Spring is just around the corner, which means the arrival of vibrant celebrations are heading to the North Shore another year for Nowruz.
Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, is typically a 13-day holiday recognized by many Persian, Kurdish, Baha’i, Ismaili and Afghani people, celebrating the first day of spring.
There are a ton of events and activities on the North Shore to ring in the new year.
Here are some of the highlights:
Sweet dessert pop-up at Capilano Mall
For all of March, North Vancouver bakery Dougante Sweet Moments is holding a pop-up with an assortment of handcrafted desserts for Nowruz. Some of those sweet offerings include pistachio, cherry, hazelnut and Nutella cookies, samanu, assorted dried fruits, assorted cake jars and much more.
When: Now until March 31.
Where: Capilano Mall (935 Marine Drive), unit 86.
Nowruz storytime in Farsi
The North Vancouver City Library is holding a storytime with songs and rhymes in Farsi to recognize Nowruz. The storytime event is a drop-in program but space is limited. Priority will be given to the first 55 attendees, the library notes on its website.
When: Saturday, March 14. 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: North Vancouver City Library, third floor program room
Cost: Free
Persian paper marbling workshop
Want to learn about the ancient art of paper marbling? Learn the unique craft at the Music Box, where an instructor will guide participants in creating their own pieces out of marbled paper while learning the history behind the craft. No experience is required and all materials will be supplied. Register on the activewestvanrec website.
When: Saturday, March 14. 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Music Box (1564 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver)
Cost: $35
Nowruz lunch with North Shore Community Resources
Have fun in a Nowruz celebratory lunch with the North Shore Community Resources. People will have the chance to share a meal together while learning about the Persian New Year and enjoying some festive treats to boot. Register on Eventbrite.
Where: Capilano Mall Community Room (#203-935 Marine Drive)
When: Monday, March 16. 2 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Nowruz Fire Festival in West Vancouver
On Tuesday, people from all walks of life are invited to Ambleside Park to celebrate the new year with live music, dancing, food and of course, fire jumping, a tradition that symbolizes good health and luck for the year ahead.
The District of West Vancouver notes on its website that Ambleside Park will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. that day, but will be open to pedestrians and cyclists.
“Events like this highlight the vibrancy and diversity that make West Vancouver a great place to live in,” said Mayor Mark Sager in a statement. “In the coming year, we look forward to working with our residents on projects and initiatives that will continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community.”
When: Tuesday, March 17. Event is from 4 to 10 p.m., with the fire jumping area open from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Ambleside Park
Cost: There is a fee to jump the fires
Music for Nowruz at the West Van library
Enjoy the arrival of spring with a special musical performance from Saina Khaledi on santour, Ali Sajjadi on oud and Ali Razmi on tar at the West Vancouver Memorial Library. Light refreshments will be served while the music is playing. Registration is required for the event.
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: West Vancouver Memorial Library, Welsh Hall
Cost: Free. Register on the library’s website.
Nowruz at the Polygon Gallery
The North Van gallery is holding Golchin Vol. 3, a gathering with immersive audiovisual performances and an art installation in celebration of Nowruz. According to the Polygon, each performance uses elements of Nowruz and the symbolism of haft sīn, “translating ritual objects and seasonal thresholds into sound, light, and spatial experience.”
When: Thursday, March 19, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Polygon Gallery (101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver)
Cost: Free. RSVP on the Polygon’s website.
Dance workshop at Civic Plaza
The Academy of Middle Eastern Dance is holding a free dance therapy workshop for anyone to partake in.
Participants will be invited to wear traditional Iranian clothing and are asked to gather around the Haft-Seen table to celebrate Nowruz and share the beauty of Iranian culture with the community.
“In light of the emotional and sensitive situation affecting many Iranian families today, this gathering is intended to bring a moment of healing, hope, and connection through music and movement,” said Pooneh Alizadeh, artistic director for the Academy of Middle Eastern Dance.
When: Friday, March 20, 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Civic Plaza in front of North Vancouver City Hall (141 14th Street West)
Cost: Free
This is an ongoing list. If you know of any events happening across the North Shore for Nowruz, forward them on to aluciano@nsnews.com.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
By Abby Luciano, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Mar 12, 2026 at 20:42
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