We know many people search our site looking for the Illuminares Lantern Festival and Procession. We also know many, like us, are disappointed that this event is no longer. The event took on a life of its own over its 25 year run and grew to draw 20,000 people to John Hendry Park. The Illuminares Lantern Festival was put on under the direction of The Public Dreams Society which has since disbanded. What we did learn recently though is that Trout Lake Community Centre will be hosting a lantern procession around Trout Lake at dusk on Wednesday, August 30th. It will be on a much smaller scale, but as everything in life, it’s what you make it. And if you want to make lanterns, you will have that opportunity that evening from 6:00 pm to 8:15 pm, or you can make your own at home and bring it to the event. Trout Lake Community Centre will also be hosting a Lantern Making Event during the day from 10:00 am to Noon at a cost of $2.00 per person. This event coincides with the final summer outdoor concert which kicks off at 6:30 pm. So come and enjoy the musical sounds of Checo Tohomaso and stay for the lantern procession. Perfect way to cap off the month of August.
Lantern Procession – Trout Lake Wednesday, August 30, 2017
23 Aug
What’s On East Van: August 18, 2017
18 Aug
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.
Family Night Series – Grandview Park – August 18, 2017
The Commercial Drive Business Improvement Society is hosting a free community event in Grandview Park Friday, August 11th. The evening which runs from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm includes crafts for kids, poetry, photography and live music.
Italian Market – Italian Cultural Centre – August 18, 2017
One of our favourite markets, The Italian Market happens in the parking lot of the Italian Cultural Centre. Lots of great local vendors with, of course, a hint of Italian flavour. Some delish food trucks will be hand and an outdoor eating area. Market runs from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Community Paint Day – Britannia Community Centre – August 19, 2017
Are you artistic? Love to paint? You are invited to join others in creating ground murals at Britannia Community Centre from Noon to 4:00 pm this Saturday.
PNE/Playland – August 19, 2017
It’s opening day for the Pacific National Exhibition this Saturday, August 19th. Things kick off at 10:00 a.m. To see what’s on for this year’s fair, visit PNE/Playland.
Artful Sundays – Napier Greenway -August 20, 2017
Artful Sundays return to the Napier Greenway at the Britannia Community Centre this Sunday. You can expect to find local artisans, workshops, demonstrations and live music. Event happens Noon to 5:00 pm. It is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.
Vancouver Queer Film Festival – August 18 & 19, 2017
The Vancouver Queer Film Festival brings four films to the York Theatre on August 18th and 19th. To learn more about which films and times, visit Vancouver Queer Film Festival.
Pop Up Pulp Jewels From France – Uncommon Café – August 24, 2017
French Designer Camille, owner, designer and jewelry maker of Pulp Jewels is hosting a one-day Pop-up Sale on August 24th at the Uncommon Café from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To learn more about the event visit Pulp Jewels Event.
Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre
New play Two Rooms is featured at Havana Theatre from August 15th to 19th. The play focuses on a hostage taking in Beirut and the actions of the spouse on the other side of the world and how that culminates into a startling conclusion. Looking to laugh? Don’t forget Havana Theatre features improv comedy Friday and Sunday nights. Another option for entertainment tonight, is the Rio Theatre which is hosting Lord of the Schwings: A Tolkien Burlesque Night. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The fun kicks off at 8:00 pm.
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What’s On East Van: August 4, 2017
4 Aug
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.
SUP-A Series – Sassy One-Of-A Kind Theatre – August 1 – 12, 2017
An interesting new series being featured at Havana Theatre. Un-produced Projects brings together an eclectic mix of up-beat theatre, never before seen in Vancouver. Participants involved in this project wish to promote more local and independent theatre. So they will be a showcasing a different one-of-a-kind show each evening for 12 days from August 1 to 12, save for Sunday, August 6th which show will be at 2:00 pm.
Game of Thrones – August 4 + 5, 2017
Fans of Game of Thrones may wish to check out the Rio Theatre this Friday or Saturday night, your pick. They will be showing The Hodor Rises at 8:00 pm both evenings.
Workshop Build Your Own Trunk – August 5, 2017
Spend the day working with an wood working educator that will walk you through the steps to make your own trunk. This is a hands on class for which no experience is required. You get to choose from 4 designs and cost is pretty darn reasonable. To register, visit Eventbrite.
Opening Artist Reception – August 9, 2017
The Cultch Gallery invites you to an opening reception featuring art from The Art Studios and paintings by Julia Russell. Event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and is open to everyone. If you miss opening reception, the exhibit runs till September 2nd.
Fundraiser for Red Cross BC Wildfire Relief Fund – August 10, 2017
12 Kings Pub at 395 Kingsway invites you to a fundraiser on Thursday, August 10th. The evening will raise funds for the Red Cross BC Wildfire Relief Fund with a portion of every beer sold going towards the Red Cross. There will also be silent auction with some great items on hand. Again, all proceeds raised will go to the Red Cross. The evening also includes prizes such as JRFM prize pack, 50/50 draw and the opportunity to win 2 tickets to the Whistler Village Beer Festival. Lots of breweries involved in this event. To see a full listing of participating breweries, visit What’s Brewing.
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1st Annual East Van Cider Fest August 16, 2017 At The Wise Hall
2 Aug
Liberty Merchant Company presents the 1st Annual East Van Cider Fest on Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street. In case you hadn’t heard the news, some are touting cider as the new craft beer. However, some say craft beer has paved the way for new industries in the craft beverage market such as distilled spirits, mead and, thankfully for us, craft cider. However you slice it, we are pleased to see this new growing industry of small cideries. The 1st Annual East Van Cider Fest will be featuring cider, mead and spirits from all over BC. The evening will also feature tasty bites from local businesses, a silent auction and door prizes which directly support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Tickets for the event are $24.99 and you are asked to bring a non-perishable food event with you. Your ticket includes 10 tasting tokens, a welcome cocktail and a keepsake glass. To purchase your tickets, visit any Liberty Wine Merchants location. In East Vancouver, you can visit them at 1622 Commercial Drive or call them at 604.633.1922. The event gets under way at 7:00 p.m. and goes till 9:00 pm. If you wish to learn more about BC’s growing cider industry, we invite you to check out this informative write up by What’s Brewing.
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What’s On East Van: July 28
28 Jul
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.
Playland Nights – July 28, 2017
Last chance to catch Playland Nights which is an evening set aside for adults having fun at Playland without the kids. Kicks off at 7:00 pm till midnight. If you prefer to go with the kids, Playland is now open during the week 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. After July 31st, it’s open 7 days a week 10:00 am to 7:00 pm until the Fair at the PNE begins August 19th.
80s Night at Federico’s Supper Club – July 28, 2017
If you love 80s music and are looking for a fun night that includes dinner, dancing and great tunes, you may wish to see if there’s still a spot left at 80s Night at Federico’s Supper Club on The Drive. Mark Olexson and The A-Deez are performing some hits from the icons from the 80s including Prince, George Michael, The Police, INXS, Simple Minds, Bon Jovi and more. To reserve your spot, contact Federico’s Supper Club.
The Big Sound – Vancouver 26 Piece Soul Orchestra – July 29, 2017
If you prefer the big band sound, you will want to check out The Big Sound at the Wise Hall on Saturday, July 29th. This is a bi-monthly event featuring a 26 musicians that will recreate a Motown sound. Tickets are $25 and available from Brown Paper Tickets.
Free Pancake Breakfast – July 30, 2017
There may not be a free lunch anymore, but there is a free pancake breakfast this Sunday, July 30th at The Cultch. You are invited to breakfast outdoors with the gang at The Cultch and enjoy some good food, make some new friends and maybe learn more about some of the great art coming at The Cultch for the 2017-2018 season. An RSVP is requested which can be done online at The Cultch. Breakfast runs form 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
The Geekenders Present A Harry Potter Burlesque Birthday Bash – July 31, 2017
If you are looking for a silly and sexy fun night out, this is your ticket. You can expect an evening with Harry Potter styled Burlesque hosted by the Geekenders. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Show gets under way at 8:00 pm at the Rio Theatre.
Image: June Hunter
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What’s On East Van: July 21, 2017
21 Jul
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 – July 21, 2017
The Italian Cultural Centre is back hosting their monthly outdoor market which runs from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Lots of great local vendors, food trucks and if you feel like taking in some dancing, tango lessons will be happening from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Or you could join in, cost is $20.
Grease Sing-A-Long – July 22, 2017
If you missed a recent showing of Grease at The Rio Theatre complete with Sing-A-Long, you are in luck it’s back by popular demand Saturday, July 22nd at 7:30 pm. For advance tickets, visit Rio Theatre.
MacDonald Park Block Party – July 22, 2017
The residents of South Hill are hosting a big neighbourhood potluck lunch at MacDonald Park from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The afternoon includes kite making, face painting, bike decorating, ice cream for the kids and a book swap. So have a book to share, bring it down.
You Can Can! Preserve The Summer Bounty – July 26, 2017
The Uncommon Café is hosting a class on canning. They will demonstrate how to make Blueberry Jam, Pesto, Raspberry Vinegar and Dill Pickles. While they show you how it’s done, you get to sip on a glass of wine, all very civil and of course you get to home with samples of everything made during the class. To register, visit Tartine & Maple.
Wheat In The Barley – July 26, 2017
Trout Lake Community Centre is playing host to a line up of free concerts every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This week Wheat In The Barley takes the stage. In the event of rain, the event goes indoors.
Free Opera ‘Laughter & Love’ – July 26, 2017
The Italian Cultural Centre is hosting an evening of love and laughter. It will be brought to you by two young opera singers in a program of operatic duets. The performance features humour and scheming between lovers. A host will fill in the plot details. This a free show beginning at 7:00 pm. Food and drinks are available for sale if you wish from 6:30 pm.
Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre
Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday and plays host to adult only evening Friday, July 21st from 7:00 pm to midnight. Looking for live music Breaking Boundaries is at Café Deux Soleils Friday at 9:00 pm. If you are interested in checking out some East Van history, Powell Street Walking Tour happens this Saturday afternoon. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Image: June Hunter
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What’s On East Van: July 14, 2017
14 Jul
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.
Playland Nights – July 14, 2017
Playland hosts an adult only evening from 7:00 pm to midnight Friday. You will find beer, wine, special cocktails including Candy Floss Martinis and Snow Cone Vodka and the usual midway games and 25 rides. Advance admission is $26, tickets at the gate are $29.
Tango Lesson – July 14, 2017
Love to dance? Want to learn to dance the tango? The Italian Cultural Centre is hosting dance lessons Friday nights in July. Classes are from 6:00 – 7:30 pm and cost is $20. To register visit, Italian Cultural Centre.
Eastside Flea – July 14 – 16, 2017
The Eastside Flea happens this weekend at 1024 Main Street. Friday night is their Shop N’Bop which features food trucks, pinball, a select group of artisans, craft beer and cocktails from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. The full market happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm each day and features over 50 local vendors.
Free Outdoor Concert – Trout Lake – July 19, 2017
Trout Lake Community Centre is again playing host to a line up of free concerts every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This week the Soda Crackers take the stage. In the event of rain, the event goes indoors.
Outdoor Long Table Dinner – July 20, 2017
The Italian Cultural Centre is hosting an outdoor long table dinner on Thursday, July 20th a Taste of East Van. The evening is a collaboration with Slow Food Vancouver and showcases local growers and producers. Tickets are $45 for dinner. Wines will be available for purchase. For more info or tickets, visit Italian Cultural Centre.
Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre
Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this weekend. If you are looking for some family entertainment, the Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting free dance and Zumba in Grandview Park from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday. This is a free event, everyone is welcome to attend. Friday night, Trout Lake will be featuring an outdoor movie at 9:00 pm showing Shrek. If you are looking for some thinking theatre, The Cultch is featuring Deviance until July 15th. The show highlights the fine line between abnormal and unacceptable behaviour. Have a great weekend!
Image: June Hunter
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A Little East Van History – The Lakeview Disaster And The Wild West
12 Jul
We introduce you to a new contributing writer Al Tee. Al loves a good story and has his eye on East Van’s history. His East Van roots go back to his grandmother’s childhood home and farm at 41st and Sophia. Today, he’s going to share a little East Van history in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage area.
You live in East Van, youʼre always rushing. In a hurry. Youʼre rushing for the bus, for the Skytrain. Youʼre riding in the bike lane rushing to make the next light. Youʼre rushing trying to avoid traffic from pop-up city road work. All that rushing, and no time to take a side glance at what youʼre rushing past in East Van. Short anomalous streets and tiny micro neighborhoods. All of them bubbling over with anecdotal history. Because if you hadnʼt realized, East Van is where Vancouver started.
So let me do the side glance for you while you rush. As you rush North down Victoria thereʼs a point where you hit a big curve that becomes Commercial Drive. On your right you pass a large patch of green that hides a community garden. Plenty of those in East Van, except this has some history. At the bottom of 
the garden is a shed thatʼs been built like a replica of one of the old shelters for the Interurban. The Interurban was the original Skytrain, Vancouverʼs first rapid transit. These shelters offered both protection from the elements and often a ticket agent to sell riders their fare. More importantly the shed has a plaque, placed there to remind passersby of the events of the Lakeview Disaster.
In 1909 at the current location of the community garden, a BC Electric Interurban train collided with a runaway railcar loaded with timber. The collision resulted in 14 people killed and another 9 seriously injured. What happened at Lakeview became the worst transit accident in Vancouver history. While you give that a pause as you rush by, two blocks east is a short strip of Commercial Street that was itself once considered a village. The Commercial Street Cafe located at East 20th and Commercial Street, is particularly significant. While I canʼt vouch for the coffee – Iʼm too anti-social to have coffee anywhere but home – I can vouch that this was the sight of Vancouverʼs first armed robbery. The restored Cafe was once home to the Bank of Hamilton, a forerunner of the CIBC, and on one August Saturday night back in 1912, six armed men entered the bank and robbed it. While this was going on, members of a nearby gospel meeting began singing. At the same time two South Vancouver Police Constables Pcʼs Thomas and Winters happened by. There was a shoot-out. According to PC Winters; “ …men came running out of the bank and opened fire on me. Quite a fusillade was opened on me…I raised my revolver to shoot, but the crowd that had been singing and preaching now began to realize what was on and they scattered. “
Picture the opening scene in Sam Peckinpahʼs The Wild Bunch happening two blocks from the Croatian Cultural Centre. A running gun battle ensued and the robbers, some possibly wounded, escaped into the bush around Trout Lake. Which brings us back to Lakeview. Because these six “ desperate outlaws “ all passed by the sight of the cityʼs worst traffic accident ever. Think of it, a train wreck and an armed robbery with a shootout only a couple of blocks apart. Is this is a side glance of East Van? Or the Wild Wild West?
Contributing Writer: Al Tee
Photo Credit: Vancouver Heritage Foundation (above)
Photo Credit: Commercial Street Below (below)
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Ice Cream Ice Cream We All Scream For Ice Cream!
3 Jul
We are blessed in East Vancouver with an array of frozen treats whether it’s ice cream, gelato, non-dairy, vegan ice cream or sorbet, options abound. While we are now truly into summer we thought we’d highlight some of the many spots worth checking out for ice cream.
Earnest Ice Cream
Admittedly we are die hard fans of Earnest Ice Cream which now has not 1, not 2, but 3 locations to serve you in East Vancouver, Fraser Street, Quebec Street and now their new location on Frances Street. Not only do we love their ice cream, we also love the Company’s philosophy to support local, be sustainable and environmentally friendly. If you’d asked us to choose one favourite flavor, we’d be hard pressed, Salted Caramel is up there, but then Whiskey Hazelnut not far behind. For seasonal, Lemon and Rhubarb Oatmeal are in our freezer now.
La Casa Gelato
The pink palace in East Vancouver located at 1033 Venables Street. A favourite spot as well, the choice of flavours beyond amazing. La Casa Gelato boasts some 238 flavours which include gelato and sorbets as well as other options including non-dairy and sugar free. They have a great outdoor seating space just across the street. Added bonus is they are open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm each day and we do mean every day as in 365 days a year.
Dolce Amore
Dolce Amore is a gelato spot located on Commercial Drive next to Merchant’s Oyster Bar. They have of course some delish gelato as well as some other sweet treats. We noticed a vegan Blueberry Basil Sorbetto in their line up which sounds pretty great. That’s on our list to try.
Rooster’s Ice Cream
Rooster’s Ice Cream is a great boutique ice cream shop located at 1309 East Broadway just West of the the Vancouver Community College campus. We checked out this spot last summer and it was a hit. They had some unique flavours and this year, we have our eye on their Lime Lavender.
Gourmet Ice Cream & Pizza Tour
If you prefer to taste test ice cream at a few different spots for something fun to do, you may wish to check out the Gourmet Ice Cream & Pizza Tour. This is offered by Off The Eaten Track Tours who regularly host foodie tours around the City. This delish tour runs from June 1st into September. Cost is $45.99 and runs weekly Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon for 2 hours. To register, or learn more, visit Off The Eaten Track Tours.
Innocent Ice Cream
Innocent Ice Cream is a sweet spot located at 4895 Main Street at 33rd Avenue that offers gluten free ice cream sandwiches, handmade all natural ice cream as well as coffee, so affogatos are available as well. Some of the ice cream flavours include Salty Peanut, peanut butter and salted caramel and the Canadian, maple walnut and oatmeal. We liked their flights of 3 mini ice-cream sandwiches. There are small seating areas inside and out. Definitely worth checking out.
Brown Paper Packages
We’ve been hearing great things about Brown Paper Packages which specialize in small batch handcrafted ice cream and ice cream sandwhiches. You can find their sweet treats at various events around town, but regularly at Pazzo Chow located at 620 Quebec Street at Keefer. They are open Monday to Friday 10:30 am to 4:30 pm closed Saturday and Sunday.
Elephant Creamery
The Elephant Creamery is the newest addition located at 2080 Commercial Street. The Georgia Straight featured some of their unique flavours that were coming down the pike. They are open daily 12:00 to 9:00 pm save for Tuesdays. We have yet to check this one yet, but looking forward to trying it.
READER’S RECOMMENDATION: For a cone with familiar flavours, Bianca Maria at 2469 East Hastings and Renzuli at 1370 Nanaimo Street at Charles Street.
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What’s On East Van: June 30, 2017
30 Jun
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.
Canada Day – July 1, 2017
It’s Canada’s 150th birthday and there are a few events happening in East Van if you wish to celebrate close to home. The Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting a free celebration at Grandview Park that begins at Noon with live music and activities for the kids such as face painting, balloons, inflatable slide and ends with singing O’Canada at 3:00 pm and, of course, birthday cake. Sunset Community Sunset Centre also be hosting Canada Day Celebrations from Noon – 4:00 pm with lots of activities, music and a BBQ. Renfrew Park Community Centre and Kensington Community Centre will also be hosting family friendly activities from Noon to 4:00 pm.
Farmers Market – July 1 & 2, 2017
This weekend you have the opportunity to check out 4 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, July 1st. 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. Also on Saturday, Riley Park hosts a farmers market at 30th Street & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm which will feature 30 local farms and producers. On Sunday, July 2nd Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Dali + Hopper – July 4 – 9, 2017
Dali & Hopper is an original play about a group of young adults who deal with love and self-acceptance through the role their subconscious plays in their reality. The show runs at The Cultch and tickets are $20.25.
Workshop: Frozen Desserts Without A Machine July 5, 2017
The Uncommon Café hosts a great workshop on Wednesday, July 5th in which you will learn how to make some delish frozen desserts, no ice cream maker required. You will need a blender and mixer mind you. Class takes place in Railtown, cost is $59.99. Use the code SAVE20 to save 20%. To register, visit Tartine & Maple.
Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre
Looking for fun and games? Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this weekend. If you are looking to get out of the heat this weekend, the Rio Theatre is showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show Sunday, July 2nd at 11:00 pm. Great weather weekend to check out some local art, the new murals in Strathcona would make a great wander with a stop at brewery nearby, but we also hear visual artist, Amanda Cassidy will be showcasing her art at the Wise Hall on Sunday, July 2nd from 8:00 to 11:00 pm. Plus, the International Jazz Festival to July 2nd with great talent at Tangent Café and Pat’s Pub.
Whatever you get up to have a great Canada Day long weekend. 
Image: June Hunter
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