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Artisan Markets & Craft Fairs In East Van 2018

19 Nov

Christmasblue&whiteballsIt’s that time of year again where the opportunities to shop local are abundant.  There are some great artisan markets and craft fairs coming up to help you make your gift giving easy whether for Christmas or birthday gifts.  There is a phrase that makes the rounds on social media “when you buy from a local maker, someone does a little happy dance”. It really is true.  Did you know “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $46 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $18 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.” When you buy from a local maker, you’re supporting your neighbor next door, your co-worker working full-time and holding down a side gig, moms carving out some extra income while still being home with their families. All have created a business doing something they love and are passionate about.  We are 100% behind supporting those local dreamers and makers. To that end, we have again created a list of all the artisan markets and craft fairs happening in East Vancouver this holiday season.   We hope you will support some of your local makers  this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2018

Nov. 22: The Art Studios Winter Sale & Silent Auction – Heritage Hall 12-8 pm
Nov. 22: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre
Nov. 23: Holiday Market – Italian Cultural Centre 5-9 pm
Nov. 23: Makers Market At The Ellis – 1024 Main St. 5-10 pm
Nov. 23: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community 4-9 pm
Nov. 24: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9-4
Nov. 25: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9-4

Nov. 30: Toque Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair – 303 East 8th Ave. 6-10 pm
Nov. 30: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 2-7 pm

DECEMBER 2018

Dec. 1: Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Dec. 1: The Winter Shop – 7 East 7th Ave 11-6
Dec. 1: Antipod Workshop Studio Sale – #201 – 1610 Clark Drive 10-5
Dec. 1: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Ave. 11-5
Dec. 1: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 10-5
Dec. 1: Kensington Holiday Crafit Fair – Kensington Community Centre
Dec. 1: Strathcona Christmas Craft Fair – 601 Keefer St.
Dec. 1: Toque Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair – 303 East 8th Ave. 11-5
Dec. 2: Toque Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair – 303 East 8th Ave. 11-5
Dec. 2: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Ave. 11-5
Dec. 2: The Winter Shop – 7 East 7th Ave 11-6
Dec. 2: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 10-5

Dec. 8: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market-2010 E. Kent Ave. S. (Victoria Dr.) 11-4
Dec. 8: The Winter Shop – 7 East 7th Ave. 11-6
Dec. 8: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall 11-6
Dec. 8: Weirdos Holiday Market – Wise Hall
Dec. 8: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Ave. 11-5
Dec. 9: The Winter Shop – 7 East 7th Ave. 11-6
Dec. 9: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall 11-6
Dec. 9: Eastside Flea – 550 malkin Ave. 11-5
Dec. 9: The Winter Shop – 7 East 7th Ave. 11-6
Dec. 9: Weirdos Holiday Market – Wise Hall

Dec. 12: Make It! – PNE Forum 5-9 pm
Dec. 13: Make it! – PNE Forum 11 am – 9 pm
Dec. 14: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 9 pm
Dec. 14: Makers Market At The Ellis – 1024 Main Street 5-10 pm
Dec. 15: The ARC Holiday Makers Market – 1701 Powell St. 11-6
Dec. 15: Jones General Store Holiday Market – Cambrian Hall 10-6
Dec. 15: Make It! – PNE Forum 10-6
Dec. 15: Winter Women’s Faire – Heritage Hall
Dec. 16: Holiyay Pop Up – Crème de la Crème, 1215 Clark Drive 11-4
Dec. 16: Make It! – PNE Forum 11-5
Dec. 16: Winter Women’s Faire – Heritage Hall

Did we miss one? We will be updating this list as we learn of other markets. Drop us a note with what you think should be added at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com.

What’s On East Van: November 16th Edition

16 Nov

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

The Eastside Cultural Crawl – Various Locations – Nov. 15th – 18th

This weekend over 500 artists open their studio doors for the Eastside Cultural Crawl.  See first hand the amazing talent in this City and talk to the artists about their work and inspiration.  Don’t miss the opportunity. Whether it’s a whole day, evening, or just an hour or two, we encourage you take part in The Crawl. We promise, you’ll be amazed. It only happens once a year.

4 Day Fabric Sale – Our Social Fabric – #270 – 1275 Venables Street – Nov. 15-18

If you sew or want fabrics for crafting, you best check out the 4 day fabric sale at Our Social Fabric happening this weekend. It will be happening Friday evening 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 4:00 pm. You don’t want to miss the great deals.

35th Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Nov. 16th to 18th

One of the longest running craft fairs in the City happens this weekend. The 35th Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair happens Friday (3:00 pm – 8:00 pm), Saturday and Sunday (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) in Gym D.   They will have a wide range of handmade items perfect for gift giving whether Christmas or this winter babies. Entrance fee is $2, children 12 years and under are free.

Ritchies Pop Up Bakery – les amis du fromage – November 17th

This Saturday, les amis du fromage’s East Van location at 843 East Hastings Street hosts a Bakery Pop Up with Ritchies Bakery.  The pop up happens from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm or until they run out of goodies.  Being that les amis du fromage is situated amongst artistic talent in the Strathcona area, it’s a perfect stop along the route during The Crawl.

Famous Perogy Lunch Weekend – Ukranian Hall – Nov. 17th + 18th

Love perogies? This is the spot you want to be this weekend. You are invited to a Perogy Lunch between 11:00 and 3:00 pm this Saturday & Sunday at the Ukranian Hall. There will be homemade perogies from the Baba’s (we are sure the best!), Borshsch, Kolbassa on a bun and Cabbage Rolls. Some homemade crafts will also be on hand.  We recommend coming early, food is available until it sells out.

21st Century Flea Market – Croatian Cultural Centre – November 18th

185 tables of bargains this Sunday at the 21st Century Flea Market at the Croatian Cultural Centre including Boho chic, 50’s kitsch, collectibles,  memorabilia, vintage  retro furnishings, jewelry, holiday decor, antiques, dolls & toys, books, shabby chic, china & glass, memorabilia and a whole lot more. General admission is $5 at the door from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.  If you want VIP admission at 7:00 am, cost is $20.

The Enemy – Firehall Arts Centre – Until December 1st

A contemporary political drama continues this weekend at the Firehall Arts Centre. The Enemy is an interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, a female Dr. Stockman discovers contamination in the community’s water source and is branded an enemy and accused of destroying the local economy. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

If it’s comedy you are after, Graham Clark’s Laugh Gallery happens at Havana Theatre every Monday night.  For live music, the Libra Room on The Drive has a regular line up of music. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3-7 pm, no cover.

This weekend it’s two winter farmer markets. Saturday there’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, the Hastings Park Farmers Market also happens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

Winter Farmer Markets In East Vancouver

30 Oct

FarmersMarketProduceRiley Park Farmers Market – Every Saturday

In case you missed the news, Riley Park Farmers Market is now a year round market happening every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 30th & Ontario.   This is a great space located next to a community garden with ample parking and located on a bike route.

Hastings Park Farmers Market – Sundays Nov. 4 – April 28, 2019

The Hastings Park Farmers Market kicks off Sunday, November 4th at Hastings Park and happens weekly every Sunday until April 28, 2019 except for Sunday, December 30th. The market is located on the PNE grounds by the Hastings Skatepark.

Whichever market you choose, stop by and support your local makers!

What’s On East Van: October 26th Edition

26 Oct

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

Makers Market – Ellis Building – October 26th

In case you missed it, the Eastside Flea moved from The Ellis Building to Eastside Studios at 550 Malkin Avenue which means it left a great space for markets at the Ellis Building.  So a Makers Market is now hosting what appears to be monthly markets on Friday nights.  There official launch is this Friday, October 26th and there’s a line of local handmade small batch goods. We see our friends at Sriracha Revolver will be there. This is a family friendly event that happens from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. Admission is free.

Trick Or Treat On Hastings Sunrise – October 27th

This Saturday you are invited to Trick or Treat on Hastings Street between 12:00 and 3:00 pm.  Visit businesses along the East Hastings strip with your costume and receive a treat (or a trick!).

All Souls Night – Mountain View Cemetery – October 27th

All Souls Night is an opportunity to commemorate the dead.  You are invited to tea and memory making at Mountain View Cemetery between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm this Saturday evening. Light a candle for someone you’ve lost.

Drive-In Movies – River District – October 27th

River District in SE Vancouver is hosting their last weekend of free drive-in movies.  This weekend they are showing Frankenweenie at 7:30 pm followed by It at 9:30 pm. For tickets visit, Picatic.com.

Book Launch & Signing – The Plant-Based Foodie Cookbook – October 27th

Brad Hill creator of a series of Foodie cookbooks will be on hand to launch his newest cookbook The Plant-Based Foodie Cookbook at Riley Park Farmers Market this Saturday. He will be on hand from Noon – 2:00 pm along with delish plant based eats.

Parade Of Lost Souls – To Be Announced – October 27th

The iconic East Van event the Parade of Lost Souls happens this Saturday night. This all ages community event celebrates the Day of The Dead and features a roving parade, live music, art installations, dance performances including flash mobs all of which happens from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Following the parade there is the After Party which this year happens at The Wise Hall. For more details, visit their website Parade of Lost Souls. Great opportunity to try out that scary make up/costume. If you wish to be in the parade meet at the Britannia Library at 7:00 pm.

Hastings Sunrise Pumpkin Patch – Hastings Elementary School – October 28th

You are invited to check out the 3rd Annual Hastings Sunrise Pumpkin Patch Festiva at Hastings Elementary School. Choose a pumpkin for your Jack-O-Lantern, share some food, enjoy a live bluegrass band, and take part in fall-themed festivities and decorations from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm . Costumes encouraged. Pumpkins are by donation.

Pumpkin Carving – Strange Fellows Brewing – October 28th

Strange Fellows Brewing, 1345 Clark Drive, invites you to come down Sunday afternoon to do some pumpkin carving between 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Everything is supplied including the pumpkins. All by donation with proceeds to go the Vancouver Food Bank.

Beetlejuice – Rio Theatre – October 28th

Now THIS is a movie to watch on the big screen.  The Rio Theatre will be showing Beetlejuice Sunday at 5:30 pm and being rain is expected might be a perfect Sunday afternoon thing to do.  Tickets $12, we suggest getting advance tickets.

 Japan Food Fair – Vancouver Buddhist Temple – October 28th

If you love Japanese food (and who doesn’t really), you may wish to make your way down to the Vancouver Buddhist Temple this Sunday, October 28th. They will be hosting a Japan Food Fair and Fall Bazaar from Noon to 2:00 pm. Lots of great eats and great prices. Happens at 220 Jackson Avenue in Strathcona.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

If it’s live music you are after, the Libra Room on The Drive has a regular line up of music. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3-7 pm, no cover.

This weekend there is only one Farmers Market this Saturday. That is Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm). Trout Lake is now closed for the season, but Hastings Park Farmers Market kicks off NEXT weekend, November 4th. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

Maker Market At The Ellis Building Launches Friday October 26th

24 Oct

MakerMarketAtTheEllisSo in case you missed the news, The Eastside Flea, which was until recently located at 1024 Main Street in the Ellis Building, has moved to the Eastside Studios at 550 Malkin Avenue in Strathcona.  Which we might add is a great cool space. This though left the window open for someone to organize and takeover the space at now vacant Ellis Building and that they’ve done. This Friday, October 26th is the launch of the Maker Market At The Ellis which features you guessed it local makers, food trucks and more.  We see our friends at Sriracha Revolver will be on hand with their amazing spicy sauces AND one of their sauces we hear will be added to a spicy drink collaboration at the bar. Yes there’s a bar, cash only.  This new Makers Market happens from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  If you can’t make this one, two more are lined up Friday, November 23rd and Friday, December 14th. If you are a local maker looking for a cool new spot, they are taking applications for their upcoming markets.  To learn more, visit them on Instagram @makermarketattheellis.

Beer & Cheese Pairing October 23rd at Luppolo Brewing Co.

9 Oct


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Luppolo Brewing Co. and les amis du fromage have teamed up to bring you an evening of Beer & Cheese Pairing Tuesday, October 23, 2018.  Head Brewer, Ryan Parfitt, of Luppolo and Allison Spurrell of les amis du fromage will guide you through a selection of Italian themed cheeses which they’ve selected to pair with a variety of beers including some limited and special releases.  Dessert is included in the evening. The event happens at Luppolo Brewing Co., 1123 Venables Street. Tickets are LuppoloBeer$60 and available online through Picatic, or to avoid service charges, you can stop by the brewery to pick up your tickets.

Make It! 10 Year Anniversary Market At The Croatian Cultural Centre September 21st and 22nd

19 Sep

MakeItSeptember2018Make It! has been part of the handmade revolution for the last 10 years in Vancouver.  As such, they are celebrating with a throwback style Make It! at the Croatian Cultural Centre this Friday & Saturday.   You can expect to find many local makers including a few of our favourites: Beth & Olivia, Sarah Mulder Jewellery, The Lemon Square, The Branch and Vine and East Van’s Sriracha Revolver. As this event kicks off on Friday night, you will also find a bar with $5 drinks, music and food trucks for a fun shopping experience.  Also on hand, will be a charity silent auction with items donated by various participating Makies. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Union Gospel Mission. This Make It! Market happens Friday, September 21st from 5:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday, September 22nd from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Tickets for admission are $3.00 for advance purchase on Eventbrite or $5 at the door. Children under 12 get in free.

June Hunter Studio Sale September 21 & 22, 2018

18 Sep

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East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a Studio Sale this weekend. If you follow us regularly, you know we are big fans of her work. Nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic East Van landmarks. Crows and other feathered friends make appearances in many of the pieces she creates as you will see from the photos we’ve included. In part, because June is very quick with the camera capturing those that come to visit her idyllic backyard which houses her working studio.  June has had a busy summer working on new designs which include beautiful cushion covers, scarves, iPad cases, totes, carry alls and more. Her working studio will again be transformed to showcase all her creative works which also include jewellery, small prints, large scale wall art, tiles and more. If you are lucky, her rescue dog Geordie will again be 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 takes place Friday, September 21st from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday, September 22nd from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We’ve heard some wine and/or sangria will be hand to make it an even better shopping experience.

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 in East Van as well as the Vancouver Art Gallery store downtown.

Photo Credit: June Hunter

Weekly Stories Are Back At The Drive Coffee Bar Starting September 19th

17 Sep

WeeklySTories2018If you love storytelling, whether watching or listening to them in an intimate setting, then you may wish to check out Weekly Stories at The Drive Coffee Bar, 1670 Commercial Drive located near 1st Avenue.  This 1 hour storytelling show which took a hiatus over the summer is now back weekly starting Wednesday, September 19th.  Weekly Stories is hosted by storyteller and organizer extraordinaire Jo Dworschak of Story Story Lie and Coop Radio’s Fruit Salad.  You will hear tales from some seasoned storytellers, but each week they do try and get a new face up to take a turn.  The venue is a favourite of ours for the great coffee, selection of Cartem Donuts and some of the best sandwiches in the City by La Grotta del Fromaggio plus they also serve wine and beer.  Event runs from 7:00 pm every Wednesday night.  Admission is by donation. If you have a story to share, stop by and sign up or email Jo in advance at e: storystoryshows@gmail.com.

What’s On East Van: September 14th Edition

14 Sep

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

Vancouver Fringe Festival – Various Venues Until 16th 

The Vancouver Fringe Festival continues this weekend at various venues in the City including The Cultch, The Havana Theatre in Havana Restaurant and Your Open Closet on Commercial Drive to name a few.  Reminder, Havana Theatre IS OPEN for the Vancouver Fringe Festival. The Theatre has a separate entrance on Commercial Drive and Fringe Volunteers are out front to help you find your way.  To see the full line up, visit Vancouver Fringe Festival.

11th Annual Accordion Noir Festival – Wise Hall Sept. 14th – 16th

Lots of live music and dancing this weekend at the Wise Hall, not like there isn’t usually, but the 11th Annual Noir Festival happens Friday to Sunday at the Wise Hall. Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets.

James Johnstone East End History Walk – September 15th

If you want to learn about the fascinating history of East Vancouver James Johnstone is your man. He has a wealth of knowledge of about the many faces and places of East Van from days long ago. This Saturday James will be hosting a walking history tour that starts at The Heatley, 696 East Hastings St. in Strathcona at 10:00 am. Cost is $20. We believe this is his last tour for the season.

Free Drive-In Movie – River District – September 15th

River District is hosting free drive-in movies this Saturday, September 15th.  The double feature this weekend will feature Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom at 7:15 pm and Jurassic Park 1 at 9:30 pm. Gates open at 6:30 pm.  This event is first come first serve as to space.

Westward Music Festival – Rio Theatre – September 15th

Westward Music Festival presents Jordan Klassen & Special Guests Luca Fogale and Abraham at the Rio Theatre this Saturday. Tickets are $15 and available via Westward FesWestward Fest. Note, the Festival also takes place Friday night at the Rio with a different line up of talent.

First Pick Handmade – Heritage Hall – Sept. 15th & 16th

First Pick Handmade happens at the Heritage Hall this weekend at which you will find 30 Canadian fashion and accessory designers. Whether it’s to browse or shop, stop by and see what our Canadian designers are working on.  First Pick Handmade happens 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3.00.

Meet & Greet The Candidates – Commercial Street Café Sept. 15th & 16th 

This weekend Commercial Street Café, 3599 Commercial Street, continues their series hosting meet and greets for those running for Mayor of Vancouver. This Saturday, come chat with Hector Bremner from 10:00 am to Noon. On Sunday, Ken Sim will be hand also from 10:00 am to Noon.

Free Movie ‘Maudie’ – Britannia Community Centre – September 16th

Britannia Community Centre is hosting another free movie Sunday night 6:00 pm. This week they are featuring Maudie along with free popcorn.

West Side Story Sing-A-Long – Rio Theatre – September 16th

As part of the world-wide celebration the legendary composer, Leonard Bernstein, the Rio Theatre is hosting a celebratory Sing-A-Long screening of his restored masterpiece West Side Story this Sunday at 6:00 pm. This is an all ages show. 

Free Yoga – Eastside Fitness – September 17th

Did you know Eastside Fitness at 5788 Fraser Street hosts free yoga every Monday from 8:15 – 9:15 am between now and December.  Want more information or to register, visit Eastside Fitness.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

Looking for live music this weekend? Café Deux Soleils has live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights and this week Natasha D’Agastino takes the stage from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. If you are looking for jazz in the afternoon, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday from 3-7 pm, no cover.

Three Farmer Markets happening this weekend – Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter