Record Crowds Gather at Holland Park

Surrey’s signature summer event — the Fusion Festival — drew tens of thousands to Holland Park over the weekend of July 19–20, celebrating multiculturalism through cuisine, music, and art. The free, family-friendly event, organized by the City of Surrey, featured more than 50 cultural pavilions, each representing a different country or community.

Flavours from Around the World

The heart of the festival was undoubtedly its food. Pavilions served up authentic dishes ranging from Filipino BBQ skewers to Ethiopian injera, giving festivalgoers a global tasting tour. Long lines and satisfied smiles were the norm, as visitors savoured delicacies from every continent.

Eight Stages, Endless Beats

In addition to the culinary delights, the festival featured performances across eight live stages, offering a soundtrack of international rhythms, from Punjabi Bhangra to Afrobeat to Indigenous drumming. Dance troupes, local artists, and international acts kept the energy high throughout the weekend.

A Space for Culture and Connection

Beyond food and music, the Fusion Festival highlighted cultural storytelling, art installations, Indigenous showcases, and hands-on workshops. The Family Zone was a hit with kids, offering games, crafts, and educational exhibits. For many, the event was a powerful reminder of Surrey’s growing diversity and community spirit.

Organizers Celebrate Milestone Year

“This is really the ultimate celebration of food, music, and culture,” said Preeti Yadav, special events project manager with the City of Surrey. “We have over 50 cultures represented, and it’s amazing to see people so eager to learn and engage with each other.”

Yadav noted that the city anticipated up to 85,000 attendees over the two days, making this one of the most successful Fusion Festivals to date.

Powered by Community

The event was made possible by city staff, sponsors, and hundreds of volunteers, whose efforts helped ensure smooth operations, safety, and accessibility. For Surrey, the Fusion Festival is more than an event — it’s a celebration of shared identity and inclusivity.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

The post Surrey Fusion Festival Unites Cultures Through Food & Music first appeared on Maple News Wire.

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

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

1. Cultural Coherence: By showcasing over 50 ethnic pavilions and performances from around the world, Fusion Festival embodies Surrey’s evolving identity—unified yet diverse.

2. Recognition: The recent international awards highlight global appreciation for the festival’s scale and commitment to DEI.

3. 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.

4. Civic Innovation: Fusion Festival is also a platform for progressive community design initiatives, such as the Backyard Homes Showcase.

5. 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.

The post Surrey Fusion Festival 2025: What to Expect This Weekend first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Surrey Fusion Festival Set to Transform City Centre This July

Surrey, B.C. – Western Canada’s largest multicultural celebration, the Surrey Fusion Festival, returns for its 18th year at Holland Park on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, 2025. Presented by Coast Capital, this free two-day event promises a vibrant showcase of international music, food, and cultural experiences from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

International Talent Headlines Main Stage

This year’s festival features a high-profile lineup, with reggae legends Easy Star All-Stars headlining Saturday’s Main Stage and South Asian music superstar Miss Pooja leading Sunday’s performances. Miss Pooja’s set will include a special collaboration with Geeta Zaildar, while acclaimed Canadian artists AHI and Josh Bogert round out the weekend’s musical offerings.

Culinary Pavilions Bring Global Flavours to Surrey

The 2025 festival theme, “Flavours of the World,” invites attendees to explore more than 50 cultural pavilions hosted by local community groups. Each pavilion will serve authentic cuisine from its region, offering festival-goers the chance to sample dishes from every corner of the globe without leaving the city.

Community and Culture Take Center Stage

Mayor Brenda Locke emphasized the festival’s role in celebrating Surrey’s diversity, stating, “This festival not only showcases the rich tapestry of cultures that make Surrey so special, but also reinforces our commitment to fostering inclusive, lively, and engaging experiences for all residents and visitors.” Coast Capital continues its support as presenting sponsor, helping to ensure the event remains free and accessible.

Family-Friendly Activities and Award-Winning Programming

Beyond music and food, visitors can enjoy eight stages of live entertainment, a Family Zone, Indigenous Village and marketplace, dance battles, cooking workshops, games, and interactive exhibits. The festival’s broad range of activities is designed to engage attendees of all ages and backgrounds.

Event Details and Visitor Information

The Surrey Fusion Festival will run July 19-20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Holland Park, Surrey City Centre. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Full event details, schedules, and updates are available at Surreyfusionfestival.ca.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

The post Surrey Fusion Festival 2025: Unites Cultures with Music and Cuisine first appeared on Maple News Wire.