Spot Prawn Festival Returns May 31st, 20 Years Strong

The Goods from the Chefs’ Table Society of BC

Vancouver, BC | The Chefs’ Table Society of BC (CTS), in partnership with the Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association (PPFA), is thrilled to welcome back the “Wildly Popular” Spot Prawn Festival on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Fishermen’s Wharf in False Creek, Vancouver. A cherished coastal tradition since 2006, the festival marks the highly anticipated start of BC’s spot prawn season—bringing together chefs, fishers, and food lovers to celebrate one of the province’s most iconic and sustainable seafoods.

While the festival is a celebration, it also comes at a time of ongoing uncertainty for the industry. Due to tariffs in China, export prices for BC spot prawns have declined significantly, placing increasing financial pressure on harvesters and the broader coastal economy. With a large portion of the catch traditionally destined for export markets, these trade challenges are being felt across the entire value chain, from fishing families to processors and distributors.

“China’s tariffs have significantly reduced export prices for BC spot prawns, leaving many harvesters struggling to maintain viable operations,” says Fraser MacDonald, Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association. “That’s why building strong domestic demand is more important than ever. Events like the Spot Prawn Festival help connect British Columbians directly to our product and support the people behind this fishery.”

Each year, the festival helps grow the domestic appreciation for BC Spot Prawns while raising vital funds for CTS programs, including culinary scholarships, mentorship, and sustainability initiatives, as well as supporting The Commons by CTS — a dynamic new culinary hub in Vancouver dedicated to preserving BC’s rich food heritage while fostering education, industry connection, and the next generation of culinary talent.

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, join the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia for a celebration of an iconic BC product at the annual Spot Prawn Festival.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

You have THREE ways to enjoy it:
FREE – access to the docks, view cooking demos and educational marketplace
$12 – 8 oz of Prawn & Seafood Chowder + a Bun – to go if you want! (family-friendly)
$85 – Spot Prawn Brunch – grazing stand-up style with a tasting menu of 6 delicious spot prawn dishes (19 years and over only, no pets)
Outdoor stand-up event and runs rain or shine.

This is the Chefs’ Table Society’s main fundraising event so it can continue to provide education, mentorship, scholarships, and sustainability initiatives across the province.

PRAWN & SEAFOOD CHOWDER

Back by popular demand, Chefs’ Table Society will serve up a Prawn & Seafood Chowder.
Tickets for the chowder with a freshly baked bun are $12 per bowl (plus tax and service), and if you want, you can take it to go!

NO LONG WAIT!!! Choose to enjoy your Prawn Seafood Chowder in one of the following time slots:
11:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon)
12:00 pm (noon) to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The time clearly indicated on your ticket should be respected. Please note that arriving early will not grant earlier access, and arriving late may result in a longer wait.

SPOT PRAWN FESTIVAL BRUNCH

A wonderful idea for a weekend outing: a brunch featuring a tasting menu with six delicious spot prawn dishes, showcasing the many ways this delicacy can be enjoyed.

Dishes will be prepared by some of BC’s finest chefs — a great way to sample a variety of creations and connect with the chefs as you move between food stations, while enjoying samples of BC wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. A sweet treat will be served as well.

Two services are available:
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Participating chefs and restaurants include:
Ben Kiely, PICAchef
Bobby Milheron, Maxine’s Café and Bar
Christopher Janowski, Sunflower Café
David Lee, Vancouver Aquarium
Jay Park, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Jitin Kapoor, Glowbal
Kailash Chandra, Sula Indian Restaurant
Lina Caschetto, Say Hey Cafe
Malindi Taylor & Alex Guido, Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Raimund Heuser, Blue Water Café
Steve Kuan, Torafuku
Tyler Prevette, Folietta Ristorante & Bar
Ysmael Media/Catalino III Javier, Halina Modern Filipino Kitchen + Bar

(Please note: Six chefs will be featured at each brunch. Final lineups may vary due to scheduling.)

Tickets for the brunch are $85 per person (plus tax and service fee) and include the full tasting experience, beverages, and a sweet treat.

LIVE DEMO STAGE ON THE DOCK (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Join talented chefs for 30-minute cooking demonstrations as they share tips, techniques, and inspiration for cooking with BC Spot Prawns. List of demo chefs to follow.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! The Spot Prawn Festival is made possible thanks to the generosity of our long-time sponsors: Pacific Prawn Fishermen Association (PPFA) and their fishermen; False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf; and Gordon Food Services.