Archive | April, 2019

24th Annual Stone Soup Festival May 11th In The Napier Greenway

30 Apr

Stone Soup Festival 2019The 24th Annual Stone Soup Festival happens Saturday, May 11th from Noon to 5:00 pm.  This annual festival brings community together in celebration of local food, artists, community groups and entertainment with a focus on food sustainability, food justice and the environment. There will be live music, workshops, demonstrations, food vendors, art and some local vendors including ILiveInEastVan. We’ll be on hand with a selection of our reusable nylon and canvas totes as well as a few Art Of East Van designs featuring artist Kat McPhee.  Also on hand will be BagItUpByKate who makes organic cotton resusable produce bags, linen bread bags and for those days you need to destress, relaxation eye bags. Kate is on a mission to replace people’s use of plastic bags, one bag a time. And of course, there will be free soup!  The Stone Soup Festival takes place in the Napier Greenway at the Britannia Community Centre Noon – 5:00 pm. Stop by and say hello. We’d love to see you.

 

East Van Farmer Markets – Spring & Summer 2019

29 Apr

 

Spring is finally here which means lots of farmer markets around East Vancouver. If you’ve attended, you will know there’s always an amazing selection of fresh locally grown produce, handmade goods, artisans breads, locally made jams, cheese, free range and organic eggs and of course wineries, breweries as well as spirits.  Each market is unique and offers a little something different. Trout Lake hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market is the largest.  Mount Pleasant Farmers Market which is in Dude Chilling Park is a smaller market, but we love that it’s on a Sunday. Riley Park Farmers Market is next to one of the most beautiful community gardens we’ve seen and is now year round every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Italian Market at The Italian Cultural Centre we see is only being held once this summer on June 14th. This market features all things Italian including gourmet food items as well as the food trucks on hand.  The Main Street Farmers Market is a great afternoon market and perfect for those just leaving downtown for home, or a quick cycle from Mount Pleasant and the Olympic Village. We have set out below the dates when the markets begin and end for the Spring/Summer season. We encourage you to stop by one or all of these markets during the summer season and support local.

Trout Lake Farmers Market
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: May 4, 2019 – October 19, 2019
Location: Lakewood Drive & E 13th Avenue

Main Street Station Farmers Market
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday: June 5, 2019 – October 2, 2019
Location: 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St Skytrain Station

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Sunday:  May 26, 2019 – October 27, 2019
Location: Guelph Street between 7th & 8th Avenues (on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park/Dude Chilling Park)

Riley Park Farmers Market
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: All Year Round
Location: 30th Avenue and Ontario Street

Italian Market
4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday, June 14, 2019 (1 Day Only)
Location: Italian Cultural Centre – 3075 Slocan Street

What’s On East Van: April 26th Edition

26 Apr

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Out Again At The Inn – Havana Theatre – April 26th & 27th

This Friday and Saturday, Havana Theatre plays host to an original comedy Out Again At The Inn.  Mary and Marie run a busy bed and breakfast with a bit of help from an always high neighbor. Mary and Marie host a jam making contest and their least favourite guests come to say.  It’s a recipe for things going wrong.  Catch the production Friday & Saturday at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available online through Showpass.

The Annual Animation Show of Shows – Rio Theatre April 26th & 28th

If you love animation, the Rio Theatre plays host to the Animation Show of Shows.  It will feature 15 thought-provoking, poignant, and very funny animated shorts from around the world. Films are being shown Friday night  at 6:15 pm and Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm. For tickets, visit Rio Theatre.

Family Yoga – Trout Lake Community Centre – April 27th

Trout Lake Community Centre is hosting Family Yoga this Saturday with live music from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Cost is $1.

Trev Deeley’s For The Animals – April 27th

If you love animals, you will want to stop by the Second Annual Trev Deeley Day For Animals happening this Saturday at the Trev Deeley dealership located at 1875 Boundary Road.  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about many of the local rescue organizations doing great work in the community. Event happens between 11:00  am to 3:00 pm.

The Vancouver Market – Wise Hall – April 27th

The Vancouver Market is back at the Wise Hall this Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Stop by and find vintage by Calico Vintage, handmade jewellery by the Burning Circle, cool handmade bags by Estylo and if you have been eyeing macramé plant holders, Four Knots will be on hand with a selection. Stop by the Wise, 1882 Adanac Street to see all that will be on hand.

Earth Day – Everett Crowley Park – April 27th 

Volunteers gather every year to plant trees in Everett Crowley Park in SE Vancouver. Everett Crowley Park is a 38-hectare large forested park and if you don’t know, was once a garbage dump. It is now Vancouver’s 5th largest park.  This Saturday you are invited to help plant one of a 1,000 trees from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. There will also be face painting for the kids and the opportunity to make your own chia pet courtesy of the folks at River District.

Hop Circuit – Yeast Van – April 28th

Hop Circuit returns to Yeast Van this Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 17 local craft breweries and distillers will open their doors for tours and tastings.  Our fav spot for a tour is Odd Society Spirits, but they are all worthy.

Vancouver Pet-Sitting Swap – Trout Lake – April 28th

A pet sitting swap is happening this Sunday at Trout Lake Dog Beach between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.  If you have a pet and need some help sitting, organizers are connecting you with other pet owners nearby or wannabe pet owners. This is a free event, but registration is required via Eventbrite.

LIVE MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT & COMEDY

Looking for more live music, did you know The Heatley in Strathcona regularly features live music?  Every Sunday they offer bluegrass music with brunch 11 am – 3 pm.

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.

Looking to shop local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market 10 am – 2 pm. Sunday is Hastings Park Farmers Market also 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver,  check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

June Hunter Studio Sale May 4th & 5th

24 Apr

JuneHunterSpringSale2019East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a Studio Sale Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, June 5th.  If you follow us regularly, you know we are big fans of her work.  Vancouver’s urban nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic East Van landmarks. If you wish to know more about the crows that inhabit the green space in our neck of the woods, you may wish to check out some of her blog posts. She regularly features crows and other birds that come to visit her idyllic backyard which houses her working studio. During her Studio Sales, June transforms her working space to showcase all her creative works which include cushion covers, jewellery, small prints, large scale wall art, crow-bars, wall decals and more. She has lots of beautiful new designs which say Spring and bring a touch of nature indoors.  Her rescue dog Geordie is usually on hand as ambassador to greet you. June Hunter’s Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Studio Sale runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday May 4th and 5th.

If you are not able to attend this weekend’s Studio Sale, we invite you check out her online shop which is open 24/7.  You can also find some of June’s pieces at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive and Bird on A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street.

 

9th Annual Verses Festival of Words April 25th to May 4th

23 Apr

VersesFestivalOfWords2019The 9th Annual Verses Festival of Words happens from April 25th to May 4th at a variety of locations in Vancouver. This is 10 day event is Canada’s largest alternative literary festival which features spoken word, storytelling and music. The event celebrates poetic artists, including spoken word and page poets, storytellers, singer-songwriters and improvisers. This is where activism and art take centre stage. You are invited to come experience the transformative power of words. If you are interested in checking out 3 or more events, you may wish to consider a Festival Pass which is $75 but gets you full access to all shows happening throughout the festival. There are a number of locations in East Vancouver playing host to the Verses Festival including the Wise Hall, The Cultch, Havana Theatre, York Theatre and Storm Crow Tavern. For a full rundown of events, visit Verses Festival.  Take note if you are on a budget, there are a couple of free events you are invited to participate in titled Talk The Talk one is on the Climate Crisis May 4th and the other Decolonizing the Arts May 2nd.

Trev Deeley’s Day For Animals Saturday April 27th

22 Apr

TrevDeeleyDayForAnimalsIf you love animals, you will want to stop by the Second Annual Trev Deeley Day For Animals happening this Saturday, April 27th at the Trev Deeley dealership located at 1875 Boundary Road.  As you might guess this day is ALL about the animals. There will be a host of local rescue organizations on hand as well as those that provide services for pets or gear for them. One of those on hand will be local East Van business, ScouterWear which we’ve featured previously. They have created a Harley Davidson inspired dog coat for this weekend’s event.  Stop by this weekend to check out their new design in person along with their other styles plus learn about some of the rescue organizations doing amazing work in and around the Lower Mainland.

We’ve set out below some of those that will be participating at this weekend’s event.  Trev Deeley’s Day For The Animals kicks off at 11:00 and runs till 3:00 pm.

AJ Brown Artist
Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Radina Pet Photography
Riplee’s Ranch
Neuterhead Ace of Spays
Tisol Pet Nutrition & Supplies
VOKRA Cat Rescue
ROK Pet Leashes
Rabbitats Rabbit Rescue
Loveabull Dog Rescue
Scouterwear Dog Clothing
Hearts On Noses – Mini Pig Sanctuary

What’s On East Van: April 19th Edition

19 Apr

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Make It! – PNE Forum – April 19th to 21st 

Make It! Vancouver is at the PNE Forum Friday to Sunday with over 200 makers.  Lots of great vendors including some local favs East Van Light, East Van Jam, Sarah Mulder Jewellery, Mameyo with beautiful handcrafted leather goods and Royal City Donuts, I mean honestly who doesn’t love donuts? Admission is $6.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free.  Purchase your advance ticket online and save 50%.  To purchase your  ticket, visit Eventbrite.

Easter Family Event – Britannia Community Centre – April 20th 

Britannia Community Centre is hosting a free Easter Family Event in Gym D from Noon to 2:00 pm.  There will be a bouncy castle, games, crafts and of course treats for the kids.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory – Rio Theatre April 20th 

A classic movie is playing at the Rio Theatre this Saturday Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. This is Gene Wilder at his best in his role as emperor of the world’s great candy empire. This is an all ages show that gets under way at 3:15 pm. To get your advance tickets, visit The Rio Theatre

Eggstravaganza – Hastings Park – April 21st

The Vancouver Farmers Market has teamed up with local egg producers to bring Eggstravaganza to Hastings Parking this Sunday.  They will have live chickens on hand, a heirloom egg display and free natural egg dyeing. Hastings Park Farmers Market happens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Britannia Ice Rink – Free Skate – April 22nd

Britannia Ice Rink hosting a FREE public skate from 1:00 – 3:30 pm.  Skate rental included.

Earth Day – Everett Crowley Park – April 27th (NOTE CORRECTED DATE)

A great group of volunteers gather every year to plant trees in Everett Crowley Park in SE Vancouver. Everett Crowley Park is a 38-hectare large forested park and if you don’t know, was once a garbage dump. It is now Vancouver’s 5th largest park.  Saturday, April 27th, you can help plant one of a 1,000 trees from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. There will also be face painting for the kids and the opportunity to make your own chia pet courtesy of the folks at River District.

Documentary ‘Free Solo’ – Rio Theatre – April 22nd

Final screening of the documentary Free Solo happens at the Rio Theatre this Monday.  FREE SOLO is an Oscar nominated production that showcases the stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of the free soloist climber who prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock, the 3,000 foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without a rope. This is an edge-of-your seat thriller.  Free Solo shows Monday at 3:30 pm. For tickets, visit the Rio Theatre.

LIVE MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT & COMEDY

Looking for more live music, did you know The Heatley in Strathcona regularly features live music?  Every Sunday they offer bluegrass music with brunch 11 am – 3 pm.

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.

Looking to shop local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market 10 am – 2 pm. Sunday is Hastings Park Farmers Market also 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver,  check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

Earth Day Is April 22nd. Will You Make A Change?

17 Apr

EarthDayGrassEarth Day is a global event that happens this Monday, April 22nd.  It is believed that  more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world. Personally, we think earth needs a little TLC.  If you pay any attention to the news, climate change is happening and living in a coastal community, we will clearly be impacted. So why not doing something to help our environment for Earth Day?  It can be small, it can be big, whatever your time allows. We challenge our readers to take 30 minutes out of their day to do something they haven’t done before that makes a small difference. Think if 100 people that read this post and switched just ONE reusable bag for a plastic bag, that would be 5,200 less plastic bags in our environment in one year’s time! That is nothing to sneeze at.   We’ve compiled a list of simple suggestions that may not seem like a big deal, but making one switch on Earth Day and continuing with it, most certainly DOES make a difference.   Here are a few simple things you can do this Earth Day:

1.       Buy A Reusable Bag and use it! Don’t leave at home or in the trunk of your car.

2.       Buy a Reusable Produce Bag. Pssst Second Nature Home carries them.

3.       Buy A Beeswax Food Wrap & use in place of plastic wrap. Again, Second Nature Home carries them or you can order online from Abegoo in Victoria (Free Shipping in Canada). Just saying.

4.       Organize A Neighbourhood Clean Up.  The City of Vancouver hosts Keep Vancouver Spectacular. It’s easy and it’s free and available year round.

5.       Visit Vancouver’s Zero Waste Centre online or in person to see everything that can be returned there.

6.       Plant Something (A Tree, Pollinator Plant, Wild Flowers). David Suziki breaks down How To Create A Pollinator Garden.

7.       Need some motivation to make a change? Watch and share Greta Thunberg’s TED Talk.  This 16 year from Sweden is our new hero.

8.       Sign up for a car sharing service.

9.        Walk, cycle or transit where you need to go on Earth Day.

10.       If you are looking to get your hands dirty with others, help plant some trees.  River District & Everett Crowley Park Committee will be planting 1,000 native trees into Everett Crowley Park 11 am – 3 pm on April 27th.

Making a change is in your hands.

 

Spring Fling: Zero Waste Dinner at SOIL May 2, 2019

16 Apr

 

The founders of Urban Leaf Catering, Kadieann Tighe and Shani Cohen, have partnered with SOIL, 2408 Main Street, for a delish dining experience. On May 2nd, you have the opportunity to enjoy a four course plant based meal with a focus on zero waste.  Outside of an amazing meal, there will be an educational component on Zero Waste Living by Tosha Lobsinger from People Peace Project and Eat The Dishes. The evening has 2 seatings one at 5:30 pm and another at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $65 per person and available through Eventbrite.  Seating is limited so if interested, best grab those tickets.

Photo Credit: Urban Leaf Catering

Chocolate Challenge At Gourmet Warehouse May 2, 2019

15 Apr

GourmetWarehouse2019

The Chocolate Challenge is back at the Gourmet Warehouse on May 2, 2019. If you love chocolate, this is the place to be.  The Chocolate Challenge is truly a decadent event for chocolate lovers.  This event pits local chocolatiers against each other to create something amazing, both beautiful and delish, with chocolate.  You have the opportunity to taste their creations and vote on them.  This event is a fundraiser for 3 great local charities, specifically the Strathcona Backpack Program, Project Chef and the Vancouver Firefighters `Snacks for Kids` Program. Tickets are $79 and 100% of ticket sale proceeds go towards these charities. As well, there will be a silent auction featuring a host of items including a Chef’s Dinner at Joe Fortes valued at $2,000 and $1,000 Shopping Spree at The Room at Hudson’s Bay.  To keep you fed and hydrated during this evening event, there will be gourmet food stations situated around the store along with a wine bar.  Event gets under way at 6:30 pm.  Come out and try some amazing chocolate, socialize with other chocolate lovers and support local charities doing great work in our community. To purchase tickets for this event, visit Gourmet Warehouse.