Surrey is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the q̓icə̓ y̓ (Katzie), q̓wɑ:n̓ƛən̓ (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based nations.
Western Canada’s biggest Canada Day festival has a lot going on! Whether you’ve got a junior Canuck, or you’ve celebrated many a Canada Day in your time, there’s a little something for everyone.
Head to Surrey’s Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre to experience a day full of free, family-friendly entertainment, amusement rides, exhibitor booths, an Indigenous Village, food trucks and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Arguably one of the biggest crowd-pleasers at this annual event are the amazing Canadian performers who hit the main stage throughout the day. The event is stacked with chart-topping, award-winning performers including Canadian rockers, The Sheepdogs and Sass Jordan, and country artist Don Amero. Almost every genre of music is represented on the day, from Celtic, Latin, Hip Hop, R&B, African, South Asian, Soul and Reggae to Indigenous Dancers, the White Thunder Dance Theatre and Bollywood performer, Karishma Deo, no matter what genre you lean towards, your new favourite artist will be hitting the stage.
Thrill-seekers and future dare-devils will have a BLAST on the Shooting Star Amusement Rides with fan-favourites like the Zipper, Lightning Bolt, the Ferris Wheel and Kids Pirate Ship. The Kid’s Zone will delight the littles with fun musical performances, Indigenous storytelling, circus performers, games and crafts.
But, we all know that one of the best parts of any festival is the food and Surrey Canada Day doesn’t disappoint. Not only can you celebrate your Canadian pride by eating all the poutine you can handle, but there’s also a diverse selection of food to taste from around the world, like Jamaican Jerk Chicken from Jamaican Mi Juicy, hotdogs with a Japanese twist from Japadog, and bannock from West Coast Bannock. And it wouldn’t be a festival without mini doughnuts and hurricane potatoes! For the 19+ in the crowd, pop into The Tavern and enjoy a cold craft beer, wine or cider.
Surrey Canada Day is committed to sharing music, education, entertainment, and the cultural practices of many Indigenous, local and multicultural artists. July 1 is a day to reflect on the wrongs of the past to chart a new and better path forward. Together, we can work towards reconciliation and a more equitable society for all, and everyone is invited to come together to reflect, experience diverse cultural expression, and create hope for the future.
Surrey Canada Day includes an Indigenous Village, featuring the Siam Stage, meaning “Respected Ones” in Coast Salish languages. The Siam Stage showcases Indigenous cultural sharing with the Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations, and storytelling in a 30-foot Teepee. There is also an Indigenous marketplace where you can browse and purchase from local artisans and small businesses.
The celebrations wrap up with a spectacular fireworks show at 10:15 pm.