You are invited to check out a new lively Christmas production The Best Christmas Pageant Ever coming to the Havana Theatre December 6 to 16, 2018. Naked Goddess Productions brings you a play that is not all sugar and spice but a truer picture of family life. Well some homes anyway. This story is about some real world SH_T disturbers, hmmm much like you may have found (or may still find) in East Van tucked away in that idyllic looking house down the street. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is about six siblings, the Herdman kids. who take over an annual Christmas pageant resulting in quite a bit of mayhem and a lot of laughs. The show runs Wednesday to Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm with matinees on Saturday December 8, 9, 15 and 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $24 for adults, $18 for seniors/children. Those on a budget, check out the half price preview on December 5th. You can purchase tickets at the door or online at Showpass. Be sure to stop and have a little fun this holiday season. We think this is the perfect ticket.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever At The Havana Theatre December 6-16, 2018
26 NovWhat’s On East Van: November 23rd Edition
23 Nov
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.
Holiday Market – Italian Cultural Centre – November 23rd
The Italian Cultural Centre is hosting their annual Holiday Market this Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. You can expect to find some traditional Italian food products including olive oil, panettone and Christmas cookies in amongst 40 local vendors featuring wine, pottery, jewellery, chocolates and a host of gift ideas. Admission is free and as always, there will be some delish food available for purchase and likely a few food trucks at the ready as well. For those with young ones, there will be a Kids Corner from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm featuring free photos (with your camera) with Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
The Dark Eighties Fall Ball – Eastside Studios – November 23rd
Looking to relive some of the hair, music and clothes of the 80s? You may wish to check out The Dark Eighties Fall Ball happening Friday night at Eastside Studios. Tickets are $12 at the door. Fun begins at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit Eventbrite.
Maker Market At The Ellis – 1024 Main Street – November 23rd
Maker Market at the Ellis 2.0 is happening this Friday night from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm. You are invited to come shop and support some of Vancouver’s local makers whilst enjoying a happy hour cocktail featuring some of their products. Food trucks will be on hand for those that get hungry. Entry is free. Everyone welcome. This is a family and dog friendly event.
20th Annual West Coast Guitar Night – The Cultch – November 24th
This Saturday, The Cultch plays host to the 20th Annual West Coast Guitar Night. The evening features acoustic jazz, classical, folk, world, flamenco and more. This should be a spectacular musical evening. Tickets are $34 and available at The Cultch.
Christmas On The Drive – Grandview Park – November 24th
The Commercial Drive BIA is hosting Christmas On The Drive this Saturday at Grandview Park between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The event features free pictures with Santa, a horse-drawn carriage rides down Commercial Drive a tree lighting at 5:00 pm. There will be some live music on the main stage in Grandview Park along with lots of activities for the kids including face painting, balloon twisting and caricatures. Hot chocolate and cider will be available to keep you warm.
Movie ‘Sharkwater Extinction – Rio Theatre November 24th
An important movie ‘Sharkwater Extinction’ by activist and filmmaker Rob Stewart shows at the Rio Theatre this Saturday afternoon. Rob Stewart shows how sharks are being hunted to extinction, and with that comes the destruction of our life support system. The filmmaker’s aim is to help stop the slaughter. In the movie, he follow sharks and the money into the elusive pirate fishing industry. Movie shows at 1:45 pm Saturday. If you can’t make it then, it will be shown again Sunday at 5:10 pm.
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, this Friday Café Deux Soleils hosts Quinn Pickering’s album release ‘Baby Blue’ featuring live music by the artist along with guests at 9 pm. Also, 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.
Two winter farmer markets happen this weekend. Saturday it’s the Riley Park Farmers Market from a0:00 am to 2:00 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
The Daisy Theatre Returns To The Cultch December 4-22, 2018 With A Christmas Carol
20 Nov
The ever popular Ronnie Burkett brings the Daisy Theatre back to The Cultch for his production of a Christmas Carol with the Little Dickens. If you don’t know about the Daisy Theatre, you are missing a whole lot of fun. This is an adult puppet show performed By Ronnie Burkett. If you think the idea of a puppet show doesn’t appeal to you, try it, you will be surprised. The Daisy Theatre is unlike anything you have ever seen. Ronnie Burkett, puppeteer provocateur and his company of over 40 marionettes, will not only entertain you, but will be sure to have you riding a wave of emotion as he brings his puppets to life. The energy he brings to his puppetry is rather awe inspiring not to mention how he seamlessly transitions between all the characters. In this production of The Little Dickens, the cast of The Daisy Theatre take on the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, in the merriest marionette mash-up ever. Faded Daisy diva, Esmé Massengill, plays the role of miserly, drunken, bitter Esmé Scrooge, in this Burkett-esque retelling of the Dickens classic. Ronnie Burkett brings a sharp wit to his characters when he needs to, but he can be as soft as kitten when playing the character Schnitzel who usually begins and finishes his show. Each performance is different, daring and ridiculous. The Georgia Straight has previously called it “one of the best shows you’ll ever see”. Tickets start at $24 and are available online at The Cultch. Note, due to the mature content this is a 19+ show.
What people are saying about Ronnie Burkett:
“Ronnie Burkett’s creations are remarkable feats of both manipulation and imagination” — The Guardian (UK)
“One of the geniuses of the world…seeing his troupe every few years has just become a necessity of civilized theatre going”
— The Village Voice (NY)
What’s On East Van: November 16th Edition
16 Nov
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
Art Of East Van By ILIEV Designs Featuring Artist Kat McPhee
15 Nov
We are big fans of the amazing artistic talent we have in East Vancouver. Whether it’s behind the studio walls or in the alley way. We decided that we wanted to blend our love of the environment, using less plastic and at the same time showcase East Van art. ILiveInEastVan is partnering with East Van artists to showcase their art work on canvas tote bags.
Today we are excited to launch the Art Of East Van by ILIEV Designs featuring our first artist Kat McPhee. We’ve been following Kat for a few years and love her edgy work that has a definite street vibe. Kat is a self-taught artist that creates vibrant portraits and mixed media prints using elements of graffiti and animation as inspiration. We have created 3 tote bags featuring Kat’s portraits. As you can see from the photo below, we have totes featuring the stunning Audrey Hepburn, the larger than life Anthony Bourdain and the make my day Clint Eastwood. These totes are now available for sale at Kat’s studio which is located in the Arts Factory, 281 Industrial Avenue (near Main & Terminal) along with 20 other artists. Their studios are now open for the Eastside Culture Crawl. We invite to stop by and check out her work during The Crawl happening November 15th & 16th from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and November 17th & 18th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Fictionals Celebrate 8 Years Of Improv Comedy At The Rio Theatre November 21st
14 Nov
According to Daniel Chai, co-creator of The Fictionals and host of Improv Against Humanity, their 8th Anniversary Celebration is going to be an epic night. Daniel tells us “The Fictionals are so lucky to have some of the best audiences who come and laugh with us at every show we do. And of course we want to welcome those who are new to Improv Against Humanity to join the fun!” and “Like any fun birthday party, we want to celebrate with all of our friends, which means the comedy fans of Vancouver.”
Their epic 8th anniversary celebration happens November 21st at the Rio Theatre. On hand will be a special guest comedian, Cameron Macleod from The Hero Show and JFL Northwest. The show will also crown the newest Most Horrible Person in Vancouver with YOU the audience choosing the winner. To join in the fun, you can grab your tickets in advance for $12 from the Rio Theatre, or you can grab them for $14 at the door.
Photo Credit: Zemekiss Photography
What’s On East Van: November 9th Edition
9 Nov
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.
Pub Night At Pat’s Pub For Strathcona Community Centre – November 9th
You are invited to a Pub Night with proceeds from the event going to assist programming at Strathona Community Centre this Friday. The fundraiser happens Friday night at Pat’s Pub, 403 East Hastings Street. Expect live music,a 50/50 draw and much more. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Event kicks off at 6:00 pm.
Late Night Movie – Rio Theatre – November 9th
If you are a night owl, the Rio Theatre is featuring the original Back to The Future for Friday’s late night movie. For advance tickets, visit Rio Theatre.
Vancouver Train Expo – PNE Forum – November 10th & 11th
This weekend the PNE Forum plays host to the Vancouver Train Expo. A great event for all ages. Entry fees range for seniors, childrens and adults, but there is a family rate of $30 which includes up to 3 children under 16.
Remembrance Day – November 11th
There will be several opportunities to honour those that served our country and they truly deserve a moment of silence and remembrance. Whether it’s publicly, or privately. Here are a few we know about if you wish to attend in person:
CRAB Park at Portside, 149 East Waterfront Road – 10:30 am
Memorial South Park Cenotaph: 41st Avenue and Windsor Street, Vancouver 10:30 am
Grandview Park: 1200 Commercial Drive, Vancouver 10:45 am
Dream Board Workshop – Sunset Community Centre – November 11th
You are invited to a free Dream Board Workshop at Sunset Community Centre led by Lorelei Tolosa. This is a neighbourhood small grants project so supplies are included as are snacks and refreshments. Families are welcome to attend. For more info or to RSVP email powerofthreee@gmail.com. The workshop happens from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Diwali Celebration – Sunset Community Centre – November 12th
The Sunset Community Centre plays host to a family friendly Diwali Celebration Monday, November 12th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is a free event. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Enemy – Firehall Arts Centre – November 10th
A contemporary political drama kicks off this Saturday 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. Economic benefits vs. Community health and well-being. Who is the enemy? Should be an interesting production. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.
Best of Men – Havana Theatre – November 10th
Donny and Fernella were high school sweethearts. Now touching their early thirties, they are finally getting married. Meanwhile Donny’s two best friends, Craig and Simon, struggle to come to terms with the fact that only one of them will be the best man, while the other will stop at nothing to assume a position he believes is rightfully his. BEST OF MEN is a play that travels the many curious corners where the fairytale of love and the joy of friendship can take you. Show is 8:00 pm. Tickets are $15 and available from Showpass.
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

You are invited to an intriguing dance performance
It’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
With the upcoming market season, we will be featuring some local makers and artists heading into the holiday season. Those that follow us regularly know we are big on supporting local. Today we would like to introduce you to a local maker