A Celebration of Unity and Culture
Surrey is set to host its iconic Surrey Fusion Festival this weekend, July 19–20, at Holland Park (13428 Old Yale Rd). As Western Canada’s largest multicultural event, the festival is free to attend and runs daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Organized by the City of Surrey’s special events team and supported by Coast Capital, this marks the 18th annual Fusion Festival. With a theme of “Flavours from Around the World”, attendees can expect over 50 cultural pavilions representing five continents, alongside eight live-performance stages, cooking demonstrations, dance battles, family entertainment, an Indigenous Village, and more
A Double Award‑Winning Affair
This year’s Fusion Festival is riding high on accolades. In July, it received two international honors:
The 2025 Gala Award for Most Outstanding Spectacle, Fair or Festival from Special Events Magazine.
The International Live Events Association (ILEA) Esprit Award for Best Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative
These awards recognize not only the scale and entertainment value of the festival but also acknowledge its commitment to inclusion and cultural representation. As Peace Arch News notes, the awards are reflective of “a powerful reflection of our city’s diverse and dynamic community,” in the words of Mayor Brenda Locke
Headliners & Performance Highlights
This weekend’s lineup showcases a vibrant mix of global talent:
Saturday, July 19
Opening: At 11 a.m., a ceremonial welcome from the Kwantlen First Nation launches the festival
Youth Cooking Showdown at 12 p.m. in the Cultural Cooking Arena – young chefs compete live
Parade of Culture begins at 1:30 p.m., weaving through stages in a vibrant celebration
Indigenous Welcome & Mayor’s Opening Ceremony occur at 2 p.m. on the main stage
Concert Highlights:
6:30 p.m.: Pop-rock by Josh Bogert
7:30 p.m.: Canadian folk/acoustic by AHI
9 p.m.: Reggae fusion headliner Easy Star All‑Stars
Sunday, July 20
Cooking demonstrations start at 12 p.m .
Evening performances include:
6:30 p.m.: Road Engine Dreams (Siam Stage) and Dance Battle Finale (Community Dance Stage)
7 p.m.: Geeta Zaildar presenting Punjabi entertainment
8:30 p.m.: Finale with Miss Pooja, the “Queen of Bhangra”
A rich tapestry of additional acts will span the festival, including Afro‑Colombian dancers, Taiko drummers, Ireland‑inspired performances, local DJs, magicians like Merlin, and community dance showcases—totaling eight performance stages .
Tastes, Tunes & Traditions
Cultural Pavilions: Over 50 booths, from spicy street eats to desserts—participants get a delicious passport to global cuisines
Cultural Cooking Arena: Saturday is all about youth competitions, while Sunday offers live demos by renowned chefs
Beer Garden: Sponsored by 604Now, the Beer Garden allows 19+ guests to enjoy beers, wines, ciders, and coolers—ideal for enjoying performances in a laid‑back setting
Indigenous Village: Situated near the Siam Stage (“Respected Ones”), this vibrant area features traditional/contemporary Indigenous music, dance, and an artisan marketplace
Family & Fun Zones: From storytelling and magic to inflatables and midway games, these zones cater to children of all ages
Voices & Impact
Mayor Brenda Locke expressed pride in the festival’s role in nurturing Surrey’s multicultural identity:
“As we celebrate our 18th annual Surrey Fusion Festival, I am proud to see our city continue to shine as a beacon of multicultural vibrancy and community spirit… a big thank you to Coast Capital for being a dedicated presenting sponsor year after year.”
Elsewhere, coverage by Surrey Now-Leader highlights that the event draws crowds eager to experience “live music, food and culture from around the world” in this “free” two‑day festival
Practical Info & Planning
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 19 & 20, 2025 |
| Times | 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily |
| Location | Holland Park, Surrey (13428 Old Yale Rd) |
| Admission | Free |
| Travelling there | SkyTrain to King George station, followed by a short walk (expect capacity delays); parking is limited—park‑and‑ride or carpool recommended |
Attendees are encouraged to bring both cash and cards, as some smaller vendors may have limited payment facilities. Hydration and comfortable footwear are essential bargains alongside festival food .
Why It Matters
Cultural Coherence: By showcasing over 50 ethnic pavilions and performances from around the world, Fusion Festival embodies Surrey’s evolving identity—unified yet diverse.
Recognition: The recent international awards highlight global appreciation for the festival’s scale and commitment to DEI.
Intergenerational Appeal: From cooking battles featuring youth, to kid‑friendly magic and adult leisure spaces like the beer garden, the festival spans the generational spectrum.
Civic Innovation: Fusion Festival is also a platform for progressive community design initiatives, such as the Backyard Homes Showcase.
Cost‑Free Access: Despite its scale, the festival remains free, making it inclusive for all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Insider Tips
Arrive early—especially Saturday morning—to catch the Indigenous welcome and cooking contest.
Plan your path—the park is expansive, and performances across eight stages may overlap.
Fuel your experience—sample food from at least three different continents’ pavilions.
Evenings bring the energy—save headliner sets and music-heavy performances for after 6 p.m.
Engage in civic discourse—visit the Backyard Homes display and share feedback.
Stay relaxed—bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and comfortable attire.
More Info
For the complete lineup, interactive schedule, and FAQs, visit surreyfusionfestival.ca. For real-time updates or announcements, check the City of Surrey’s official news channels and social media.
Final Word
Surrey Fusion Festival 2025 isn’t just an event—it’s a “powerful reflection” of a city that values diversity, inclusion, and community vibrancy. With award‑winning scope, immersive cultural offerings, family‑friendly amenities, and a blend of entertainment and civic engagement, this weekend promises to deliver celebration, connection, and inspiration to Surrey and beyond.
