Figaro’s Garden Centre is hosting a free one hour urban bird walk Saturday, May 27th. Experienced guide, Sydney Burstein, will take you on a tour of the neighbourhood through the eyes of a birding enthusiast. You are invited to come along and get to know some of Vancouver’s feathered friends that you share a home with. The event kicks off at 9:30 am from Figaro’s Garden Centre rain or shine. To reserve your spot, visit Eventbrite.
Have you considered trying your hand at vegetable gardening? If so, you may wish to check out an upcoming workshop hosted by Figaro’s Garden Centre. Local gardener and author of Small-Space Vegetable Gardens, Andrea Bellamy, will be leading a workshop on Small Space Edible Gardening on Thursday, May 18th. The workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully grow edible plants in containers. Andrea will cover the basics of container gardening, including selecting containers, soil, and plants for optimal growth. Andrea will also discuss caring for your plants, including watering and fertilizing as well as how to maximize your harvest through a variety of small-space growing techniques. This is a 1 hour workshop to help get you growing this season. The cost of the workshop is $22.63 and tickets are available online through Eventbrite.
If you love gardening, or want to learn more, or maybe just get some great ideas for yours, you will want to grab your ticket(s) for the upcoming East Van Garden Tour. This is a self-guided tour that happens Sunday, June 16th between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. It’s a great opportunity to see what creative projects people have undertaken in their gardens. Many of the owners are available to chat as well and answer questions. Whether you have a home, patio garden or a community garden, The East Van Garden Tour is a great source of inspiration and ideas. To participate, purchase your tickets in advance. Show up on June 16th at Figaro’s Garden Centre the morning of the event and obtain your map. After that you head off to tour the gardens map in hand until 4:00 pm. Stop for coffee before, during or after and go at your own pace. It’s a great way to spend a few hours.
To purchase tickets, you have 3 options: 1) Online through Eventbrite, 2) Call Figaro’s Garden Centre, 1896 Victoria Drive (at 3rd Avenue) or 3) Call Britannia Community Services Centre, 1661 Napier Street, in person or by phone 604-718-5800. Tickets are $15 each. Note: People who attend the tour will also get a one-time discount 20% discount at at Figaro’s starting on the day of the tour until July 1st. This is a very walkable tour, but it is not wheelchair accessible and pets are not allowed.
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.
East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz – The York
If you are looking for some family fun this weekend, our choice would be the East Van Panto. This production now in its 6th year has something for everyone. Fun digs and political references for the big adults and fun interaction for the wee ones. The production as always pokes a little fun about the unique aspects of our City. We highly recommend this for a fun night out, or if you prefer a matinee. Tickets available via The Cultch.
Daisy Theatre: A Christmas Carol – The Cultch Until December 22nd
If you have not seen Ronnie Burkett perform with his Daisy Theatre, you truly are missing out. This production, which is puppets for adults, is back at The Cultch and runs till December 22nd. The energy and creativity that Ronnie brings to each show is nothing short of amazing. For tickets, visit The Cultch.
Plant Club – Figaro’s Garden Centre – December 7th
We have to admit, we love Figaro’s Garden Centre at 1896 Victoria Drive (at 3rd Ave). This Friday, you are invited to Plant Club. Stop by and have a glass of wine between 3:30 and 6:00 pm and talk plants, or stop by to make a swag or wreath with them for the holiday season.
Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Avenue – December 8th
The 3rd Annual Tugboat Landing Artisan Market happens this Saturday at 2010 East Kent Ave (at Victoria Drive) on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver. This is a curated market with just over 20 vendors offering a great array of items perfect for gift giving this holiday season. There will be coffee, tea and sweets available all by donation with proceeds benefitting the Vancouver BC SPCA. Did we mention, ILiveInEastVan will be there as a vendor with tote bags, t-shirts, toques and more. Stop by and say hello. Free admission. Event happens 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Mushroom Cultivation – Collingwood Neighbourhood House – December 8th
If you are interested in growing and cultivating mushrooms, there’s an introductory Workshop this Saturday at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. You will learn lots of simple DIY methods. Cost is $35. To register, email collingwoodurbanag@gmail.com.
Weirdos Holiday Market – Wise Hall – December 8th & 9th
This weekend the Wise Hall plays host to the Weirdos Holiday Market. Think eclectic, outlandish, unique and unusual gifts that are most definitely on the quirky side. Admission is $2 and happens Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am – 6 pm.
Winter Wonderland – Mt. Pleasant Neighbhourhood House –December 8th
This weekend, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House hosts a Winter Wonderland. You are invited to walk through a Winter Wonderland, take a picture with Santa and enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage along with coffee & tea. Cost for Winter Wonderland only is $2 per person. For Breakfast and Winter Wonderland, the cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children 3-12 years, children 2 and under are free. Breakfast event happens Saturday with time slots from 9:30 am to Noon. Winter Wonderland is also available December 6th & 7th. To register, call 604.879.8208.
Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall – December 8th & 9th
Shiny Fuzzy Muddy happens this weekend at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street. This is a curated market featuring amazing talent in design, art and fine craft. Their Holiday Showcase happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $4.00 at the door.
Mr. Dance Christmas Party – The Alpen Club – December 9th
If you love to dance and want others to dance with, then the Alpen Club might be the place for you this Sunday. Mr. Dance regularly features 1 hour dance lessons on Sunday nights at The Alpen Club on Victoria at 33rd Avenue. This Sunday is their Christmas Party which will again feature at 1 hour dance lesson at 6:30 pm followed by a dance show and dancing until 11:00 pm. There is free parking and hearty German food available from The Alpen Club. Admission is $12.
Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music
Looking for live music, 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
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.
Plant Club With Wine – Figaro’s Garden Centre – September 7th
The first Friday of the month, Figaro’s Garden Centre, 1896 Victoria Drive, hosts Plant Club with wine. You are invited to come hang out between 3:30 – 5:30 pm and talk plants while enjoying a glass of mind with other plant lovers.
Vancouver Fringe Festival – Various Venues – September 6th – 16th
The Vancouver Fringe Festival is now under way until September 16th 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. Some may know that Havana Restaurant recently had a kitchen fire, but they’ve put out a note saying while the restaurant is still currently closed, the theatre IS OPEN for the Vancouver Fringe Festival line up. To see the full line up, visit Vancouver Fringe Festival.
Quiz Show With Graham Clark – Fox Cabaret – September 7th
Looking for some good laughs at the end of the week? This Friday night, local comedian Graham Clark puts on a comedy show which features segments of various TV game shows. They are presented to you in one bizarre comedic event. Graham will be joined by comedians, Emmett Hall, Aaron Read, Katie Ellen Humphries and Christine Bortolin for this Friday’s show. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
River District – Savour Summer Series – September 8th
You are invited to River District for an afternoon of free fun this Saturday. The Savour Summer Festival happens in River District’s new Town Centre Plaza between the new Starbucks and Everything Wine. There will be free live music, entertainment, giveaways, a photo booth, local food trucks and more. Some of the entertainment includes Raincity Blue, Bobs & Lolo and Wooden Horsemen. Activities get under way at 2:00 pm and go till 8:00 pm. For those that wish to come early, note the first 200 people will receive a Savour Summer hat and a popsicle.
4th Annual Burlesque Marathon – Rio Theatre – September 8th
The 4th Annual Burlesque Marathon happens this Saturday at the Rio Theatre. There is a long line talent of burlesque talent set for this event. Doors open at 8:00 pm, festivities get under way at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Meet & Greet The Candidates – Commercial Street Café Sept. 8th & 9th
This weekend Commercial Street Café, 3599 Commercial Street, hosts the beginning of a series of meet and greets for those running for Mayor of Vancouver. This Saturday, come chat with independent candidate, Shauna Sylvester from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. On Sunday, another independent candidate, Kennedy Stewart will be on hand from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to chat and answer questions about his platform.
Free Movie ‘Lady Bird’ – Britannia Community Centre – September 9th
Britannia Community Centre shows free movies on Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. This week they are showing Lady Bird. All are welcome to enjoy the movie along with the free popcorn.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Looking to liven things up this weekend? Breaking Boundaries is back at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night. Doors at 8:30 pm, music gets under way at 9:00 pm. Cover is $10. Libra Room regularly hosts live music every night of the week. If it’s jazz your after, Sunday nights the Tangent Café regularly hosts live jazz music. If you haven’t yet caught the documentary ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbour’ about the life of Mr. Rogers, it’s showing this weekend at the Rio Theatre Saturday at 1:15 pm and Sunday at 4:15 pm. Reviews we’ve heard it’s good, bit of a tear jerker, but good.
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
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
Well there will certainly be no lack of things to do in East Van this Sunday. There will be Car Free Day on Commercial Drive and Main Street, Community Day at the York Theatre, the Vancouver Farmers Market in Mount Pleasant and a personal favourite the East Van Garden Tour. We had the pleasure of taking this tour last year through Strathcona along with some torrential weather, but that didn’t deter us. It was wonderful to see what people were doing with their gardens. Whether you have a home, patio garden or community garden, the East Van Garden Tour is a great source of inspiration and ideas.
This year, the East Van Garden Tour will focus on the area just west of Commercial Drive between Commercial Drive and Clark Drive. If you haven’t participated in this event previously, it really is something to see. First up purchase your ticket(s) at Figaro’s Garden Centre, 1896 Victoria Drive or by contacting the Britannia Community Services Centre, 1661 Napier Street, in person or by phone 604-718-5800. Tickets are $12 each. On the day of the event, show up at Figaro’s Garden Centre to check in, pick up your tour map from 10:00 am onwards and then head off to the gardens. The tour is popular and has sold out in previous years, so we recommend that you get your tickets in advance. People who attend the tour will also get a one-time 20% discount at Figaro’s starting on the day of the tour through to July 1st (Canada Day). Note: This is a very walkable tour, but it is not wheelchair accessible and pets are not allowed.
We have included a few photos from last year’s East Van Garden Tour which include a slight detour to the community gardens in Strathcona which is a real treat and a great spot for a picnic. A highly recommended detour.
Photo Credit: Barbara Borchardt
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