colours, flavours, and joyful energy of the celebration. It’s a truly memorable event and a wonderful example of what makes Surrey such a vibrant and welcoming community — a true #TrueSurrey experience.

Thanks to Raj Thandhi of Pink Chai Living for these wonderful Vaisakhi tips! Read more about the origins and significance of Vaisakhi here. Photo Credit @azizdhamani