A milestone 25th anniversary will be celebrated at Downtown Surrey Fest on Saturday, June 21, also a day to pay tribute to a woman who first helped organize the annual event.
At Central City Plaza, the festival has grown to become one of Surrey's busiest community events, drawing more than 4,000 people on sunny days with live performances, community showcases and family-friendly fun.
Featured are children’s entertainer Chris Hamilton (11 a.m. start), The Wheat in the Barley (12:30 p.m.), Sun Hang Do (1:30 p.m.), Cookin’ with Brass (2 p.m.) and Junk Oy (3 p.m.). The schedule (on surreyfest.ca) also lists vendors and charities/non-profits taking part from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 13450 101 Ave.
This year the event is dedicated to festival founder Lucie Matich, who died last summer.
"Lucie was a passionate advocate for community spirit and was named Surrey's Citizen of the Year in 2005 for her unwavering efforts to shine a light on all the good happening in our city," said Bonnie Burnside, chair of Whalley Community Association.
"Many of the performers at this year's event were among Lucie's favourites — a fitting tribute to the woman whose vision launched a legacy. This festival is a testament to the heart of Surrey and the people who make it a great place to live."
A highlight of the day is a silent auction where attendees can bid on items such as gift certificates, local experiences and unique products. All proceeds go to funding the 2026 Downtown Surrey Fest, organized and hosted by Whalley Community Association and Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association with the help of sponsors including Central City Shopping Centre, ICBA, GDLPS, Dawson + Sawyer, Guardteck, Coast Capital Savings, City of Surrey, Vancity and BMO.
