With the Vaisakhi festival only days away, Surrey Police Service (SPS) is reminding attendees of some important safety tips and event information. 

Surrey’s Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade is one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from across the Lower Mainland and beyond. SPS has developed a comprehensive public safety plan in collaboration with the City of Surrey and event organizers, incorporating provincial recommendations for large public gatherings. 

SPS will be supported by officers from several other Lower Mainland police agencies and integrated units, to provide public safety support and traffic control for the Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade on Saturday, April 18, 2026. SPS looks forward to celebrating this annual event with the community and is sharing important safety and travel information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration.

Police want to remind the public that during the Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) will be in effect. This means that there will be a restriction on the use of drones and other remotely piloted aircraft systems in the event area. These restrictions are being implemented to support public safety operations and to ensure the safety of parade participants and spectators. Unauthorized drone use during the parade is prohibited.

Every year, police respond to reports of missing children and elderly persons during Vaisakhi celebrations. Large crowds can make it easy for people to quickly become separated, so advance planning is essential.

Safety tips for families and groups:

• Take a group photo before arriving at the Parade to help identify missing loved ones if needed.
• Review the Parade route and surrounding areas and choose a pre-arranged meeting location.
• Ensure everyone carries identification; place contact information in children’s pockets or shoes.
• Keep a recent photo of your child with you.
• Keep children within eyesight at all times.
• Notify the nearest police officer immediately if someone goes missing.
• Leave pets at home, as crowds and noise may cause distress.

Traffic and road closures:

Road closures will be in place throughout Surrey over the weekend. On parade day, closures will begin at 6:00 am and full closures in place from 7:45 am to 6:00 pm, with significant delays expected between 72 Avenue and 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard. The public is encouraged to plan alternate routes. 

Residents driving in traffic-restricted areas must carry a driver’s licence with a current address to access their homes at police checkpoints. For a full list of road closures and route details, visit: Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade | City of Surrey.

More information: 

Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade | Surrey Police
Home - Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade April 18, 2026.

With everyone’s cooperation and preparation, SPS looks forward to a safe and enjoyable Khalsa Day Vaisakhi celebration for all.