Tag Archives: Car Free Day

What’s On East Van: July 5th Edition

5 Jul

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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.

Vancouver Greek Summerfest – All Weekend Long

The Vancouver Greek Summerfest is now daily until July 14th at 4541 Boundary Road and 29th Avenue. Lots of great food and live music. If you head down on a weekend, it does get busy when it comes to seating. Taking transit? The location is a 10 minute walk from the Joyce Skytrain Station. We also learnt that all proceeds from food sales go back into supporting registered charities in the community.  Is there a reason not to go? To see the full schedule of talent and hours, visit Vancouver Greek Summerfest.

Playland Nights – Playland – July 5th

Playland Nights returns tonight and will continue every Friday in July.  This is an adult only evening (19+) which features the usual fun, food and rides, but with fully licensed grounds. This means you can enjoy your beverage of choice throughout the park while taking in the entertainment available.  General admission is $29.00. for tickets visit Playland Nights.

If You Could Read My Mind: Gordon Lightfoot – Rio Theatre – July 5th & July 7th

The Rio Theatre hosts the documentary If You Could Read My Mind Friday night. It features the life and music of the Canadian music icon, Gordon Lightfoot and some of his famous friends and fans including Geddy Lee (Rush), Randy Bachman, Anne Murray and many others.  This is billed is an intimate and emotional examination of the artist’s profound relationship to his music and his Canadian roots. Documentary runs Friday night at 6:15 pm. If you can’t make that, it’s showing again on Sunday at 1:20 pm. For tickets, visit Rio Theatre.

Car Free Day – Commercial Drive – July 7th

Car Free Day where it all began happens this Sunday on Commercial Drive between Noon and 7:00 pm. Car Free Day  stretches 15 blocks along Commercial Drive between Venables and The Grandview Cut. and features activities for all ages, food and entertainment all day long.   This is a free family friendly event which is accessible by bus, Skytrain and cycling all of which is encouraged.

Mini Car Free Day – Commercial Street/Cedar Cottage – July 7th

The great street in Cedar Cottage that boasts the Commercial Street Café, Second Nature Home, Toso Wood Gallery, Vancouver Tool Library and Chance Café and soon to be Flourist, are hosting their own Mini Car Free Day this Sunday on the 3400-3500 block of Commercial Street.  Expect to find live music, chainsaw carving, giant Jenga game, street art, bike repair, chocolate tasting, artisans and kids activities. Although Flourist is not open just yet, we hear they will have a table with delectable things on hand. We suggest you get there early.  Event happens 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Vancouver Market – Wise Hall – July 7th

The Vancouver Market featuring 20+ local vendors happens at The Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street this Sunday, July 7th.  Whether you are looking for new or vintage, likely to find an array of unique items. Event happens 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $2.00.

21st Century Flea Market – Croatian Cultural Centre – July 7th

21st Century Flea Market is back at the Croatian Cultural Centre this Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Some 175 vendors will be on hand with collectibles, antiques, kitsch, vintage and whole lot more.  Who knows you could find.  Admission is $5.00 OR for early birds wanting to get a jump on things $20 from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.

Comedy, Music & Entertainment & More 

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. UPDATE We’ve just learnt they are taking a hiatus for the summer.

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

Car Free Day On Commercial Drive Sunday July 7th

26 Jun

CarFreeDay2019GreenYou 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.

What’s On East Van: July 6th Edition

6 Jul

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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’s Greek Summerfest – Boundary & 29th Ave – July 5-15

Great food, live entertainment and dancing for 11 days at this summer festival. The Greek Summerfest is back at Boundary and 29th Avenue. Jim Byrnes and Gotta Be George Michael will be two of the performers over the course of the festival. This is an all ages event and admission is free. For more information, visit Greek Summerfest.

Plant Club With Wine – Figaro’s Garden – July 6th

The first Friday of the month, Figaro’s Garden Centre on Victoria Drive is hosting Plant Club. Stop by for a glass of wine and as they say ‘geek out on plants together’. To chat about all things plants, get some tips, stop by between 3:30 – 5:30 pm this Friday.

Adult Nights – Playland – July 6th

Playland Nights continues this Friday Night for the 3rd of 6 evening events for the 19+ crowd.  There will be beverages, alcoholic and non, midway games, rides, DJs spinning tunes with a definite party theme. New this year is also a burlesque show and the opportunity to test your lumber Jack/Jill skills with axe-throwing which we understand there’s an extra charge to participate in.   Tickets are $31 in advance or $34 at the gate.

Bakery Pop Up – les amis du fromage – July 7th

Les amis du fromage is hosting another Bakery Pop Up Shop this Saturday, July 7th. Ritchie’s Bakery will be on site at their East Van location at 843 East Hastings Street from Noon – 5:00 pm this Saturday or until they sell out. Ritchie’s Bakery specializes in artisanal breads and pastries.

Compost Workshop – Riley Park Community Garden – July 7th

You are invited to stop by and learn about composting by Master Composter Angela Hoy this Saturday at Riley Park Community Garden.  They will be building new compost bins for the season.  Workshop happens from 1:00 – 2:00 pm in Riley Park Community Garden at 30th & Ontario Street.

Sweet Peanut Sample Sale – Little Mountain Shop – July 7th & 8th 

Local kids clothing company, Sweet Peanut, is hosting a warehouse sale at Little Mountain Pop Shop at 4386 Main Street this weekend. All pieces $10. Sizes are newborn to 12.  Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday & Saturday.

Mini Car Free Day – Commercial Street Village – July 8th

The local businesses that comprise the 3400 – 3500 block Commercial Street are hosting a Mini Car Free Day this Sunday from Noon to 4:30 pm. There will be chainsaw carving,  live music, kids t-shirt giveaway, giant Genga game, street art, rummage sale, chocolate tasting, bike repair as well as an electric bike demo and a whole lot more.

Car Free Day – Commercial Drive – July 8th

Vancouver’s original Car Free Day kicks off at Noon this Sunday and will run for 15 blocks along Commercial Drive.  There will be live entertainment, local artisans and  activities for all ages and of course great food.  If you are travelling by bike and wish to store it while you wander, BEST Bike Valet will be on hand. Event runs till 7:00 pm.

Pre-Launch Narcoleap – Rio Theatre – July 9th

You are invited to an exclusive pre-launch screening of NarcoLeap at the Rio Theatre Monday, July 9th.  They will be screening all 8 episodes of this Sci-Fi Thriller Web Series. Doors open at 6:00 pm as does the bar. Screening gets under way at 7:00 pm. It’s free, but of course the bar Is not.  Q & A follows the screening.

Street Photography Exhibit – Meet Me At The Lamp(p)ost  Until July 10th

Massy Books located at 229 East Georgia Street in Chinatown has a sweet gallery upstairs. It’s currently hosting two self-taught lens based artists. They are Irish-born, Canadian residents Laura Noonan and Tara Mary Paget, through place-specific street photography, Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost. The exhibit promotes contentment in self and place. Laura and Tara founded Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost in 2016. You can view their exhibit until July 10, 2018 during regular hours, being 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Wednesday and 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Thursday to Sunday.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

If you are looking for comedy, East Van Improv League hangs out at Havana Theatre Sunday nights at 8:00 pm.  If you need a laugh once your week gets started, Graham Clark hangs out at Havana Theatre Monday nights with his Laugh Gallery which kicks off at 9:00 pm. Three farmer markets are 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 is back at Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am till 2:00 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

Car Free Day On Commercial Drive & Commercial Street Village Sunday, July 8th

3 Jul

CarFreeDay2018Two Car Free Days are happening this Sunday, July 8th. First up is:

Car Free Day On Commercial Drive: Noon – 7:00 pm

The street festival which stretches 15 blocks along Commercial Drive will have at least 3 stages set up for entertainment.  Local artisans will be on hand, there will be activities for all ages and of course great food.  If you hadn’t heard, Car Free started on The Drive, so they have this event nailed down and will be continuing to promote car free spaces and green living within the community. Note, buses will be rerouted for the day along Commercial Drive, but there will be lots of easy access to the event by bus and Skytrain.  If you are travelling by bike and wish to store it while you wander, BEST Bike Valet will be on hand.  Event kicks off at Noon and goes till 7:00 pm.

Car Free Day On Commercial Street Village: Noon – 4:30 pm 

The local businesses that comprise the 3400 – 3500 block Commercial Street are hosting a Mini Car Free Day this Sunday alongside the event on Commercial Drive. They have lots of fun stuff lined up including chainsaw carving by Jesse Toso of Toso Wood Gallery, live music, kids t-shirt giveaway, giant Genga game, street art, rummage sale, chocolate tasting, bike repair as well as an electric bike demo and a whole lot more.  They are asking those that attend to help make this a zero waste event.  This is a first time event for this group, so they are running a shorter event from Noon – 4:30 pm. Stop by and support some great local businesses tucked away on Commercial Street.

What’s On East Van: June 16, 2017

16 Jun

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.

Italian Market – June 16, 2017

The outdoor Italian Market is back at the Italian Cultural Centre Friday, June 16th. This market is situated in the parking lot of the Italian Cultural Centre and has a great mix of vendors which include food, artisans and bits of Italian flavour sprinkled throughout.  Food trucks are always on hand and we’d be very surprised if you didn’t find some pizza and cannoli. Market happens from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Perfect stop after work for a shop, bite and if you want to move, dance! See below for more.

Tango Lessons – June 16, 2017

Have you ever wanted to learn to tango? You are in luck. The Italian Cultural Centre is now hosting drop-in classes every Friday until July 28th at 6:00 pm in the piazza at the Italian Cultural Centre.  Cost is $20 for each drop in session and class runs till 7:30 pm. To register, visit Il Centro.

Farmers Market  – June 17 & 18, 2017

This weekend, you have the opportunity to check out 3 farmer markets. First up, is the largest hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 17th. Also on Saturday, you will find River District Farmers Market on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver just below SE Marine Drive at Kerr Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Sunday, June 18th , Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Great Grandview Garage Sale – June 17, 2017

The Great Grandview Garage Sale is a multi-family garage sale that happens in the Grandview-Woodlands area. To find a map of the locations, visit Great Grandview Garage Sale. The event happens rain or shine 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday, June 17th.

Car Free Day Main Street – June 18, 2017

Car Free Day happens this Sunday, June 18th on Main Street from Noon to 7:00 pm. This is an all day event in which car traffic is blocked between Broadway and 30th Avenue.  There are a host of activities for all ages. Getting there by transit, bike or foot is recommended. To learn more about what events are happening, we invite you to check out Car Free Day Main Street. Note, this year Commercial Drive will not be hosting their Car Free Day on the same day. They have elected to host it on Sunday, July 9th.

East Van Garden Tour – June 18, 2017

If you wish to tour some of the beautiful gardens in East Vancouver, this self-guided tour happens this Sunday and it’s a great way to see how others use their outdoor space. You can do the tour at your own pace and see as much or as little as you’d like. Tickets for the East Van Garden Tour are a very reasonable $15 and are available at Britannia Community and Figaro’s Garden Centre on Victoria Drive.

Gourmet Ice Cream Tour – June 18, 2017

Off The Eaten Track regularly has a great line up of foodie tours around the City. We’ve learnt their Gourmet Ice Cream Tour is now back for the summer months. A tour runs this Sunday, June 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Cost is $29.99. If you can’t make it Sunday, tour also runs Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Eat.Drink. Play. – June 22, 2017

Eat.Drink.Play. is a fundraiser for the Firehall Arts Centre and brings together local food purveyors, distillers of craft beer and spirits and art as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $35 plus $20 for artists. For tickets, visit the Firehall Arts Centre.

The Rio Theatre’s Vinyl Cafe: A Tribute to Stuart Mclean – June 22, 2017

The Rio Theatre plays host to a night of  story telling and live music in honour of the late, CBC host, Stuart Mclean. In honour of his legacy as a great Canadian story teller, they have invited some of their favorite local story tellers and musicians to come together to perform original work and celebrate the art of story telling. Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door. For more info and tickets, visit the Rio Theatre.

Entertainment: Arts, Theatre, Comedy & Live Music

If you are looking for live music, Tangent Café has The Meghan Gilhesphy Trio on Sunday, June 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. If it’s a Latin groove you are looking for, Café Deux Soleils is playing host to Wasakaka on Friday, June 16th.  If it’s Trivia your after, Tuesday night is the night.  The Eastwood at 4245 Fraser Street hosts a Trivia Night, as does The Storm Crow Tavern on Tuesdays, but the name gives it away – Nerdin’ Trivia Tuesday. On the other hand, if you love to sing, you may wish check out the Impromptu Rock Choir which checks in every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm at the Wise Hall.

NOTE:  Image Credit: June Hunter

Car Free Day – Main Street & Commercial Drive

12 Jun

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Main Street Car Free Day – Sunday June 18, 2017

Car Free Day is one of Vancouver’s biggest festivals. The Main Street Car Free Day happens Sunday, June 18th from Noon to 7:00 pm.  The festival spans some 21 blocks from Broadway to 30th Street and includes 15 stages and mini festivals along this stretch of Main Street.  This is an all ages event which boasts many family-friendly activities including kid-zones, cool artisan shops, food vendors, artisans and much more. Note, transit will be rerouting buses during this event. 

Commercial Drive Car Free Day  – Sunday, July 9, 2017

Car Free Day on Commercial Drive is where it all began some 13 years ago and there is something new for 2017, being a date change.  Instead of Car Free Day following one week after Italian Day, another big street festival, they  have elected to change the date to Sunday, July 9th this year. This Car Free Day on the Drive will also run from Noon to 7:00 pm and feature 15 blocks of great food, entertainment, live music, local artisans and much more.  There is a strong message of advocacy and activism in this community for providing car free spaces and a green culture. Note, transit will also be rerouting buses during this event.

Car Free Day Sunday, June 19th On Commercial Drive & Main Street

15 Jun

CarFreeDayCar Free Day began over 10 years ago on Commercial Drive. The idea of organizers was to reclaim the streets and oppose highway expansion and more traffic. Car Free Day has now expanded to several neighbourhoods and in East Van will be held on Commercial Drive and on Main Street. These festivals are 100% organized by local volunteers and each festival has a unique flavor and is a family friendly event. There is lots to see and do for all ages. We have set out some of the highlights for this Sunday’s event at both locations.

Commercial Drive (Venables to Grandview on Commercial Drive) Noon–7:00 pm

Car Free Day on Commercial Drive will span 15 blocks from Venables to Grandview and include an array of artisans, street patios, vendors, musicians and activities for all ages. Here is some of what you can expect at this year’s Car Free Day On The Drive:

Family Fun Zone filled with free activities at Charles Street
Wishing Wellness Garden At Napier Street
CiTR Radio 101.9FM and Discorder Magazine
Swordplay Demos by Academie Duello – School of Modern Swordplay
Bike tune up and bike race By Landyachtz Longboards
DJ Soo at The Venables Stage
Kitchener At the Public Domain Stage
The Carnival Band Parade at 5:30 pm
Letter Writing With Post A Letter Social Activity Club At 6th Avenue
Art Making Corner With Opus Art Supplies at The Napier Greenway
A Drum Circle by Paranada Traders

Note: For those planning to cycle to the event, there will be a free bike valet service provided by Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST).

Main Street (Broadway to 30th on Main Street) Noon–7:00 pm

On Main Street, you will find lots of mini-festivals, community-supported stages with dozens of bands, multiple kids zones, artisan markets and much more. The Main Street Festival takes up some 21 blocks. Some of the highlights of this year’s festival include:

Broadway: The Beaumont Studios Festival Zone
Community Police Street Hockey
TransLink Vintage Bus
Startup Zone
LOVE Leave Out Violence Mini-Festival
Enroot – Meals on Demand
Bohemia Gallery
Vancouver Performing Stars
The Granville Island Toy Company Children’s Zone
Street Fantasy Garden Fashion Show & Village
Neptoon Records Stage
Giving Gifts Festival Zone
Canvas Homemade Artisan Group
Groundwerk x De Radio Stage at Car Free Day
Sonic Planet Rock School Stage
The Reef Soca Block Party
Red Cat Records
Arts Off Main Gallery

Come out and celebrate Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods and our communities.  These events are free and will go ahead rain or shine. For more information on the events, visit Car Free Day.

Photo Credit: Car Free Day

Community Day At The York Theatre Sunday June 21

17 Jun

CommunityDayYorkYou are invited to attend Community Day at the York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, this Sunday, June 21st.   While you are on the Drive enjoying Car Free Day, make your way down to the York Theatre and join them for some family fun.  They will have free entertainment, hot dogs, popcorn, prizes AND you will get to watch Women’s World Cup Final 16 soccer on the big screen. Doors open at 11:00 am. There will be a traditional welcome at 11:30 am and at 12:15 pm the entertainment and music kicks off. At 1:30 pm, they will be showing the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final 16 Soccer Game. To reserve your spot(s) RSVP here.

Car Free Day Sunday June 15th

14 Jun

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Car Free Day began 10 years ago on Commercial Drive. The idea of organizers was to reclaim the streets and oppose highway expansion and more traffic. Today, organizers still believe that fewer cars equals more community. Car Free Day has now expanded to four neighbourhoods. The festival sites are 100% organized by local volunteers and each festival has a unique flavor and is a family friendly event. Lots to see and do for all ages. In East Vancouver, find Car Free Day on:

Commercial Drive (Venables to Grandview on Commercial Drive) Noon–7:00 pm

On the Drive, you can expect to find roller disco, parading drummers, healing gardens, DJs spinning tunes, the musical talents of Rhythm and Cello which will hold court at 7th Avenue starting at Noon.

Main Street (Broadway to 30th on Main Street) Noon–7:00 pm

On Main Street, you will find lots of mini-festivals, community-supported stages with dozens of bands, multiple kids zones, artisan markets, roller derby and skateboarding. While there, be sure to check out the new parklet at 21st Avenue and Main Street.  We hear Brown Paper Packages will be located between 23rd and 24th with their delicious ice cream sandwiches. If you are a fan of honey and/or bees, Main Street Honey Shoppe will be the place to be Sunday afternoon. They will be holding honey extraction demonstrations from 1 – 5 pm with a live bee beard demonstration at 2:00 pm. Now that will be something to see.

Come out and celebrate Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods and our community spaces!

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