Question 1

What is the Canada Bubble Tea Festival?

Accepted Answer

The Canada Bubble Tea Festival is Canada's largest bubble tea celebration, bringing together top bubble tea brands, Asian street food, interactive experiences and live entertainment. Founded in Metro Vancouver (City of Burnaby), the festival connects communities, showcases bubble tea culture, and creates a vibrant platform for brands and fans to celebrate one of the world's most beloved drinks.

Question 2

Why was the festival created?

Accepted Answer

The Canada Bubble Tea Festival was founded by Eric Yang in Metro Vancouver to celebrate the global popularity of bubble tea and to bring together bubble tea brands, creators and fans in one large annual festival.

Question 3

Is this the largest bubble tea festival in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Canada Bubble Tea Festival is currently the largest independent bubble tea festival in Canada, and in North America. Unlike smaller bubble tea events that are part of larger food festivals or night markets, it is a standalone event dedicated entirely to bubble tea culture. The festival has welcomed more than 80,000 visitors and brought together leading bubble tea brands from across the region. It has also received strong community and government recognition: in 2022, Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, attended the inaugural opening ceremony, and in 2023 David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, also joined the festival.

Question 4

Where is the festival held?

Accepted Answer

The festival is held at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, right by the intersection of Kingsway and Boundary Road.

Question 5

Is this an indoor or outdoor event?

Accepted Answer

The festival is an outdoor event.

Question 6

How long should I plan to stay?

Accepted Answer

Guests are welcome to stay as long as they like. Many visitors spend several hours exploring vendors, activities and on-site experiences.

Question 7

What can I expect at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Flavourful exploration: a world of diverse bubble tea flavours to taste, savour and discover. Cultural celebration: engaging activities, learning games and ceremonies that highlight the traditions and creativity behind the drink. Community and fun: a lively atmosphere for meeting people and making memories. On site you'll find bubble tea vendors, street food vendors, food trucks, game booths, entertainment zones, retail merchants, arts and crafts, and stage performances.

Question 8

Do I need a ticket to enter the festival?

Accepted Answer

The Canada Bubble Tea Festival is a free-admission event for all families.

Question 9

Are activities free?

Accepted Answer

Most activities are free. A small number of activities may require an extra fee.

Question 10

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

The festival takes place rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, updates will be shared through our official channels.

Question 11

How many vendors will be there?

Accepted Answer

The vendor lineup varies each year and typically includes bubble tea brands, street food vendors, food trucks, and local retail and creator booths.

Question 12

How many bubble tea brands will be there?

Accepted Answer

The festival features around 15 bubble tea brands, including both local vendors and curated brands we bring in specially for the event. This creates a diverse experience for visitors to explore different styles, flavours and innovations.

Question 13

Do vendors accept cash or card?

Accepted Answer

Payment methods vary by vendor. Many accept card and mobile payments, and some accept cash. For the smoothest experience, bring a card or mobile payment option.

Question 14

Why does bubble tea matter?

Accepted Answer

Bubble tea has evolved from a simple hand-shaken drink into a global cultural icon. It's the rare kind of beverage that carries identity: Asian diaspora memories, youth culture, social media aesthetics, and a sense of community. That's why a bubble tea festival isn't just a market — it's a culture stage. People don't come only to buy a drink; they come to experience discovery, share moments, and participate in something bigger than a cup.

Question 15

Why should I come if I can buy bubble tea anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Because this isn't just about drinking bubble tea. It's about trying multiple drinks, discovering new brands, relaxing in the picnic area, joining activities and sharing the experience with others.

Question 16

How can I volunteer at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Volunteer opportunities are available each year. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more and apply.

Question 17

How can my business take part as a vendor?

Accepted Answer

Businesses interested in joining as vendors can apply through our Vendors page, or email vendor@bubbleteafest.ca.

Question 18

How can my company sponsor the festival?

Accepted Answer

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit our Partnerships page to explore the options, or email vendor@bubbleteafest.ca for the sponsorship deck.

Question 19

What kind of activities will there be?

Accepted Answer

Activities vary annually and may include interactive games, tasting experiences, partner activations and stage programming. A full activities list is released closer to the festival date.

Question 20

Will there be live performances or stage activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Live stage moments and interactive segments take place throughout the day.

Question 21

Is there a schedule for performances and activities?

Accepted Answer

Specific schedules are announced closer to the event.

Question 22

Are activities suitable for all ages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The festival offers a welcoming, family-friendly environment with activities designed for all ages.

Question 23

Is the festival family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Canada Bubble Tea Festival is a family-friendly event. All ages are welcome.

Question 24

Is the venue stroller-friendly?

Accepted Answer

The festival takes place in an open outdoor space and is generally stroller-friendly.

Question 25

Are there seating or resting areas?

Accepted Answer

Visitors can rest on the grandstand and enjoy their food there. You can also pre-book a private lounge for your own space at the festival.

Question 26

How do I get to Swangard Stadium?

Accepted Answer

Swangard Stadium is located at the corner of Boundary Road and Kingsway. You can get there by car, bus, or SkyTrain (exit at Patterson Station on the Expo Line).

Question 27

Is public transit recommended?

Accepted Answer

Yes, public transit is recommended whenever possible.

Question 28

Can I bring a dog or pet with me?

Accepted Answer

For the safety of children and to keep a comfortable environment around a variety of foods, dogs and pets are not allowed in the stadium during the festival, with the exception of guide dogs. We appreciate your understanding.

Question 29

Can I take photos and videos at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests are encouraged to capture and share their festival moments.

Question 30

Will photos and videos be taken during the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Photos and videos may be taken during the event for promotional and documentation purposes.

Question 31

I'm a media outlet or creator. Can I cover the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Media and creators can request coverage access through our Contact page or by emailing admin@bubbleteafest.ca. Please include your outlet or channel, audience demographics, and what you'd like to feature.

Question 32

Is WiFi available at Swangard Stadium?

Accepted Answer

Yes, WiFi is available for festival guests to use.

Question 33

Are there washrooms at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes, washrooms are available on site.

Question 34

Do I need to pay for parking?

Accepted Answer

There are approximately 250 free parking stalls around the stadium for visitors. There is also free street parking across Boundary Road on the Vancouver side, with no limit on Friday after 6pm or on weekends — please double-check the street signs before leaving your car. Metered street parking is available along Kingsway and Patterson. Traffic volumes are high during the festival, so we highly recommend public transit or carpooling.

Question 35

Where can I eat?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to enjoy food at the festival. You can sit on the West Grandstand, or in the dining area reserved for pass holders. You're also welcome to picnic on the grass — bring your own blanket, stools and parasol if you prefer.

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