The 2018 Honda Celebration of Light is upon us and expected to bring more than a million spectators to the shores of English Bay July 28th (South Africa), August 1st (Sweden) and 4th (South Korea). This year the teams must all incorporate the same theme – Love – into their competition entry.
The audience gathers early around English Bay Beach and Kits Beach, to watch the live performances at the Honda Zone, Z-Fest and Second Beach Park Stages or the Red Bull Air Show.
If standing amongst the masses to witness the fireworks spectacular isn’t your cup of tea, and you don’t have a friend with a balcony view of the fireworks barge in English Bay, a boat to take you out on the waters or a flight above the city to look down to the Celebration, here are a few other spots that will give you another unique outlook on the Celebration of Light.
The Honda Celebration of Light ticketed spectator spots offer guests front and centre views of the action from;
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar Lounge – a VIP 19+ lounge, located on the roof of the Bathhouse Roof at English Bay including live music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
Concord Lounge at the Inukshuk – the closest water-side view of the fireworks from the lounge surrounding the Inukshuk with DJ, buffet and cocktails.
The YVR Observation Deck – reserved-seating bleachers with dedicated cash bar and food services
YVR Business Class Cabanas – are almost all sold out for the chance to take your private party hosting up a notch with a private cabana for 24, limited numbers are available for August 4th only.
A couple of other special spots around over in Kits to watch are:
Vancouver Maritime Museum presents Fire & Light Fireworks Night, a fundraiser and entertaining evening on the VMM’s exclusive patio at Vanier Park, filled with food, wine, fireworks, performances by ABRA-Cadabra : an Abba tribute band, plus silent and live auctions.
Bard on the Beach offers Bard-B-Q and Fireworks : a special night, watch a performance of As You Like It or Timon of Athens then stay for a Salmon BBQ by Emelle’s Catering, visit the PIXSTAR photo booth, enjoy music by Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band and, of course, watch the fireworks from the Bard Village.
While reservations this close may be hard to come by restaurants ringing English Bay also offer great vantage points;
Cactus Club Cafe – English Bay
The Boathouse – English Bay & Kits Beach
Hook Seabar – English Bay
The Three Brits Pub – English Bay
Avocado Bay – West End
Bayside Lounge – West End
Beach Bay Cafe & Patio – West End
The Sylvia Hotel – West End
Prince of Whales Whale Watching is also offering 2 hour cruise packages to enjoy the fireworks from the water, limited tickets still available online.
Wherever you end up watching the Honda Celebration of Lights, may it light up your night!