Everything You Need to Know About Vancouver’s Spot Prawn Festival
Vancouver’s love affair with spot prawns is back in full swing as the annual Spot Prawn Festival returns to Fishermen’s Wharf in False Creek. Here’s what makes this crustacean celebration a can’t-miss event for seafood lovers and sustainability fans alike.
1. Spot Prawns Are Bigger—and More Popular—Than Ever
When the festival launched in 2006, spot prawns were a hidden gem. Fast forward to today, and they’re a Vancouver staple. Demand has soared so much that locals now snap them up as soon as the season starts, driving up prices and making spot prawns a true delicacy.
2. The Season Is Short and Sweet
Spot prawn season is a fleeting treat, lasting just four to six weeks each year. These impressive crustaceans are the largest shrimp in B.C. waters, reaching over 20 cm. Careful fishery management and a limited season help keep the population healthy and the catch sustainable.
3. Top Chefs and Tasty Experiences Await
The festival isn’t just about buying fresh spot prawns—it’s a showcase for Vancouver’s best chefs. Enjoy ticketed dishes like Spot Prawn Bisque and a chef-led brunch, or watch live cooking demos for tips on preparing spot prawns at home. You can also buy live prawns straight from local fishers.
4. Sustainability Is at the Heart of the Festival
The Spot Prawn Festival is as much about protecting the ocean as it is about enjoying its bounty. Organized by the Chefs’ Table Society and Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association, the event highlights efforts to keep the fishery sustainable, protect marine habitats, and adapt to challenges like climate change and conservation zones.
5. Spot Prawn Fever Takes Over Vancouver
From high-end restaurants to local seafood markets, spot prawns are everywhere during the season. Chefs across the city rush to feature them on their menus, and events like Steveston’s Spot Prawn Day and EatFish.ca’s Park ‘n Prawn drive-up make it easy for everyone to join the celebration.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the craze, Vancouver’s Spot Prawn Festival is the perfect way to taste, learn, and support local, sustainable seafood. Don’t miss your chance to go crustacean crazy this season!
Spot Prawn Festival 2025
May 25, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Fishermen’s Wharf, False Creek, Vancouver
spotprawnfestival.com
