The Vancouver Greek Summerfest is back for its 33rd consecutive year at the edge of East Van, 4541 Boundary Road. Vancouver Greek Summerfest kicks off Thursday, July 4th and runs till July 14th. This is a free fun community event with great Greek food including BBQ Lamb, Loukoumade, souvalaki, gyros and more available for purchase. The event features dozen of live singers and dancers on the Performance Stage including belly dancing, folk dancing and Serbian dancing. Organizers also have a great music line up including performances by bands Zougla, Urban Myth, Asi Somos, Dolphin Jazz and legendary Blues musician Jim Byrnes. If you love George Michael, you may wish to mark July 6th on your calendar, Gotta B George Michael will be performing that day kicking off the fun at 7:30 pm. When there are not live performances, a DJ will be spinning tunes. The event takes place in the parking lot behind the Greek Orthodox Community Church of East Vancouver at 4541 Boundary Road which is located on the border of Vancouver and Burnaby. If you are coming from Vancouver, the intersection is 29th Avenue. If you are coming from Burnaby, it is Moscrop. The event is free to attend. Note, as there is food and lots of moving bodies, pets are not permitted. During the week, Monday to Wednesday, activities take place from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and from Thursday to Sunday, things go from Noon to 11:00 pm. To learn more about the event, what’s available for food or which musician is playing on which date, check out Greek SummerFest. Opa! Live and eat like a Greek for a day.
Vancouver Greek Summerfest July 4th to July 14th, 2019
2 Jul
Kiwassa Community Market Friday July 5th
1 Jul
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What’s On East Van: June 28th Edition
28 Jun
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.
TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival – The Imperial – This Weekend
The Vancouver Jazz Festival continues this weekend at The Imperial, 319 Main Street. It’s the last weekend, but you can still catch some amazing talent until July 1st. If you wish to see the full list of performances, visit TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Ocean.net – Havana Theatre – June 28th & 29th
One room, one ocean, four humans and the fate of the world balanced on a raft. Let’s hope everyone knows how to float. The Promethean Theatre Company brings an original piece of theatre to the stage at the Havana Theatre. Tickets are $16 and $12 for students.
7th Annual Burlesque Long Form – Rio Theatre – June 29th
Looking to be entertained this long weekend? Five of Vancouver’s burlesque performers take the stage with a special guest from Seattle to bring you an evening of burlesque long firm this Saturday night. You can expect some outlandish props and narratives. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Show gets under way at 9:00 pm. For tickets, visit Rio Theatre.
Vocal Workshop With Coco Love Alcorn – Wise Hall – June 29th
Love to sing? Need a bit of practice/work? You are invited to come sing with Coco Love Alcorn this Saturday afternoon at the Wise Hall. For 2 hours, she will teach you songs, lead improvisation exercises and show you how to do some fun songwriting. Workshop starts at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $35 and available through Brown Paper Tickets.
Family Gardening – River District Neighbourhood Centre – June 30th
Want to learn about gardening and making healthy family meals? River District Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a free workshop this Sunday, June 30th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Registration is requested. For more info, visit River District.
Dano-Korean Festival – Trout Lake Community Centre – June 30th
The 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar is Dano and this Sunday, Trout Lake Community Centre hosts a Dano-Korean Festival from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is a free event featuring dumming, dancing, taekwondo and more.
Movie ‘The Shining’ Remastered Edition – Rio Theatre – June 30th
A 40th Anniversary remastered edition of The Shining is showing on Sunday night at The Rio Theatre. This a classic movie best seen on the big screen. Doors open 9:00 pm and movie kicks off at 9:30 pm. For tickets, visit Rio Theatre.
Canada Day Celebration – Grandview Park – July 1st
Lots of free family fun at Grandview Park July 1st between Noon and 3:00 pm to celebrate Canada Day. The celebration features aboriginal performances, live bands, games and activities for the kid, a giant inflatable slide, community booths, carnival games and much more.
Canada Day Celebration – Sunset Community Centre – July 1st
Sunset Community Centre is hosting a free family friendly Canada Day celebrations between Noon and 4:00 pm that includes a photo booth, dance performances, kids activities and of course birthday cake!
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 and support local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10 am – 2 pm and Trout Lake Farmers Market from 9 am – 2 pm at John Hendry Park. Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back in Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 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
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Car Free Day On Commercial Drive Sunday July 7th
26 Jun
You are invited to another great street party on The Drive. On Sunday, July 7th Car Free Day happens from Noon to 7:00 pm. The event stretches 15 blocks along Commercial Drive between Venables and The Grandview Cut. Car Free Day will feature activities for all ages, great food, entertainment, local artisans and advocacy for car free and green spaces. This is a free family friendly event which is very accessible by bus, Skytrain and cycling all of which are encouraged.
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Ready, Set, Recycle! ReycleFest Returns To Trout Lake July 13th
25 Jun
On Saturday, July 13th RecycleFest returns to John Hendry Park. You are invited to bring your unwanted small appliances and power tools on this day. They will be accepting over 400 electronic items for recycling. To see the full list of what you can bring, check out ElectroRecycle. This 5th annual event will also feature a whole lot of free family fun including outdoor yoga, live music by the Milk Crate Bandits, arts and crafts, food, Hoops with HoopDreamer, sustainable vendors, a repair and lending library. So if you have something to repair, maybe it just needs a simple fix, button or hem stitched. Bring it! RecycleFest happens 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Stop by and learn more about recycling and sustainable living.
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Tiki Nights At Odd Society Spirits July 4th & August 1st
24 Jun
Summer is officially here and should you feel like you need a bit of a tropical vibe in your life, you may wish to mark a couple dates on your calendar. Local distiller, Odd Society Spirits, 1725 Powell Street, is hosting Tiki Nights this summer on Thursday, July 4th and Thursday, August 1st. You are invited to join them for a BBQ, music and refreshing Tiki drinks made by Barman Chad Rivard. We hear some special Tiki recipes will be available using their spirits. No ticket purchase required, just put on your best tropical dress or Hawaiian shirt and come down between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm to take a little break from the everyday that’s not very far away.
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What’s On East Van: June 21st Edition
21 Jun
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.
Indigenous Day – Trout Lake/John Hendry Park – June 21st
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day at Trout Lake. There will be an all day celebration Friday, June 21st that kicks off with a pancake celebration and a friendship walk between 9:00 and 11:00 am. From Noon to 5:00 pm you can find cultural performances, live music, dancing, canoe tours and activities for the kids.
TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival – The Imperial – June 21st Onward
The Vancouver Jazz Festival starts this Friday and The Imperial, 319 Main Street, has host to an amazing line of talent until July 1st. If you wish to see the full list of performances during the festival including free ones, visit TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Parallel 49 Brewing Co. 7th Anniversary Party – June 21st
This Friday, local craft brewer, Parallel 49 Brewing celebrates 7 years and they are having a party. Beer garden to be exact with food trucks and a variety of $5 beers all the while spinning some tunes. Fun happens at 1950 Triumph Street from 5:00 – 10:00 pm. No tickets required, just show up with 2 pieces of ID please, no minors at this event.
Corgi Races – Hastings Racecourse – June 22nd & 23rd
Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse plays host once again to a corgi dog race this Saturday and Sunday. To view the races is free of charge. The winning pooch gets $500 in prize money and a Bosley’s prize pack. The event kicks off at 1:15 pm Saturday and Sunday. There will also be food trucks, live music and food trucks on hand.
East Side Pride – Grandview Park – June 22nd
East Side Pride is a family oriented pride event happening in Grandview Park this Saturday from Noon to 6:00 pm. You can expect to find local artists businesses alongside burlesque and drag performances. If you get hungry, there will be food trucks on hand. This is a free event. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Vancouver Market – Wise Hall – June 22nd
The Vancouver Market returns to the Wise Hall this Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you are looking for vintage, eclectic, or a new up and coming local maker, this is the place to be. Admission is $2.00.
Grease Sing-A-Long – June 22nd – Rio Theatre
The Rio Theatre is hosting a Grease Sing-A-Long this Saturday night. Lyrics will be on screen so you can follow along and there will be prizes for costumes. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the fun kicks off at 7:00 pm. For advance tickets, visit the Rio Theatre.
Strathcona Street Party – Strathcona – June 22nd
The Strathcona Street Party happens this Saturday, June 22nd from Noon to 9:00 pm at Campbell Avenue and East Hastings Street. Check out the new mural that’s up, plus food trucks, live music, beer garden and more.
Summer Solstice Coffee House – Britannia Community Centre – June 23rd
Britannia Community Centre plays host to the Summer Solstice Coffee House this Sunday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The event features live music, storytelling and, of course, coffee. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.
Railtown Tailgate BBQ – Railtown Café – June 23rd
Once a month this summer, Railtown Café, 397 Railway Street, a Tailgate BBQ from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. If you love BBQ, this is a definite spot to check out. They will be BBQ’ing a variety of meats and offering corn on the cob, corn bread and a few different salads. Refreshments will be available. Cost is $27 per person or $17 for the vegetarian option). Advance tickets purchased online at a complimentary $6 drink voucher. To get your tickets, visit 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 at 30th & Ontario from 10 am – 2 pm and Trout Lake Farmers Market from 9 am – 2 pm at John Hendry Park. Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back in Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 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
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Cider Tasting At The Cultch June 27th
19 Jun
If you love cider and the arts, well you can taste some delicious cider while supporting the arts on June 27th. The Cultch will be hosting a Cider Tasting featuring Windfall Cider, Lonetree Cider, Sea Cider among others. You are invited to come learn about cider making and the apple varieties used in the making cider while enjoy some appetizers. The event takes place in The Cultch Lobby. Cost is $50 for which you receive a $25 tax receipt. The fun kicks off at 7:00 pm. To get your ticket, visit The Cultch.
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Story Story Lie Championships June 12, 2019 – Did You Miss All The Fun?
18 Jun
The third season of the hit storytelling game show “Story Story Lie” came to a close June 12th with its championship round. Winners of past shows were brought back for an ultimate battle of the best to tell their hilarious and cringe-worthy stories. This show is a riot and different than any other kind of show you’ll see in Vancouver. If you’re looking for something new and fun to do you have to check out the next season of Story Story Lie at the Rio Theatre.
How it works is that each comedian/improvisor/actor gets five minutes to tell their story. Afterwards, the audience gets to interrogate them to try to figure out if the story is real or a lie. In the end, you text in your best guess as to which story was a lie and bust the liar! There are also prizes for those who guess right. The show is created, produced and hosted by Jo Dworschak and promises to entertain.
Story Story Lie will be back at the Rio Theatre in September. If you think you have what it takes and have a good story to share, you can apply to actually be on the show! For more information, visit Story Story Lie.
By Contributing Writer Nicole Alivojvodic
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Trout Lake Outdoor Summer Concert Series Returns July 3rd
17 Jun
The Trout Lake Outdoor Summer Concert Series is back for another year starting Wednesday, July 3, 2019. If you have not checked out this great free summer event, you are missing out on the perfect summer evening. This annual event is hosted by the Trout Lake Community Center at 3360 Victoria Drive. Concerts happen every Wednesday evening throughout the summer rain or shine. If it rains, concerts go indoors to the Grandview Room. We’ve had the opportunity to take in some of the concerts on a nice summer evening and we have to say, it is a pretty perfect way to spend an evening. Bring a blanket, your friends, family, kids or the dog or all of the above and a picnic and you are set. If you aren’t able to organize a picnic, you can grab some food at the Carousel Café. We have set out the musical line up for this summer below. Each evening kicks off at 6:30 pm. By the way, dancing is encouraged.
For those that love the lantern processions around Trout Lake, take note. On th
e very last concert of the summer, August 28th, there will be an opportunity to make lanterns from 6:00 pm to 8:15 pm after which there will be a lantern procession along with performers and musicians around Trout Lake at dusk (8:30 pm). Keep an eye out for the Lantern Tent to make yours that evening, or bring your own creation from home.
July 3
SANCTUARY ALL STARS
A 17 piece big swing jazz band led by Bob Liley.
July 10
EAST VAN CHOIR
July 17
YOUTH EAST VAN MARIMBA ALL STARS
July 24
BLACKTHORN CELTIC BAND
July 31
CHAR HUNTER AND GEORGE FAULKNER
AUGUST 7
KATHARA SOCIETY
AUGUST 14
NORINE BRAUN WITH BAND
AUGUST 21
SODA CRACKERS
Vintage country, jazz and roots music.
AUGUST 28
CHECO TOHOMASO & Gospel Choir
Motown music.
Note: Performances are subject to last minute changes.
ILiveInEastVan.com 