Burnaby events are a hit.
Since the world opened up and pandemic restrictions were lifted, the City of Burnaby has substantially grown its major events programs.
More than 150,000 people attended the city’s signature events in 2024 — an increase of more than 500 per cent since 2019, according to a staff report that went before council Feb. 11.
Blues and Roots Festival success
Emmaline Hill, director of culture, noted the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival has seen particular success.
Not only did last year’s festival, headlined by the legendary Mavis Staples, garner 9,000 guests, but the city reduced the event costs by more than $160,000 over the year before. (The city opened the festival up by removing fencing, which reduced costs.)
In the last three years, the festival has attracted other big names including Fleet Foxes and The War on Drugs.
Hill credited the popularity of the festival to the city’s events team and partners who “really know the business.”
Still, there’s increasing pressure on the festival as costs are rapidly rising.
“We understand it’s because the costs for artists are increasing. It’s harder and harder to tour,” Hill told the Burnaby NOW.
So the city tries to make a convincing case for artists to play in town, such as covering hotel costs.
It helps that Deer Lake Park is one of the most stunning concert venues in the region.
“Artists love playing that space,” Hill said. “We hear it often … It’s just such a gorgeous site.”
And there’s no ticket fees: the festival has been free admission since 2023.
In 2022, Blues and Roots Festival tickets were about $50.
Hill said a consultant’s report highlighted the value in offering a free festival to the public.
“That sort of consistency across all of the events, where the City of Burnaby is inviting residents to gather and to have that shared cultural experience, and wanting to make sure there’s no barriers to people participating in that,” Hill said, adding, “This has been a really positive message to be able to share with residents.”
Council is now considering options to expand the festival, which could include adding a second stage on the festival lawn for up-and-coming local artists, cultural community groups or youth, or a third stage at Burnaby Village Museum.
Those options will be discussed as part of the city’s budget discussions, which are expected to happen later this month.
The city budgeted $500,000 for last year’s festival and received some additional grant funding, according to Hill.
More events on Burnaby's calendar
In 2023, Burnaby introduced two new hallmark events: StreetFest on Central for Canada Day and Central Spark for Halloween. Both free events culminate in a feature fireworks show.
The city estimates those two events each increased attendance by 10,000 people in 2024.
Attendance at Burnaby Village Museum has also grown.
In 2023, the museum saw a high of more than 272,000 visitors, up more than 50 per cent from 2019. Last year, almost 228,000 guests visited.
More than half of the museum’s total attendance happens during Heritage Christmas, according to the report.
Almost 70 per cent of respondents in surveys last year said attending a City of Burnaby event “gave them a sense of pride in the community.”
But with all that success comes additional responsibilities.
The city needs more security, medical staff, traffic control personnel, and front-line auxiliary staff to respond to the increased popularity, according to the report.
“Increased attendance puts pressure on both operational planning and budgets, particularly for public safety and maintaining customer service.”
The parks, recreation and culture department is requesting two new staff positions as part of the 2025 operating budget.
The department also hopes to create a new “events and activation branch” that would oversee the special events program and other events-related activities.
“With the right staff team in place, and flexibility within the program expectations, smaller funding amounts can support new pilots and partnerships, building new relationships and capacity within communities and organizations for future projects,” said the report.
The city is also exploring options for a future Car Free Day.
Council is expected to discuss its operational budget later this month.
