River District and Wesgroup Properties present Summer Savour at the River District Town Centre. You are invited to attend some summer fun down by the river in SE Vancouver. Summer Savour happens for 4 Saturdays during the course of the summer and will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, activities for the kids, giveaways, a photobooth and much more. Saturday July 21st kicks off the first of this series which will feature a performance by young up and coming band Grooveport at 4:00 pm and then East Van’s very own Boom Booms take the stage at 7:00 pm. Everything Wine will be on hand with wine and cheese samples for Saturday’s kick off event. The following event happens on Saturday, August 11th and is a more family friendly event with The Paw Patrol, balloon animals, face and mural painting, but Starbucks will be on hand with iced coffee samples. The next event follows on Saturday, August 25th and will feature live music by Dr. Strangelove. There will be free sliders and craft beer samples on hand provided by Romer’s Burger Bar. Last up is Saturday, September 8th and it will be a Block Party Finale which includes the opportunity to win $500. The party kicks off at 4:00 pm each event, save for the finale which kicks off at 2:00 pm.
What’s On East Van: July 13th Edition
13 Jul
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.
Greek SummerFest – Boundary & 29th Ave. Until July 15th
Great food, live entertainment and dancing continues this weekend and then it’s done for another year. The Greek Summerfest is happening at Boundary and 29th Avenue. Lots of great talent taking the stage this weekend including Greek sensation Yanni Sahamis and Grupo Asi Somos performing Venezuelan Music. This is an all ages event and admission is free. For more information, visit Greek Summerfest.
Movie In The Park – Collingwood Park – July 13th
Collingwood Community Policing is hosting a free movie in the park event Friday, July 13th. Festivities get underway at 7:00 pm. Movie name not announced, but we expect it to be family friendly.
Adult Nights – Playland – July 13th
Playland Nights continues this Friday Night for the 4th 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.
Eastside Culture Crawl’s 3rd Annual Art, Bike, Beer Crawl– July 14th
This is a fundraiser for the Eastside Culture Crawl Society which does a great job of featuring East Van artists. This event takes you to 4 breweries whether you wish to cycle or walk, your call. Last stop is Strange Fellows Brewing which will be serving light bite as well. To get your ticket, visit Eventbrite.
Miqayel Voskanyan & Friends – The Cultch – July 14th
Miqayel Voskanyan and Friends will be performing at The Cultch this Saturday. This is an ethno-jazz and folk band based in Yerevan, Armenia. They have introduced jazz to the tar (a folk instrument used across the Caucasus and Iran), which we’ve learnt makes them stand out with a fresh, modern sound in world music. This is a new genre of music that fuses old and new. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and available at The Cultch.
RecycleFest – Trout Lake – July 14th
You are invited to stop by RecycleFest this Saturday at Trout Lake from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm with your unwanted or broken small appliances and power tools. While there, enjoy free food, music, games and prizes and learn a little about recycling.
Weiner Dog Races – Hastings Racecourse – July 14th & 15th
Hastings Racecourse presents their Dog Days of Summer event, the very popular Weiner Dog Races. Along with the races, there will be food trucks, craft beer and live music and we hope some shade and cooling mats for the hot dogs. Event happens both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. First race each day is at 1:50 pm.
Summer Series At Grandview Park – July 15th
The Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting a free family event at Grandview Park (Commercial Drive at Charles Street). You are invited to stop by between 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm for Zumba on the main stage, face painting, balloon twisting and more.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Looking for live music? Breaking Boundaries is back at Cafe Deux Soleils on the Drive this Saturday night. If you are looking for comedy, East Van Improv League hangs out at Havana Theatre Sunday nights at 8:00 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
Share this:
Car Free Day On Commercial Drive & Commercial Street Village Sunday, July 8th
3 Jul
Two 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.
Share this:
What’s On East Van: June 22nd Edition
22 Jun
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.
FIFA – The World Cup
FIFA World Cup Soccer continues which means many local spots will be featuring games. Some of those include The Libra Room featuring games after 10:30 a.m. Portuguese Club will open early for all Portugal matches, but just a reminder that members get first dibs on seats/space. The Vancouver Alpen Club will be open 30 minutes before kick off and beer flows early at 9:00 am. There is a $5 cover charge at The Alpen Club. St. Augustine’s is regularly featuring sporting events.
Playland Nights – PNE – June 22nd
Playland Nights kicks off this Friday June 22nd at 7:00 pm. Playland will be again hosting 6 summer evenings dedicated to adults only (meaning 19+). 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. We learnt these events sold out last year, so want to attend, hop to it.
What Ifs – The Cultch – June 23rd
Who hasn’t asked themselves at one time or another ‘what if’ I’d done this or that. Your life could or can take a different trajectory. Interesting feature at The Cultch this Saturday asking the What If question. What if you got on a plane today? What If you made the first move? What If you said yes? You are invited to come sit and dream about places and experiences not yet lived. Life is a journey with many possible paths. It’s easy to get stuck in one path which then becomes comfortable. Are you stuck? What if you attended Saturday and it changed your path? There are 2 sessions this Saturday at 3:00 and 7:00 pm. Tickets are $23 in advance or $20 at the door.
Summer Solstice – Mountain View Cemetery – June 23rd
Little Chamber Music is hosting their 4th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration ta Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street, this Saturday, June 23rd. This is a free family friendly event with music, art and dance. This year they are partnering with Birds! Birds! Birds! which means there will be bird origami and flute players recreating bird song whilst watching bird stilt walkers. You are invited to bring your lawn chairs, or a blanket and get settled in between 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Singing begins at 7:00 pm with other activities to follow until 9:00 pm. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Middle Eastern Celebration – Trout Lake Community Centre – June 24th
You are invited to a Middle Eastern Celebration happening at Trout Lake Community Centre this Sunday, June 24th. Join them for henna, dance, arts and craft, theatre performances and more. Festivities happen from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Participation is free, but food will be available for $7.00. Registration is requested.
Our Social Fabric – Textile Sale – June 24th
Our Social Fabric, a textile recycling initiative is having a sale this Sunday, June 24th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. For those that sew or do crafts, there are some amazing deals. Come early for best selection. Sale happens at 1275 Venables Street, Suite #270.
Zumba & Beer – Andina Brewing Co. – June 24th
ZOOMbeer is back at Andina Brewing Co, 1507 Powell Street. this Sunday, June 24th. Class gets under way at 11:00 am followed by a flight or glass of beer. Cost is $20. Registration through Zumba Vancouver.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
If you love Star Trek and burlesque, then the Rio Theatre has you covered this Friday and Saturday, Geekenders present a Star Trek Burlesque Show both nights at 8:00 pm. If you are looking for live music, Cumbia Galeria with Joshua Job will be at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night specializing in Latin music. 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
Share this:
Trout Lake Weekly Outdoor Summer Concert Series Kicks Off July 4th
18 Jun
The Trout Lake Outdoor Summer Concert Series is back for another year starting Wednesday, July 4, 2018. If you have not checked out this great free summer event, you truly are missing out. This annual event is hosted by the Trout Lake Community Center at 3360 Victoria Drive. Concerts happen every Wednesday evening throughout the summer rain or shine. If it rains, concerts go indoors to the Grandview Room. We’ve had the opportunity to take in some of the concerts on a nice summer evening and we have to say, it is a pretty perfect way to spend an evening. Bring a blanket, your friends, family, kids or the dog or all of the above and a picnic and you are set. If you aren’t able to organize a picnic, you can grab some food at the Carousel Café. We have set out the musical line up for this summer below. Each evening kicks off at 6:30 pm. By the way, dancing is encouraged, so don’t be shy. Others certainly aren’t. If you are lucky, you will see a few couples showing off their exceptional dancing skills which we’ve witnessed a few times. On the very last concert of the summer, August 29th, make note there will be an opportunity to make lanterns for the first part of the evening after which there will be a lantern procession along with performers and musicians around Trout Lake at dusk (8:30 pm). Keep an eye out for the Lantern Tent to make yours that evening, or bring your own creation from home.
July 4
SANCTUARY ALL STARS
A 17 piece big swing jazz band led by Bob Liley.
July 11
PROFESSOR BANJO
Unique and versatile performer who engages audiences of all ages.
July 18
SODA CRACKERS
Vintage country, jazz and roots music.
July 25
BLACKTHORN
Celtic Band
August 1
THE LAWLESS HOT CLUB
Blues, a little Western Swing, some eclectic songs from interesting places,
and even a little Rock
August 8
WHEAT IN THE BARLEY
A blend of traditional tunes.
August 15
RIO SAMAYA BAND
Original music of songs and poetry in a combination of Latin, Reggae & Rhumba.
August 22
ROWEN PORTER AND THE BURYING GROUND
Upbeat Blues String Band
August 29
CHECO TOHOMASO & Gospel Choir
Motown music.
Share this:
Italian Day On The Drive Sunday, June 10, 2018
22 May
One of our favourite community events is back, Italian Day which will be held on Sunday, June 10th, This year’s theme is MUSICA.
ama come se nessuno ti avesse mai ferito,
canta come se nessuno stesse ascoltando,
vivi come se il paradiso fosse sulla terra
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth
For Italian Day, Commercial Drive from Broadway to Grandview will be turned into one long piazza. Many of the restaurants will have outdoor seating areas, food trucks will be dotted along the stretch, live music will take place on several stages. As music is this year’s theme, we understand there will be a concert at Grandview Park with a 12 piece celebrity artist from Italy (yet to be named). You can also expect Federico Fuoco, owner of Federico’s Supper Club, to put on a show to entertain the crowds as only he can. There will be authentic Italian table food & wine samplings, European design with fashion and vehicle showcases, Little Italy Bocce court, food contests and many opportunities to experience food from a variety of countries as well as Italy.
Britannia Community Centre will be hosting an Italian Day Music Shaker Workshop in the Napier Greenway from Noon to 4:00 pm. All materials are supplied. Everyone is welcome to stop by and participate.
Italian Day kicks off at Noon and the party runs till 8:00 pm. Just a reminder that vehicle traffic on Commercial Drive is blocked off, so it is best to take transit, walk or cycle in. For those cycling to Italian Day, we expect a Bike Valet will be set up again at 1st Avenue & Commercial, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet. We invite you come out and celebrate all things Italian. Italian Day represents the largest one day cultural street festival in Vancouver – and perhaps in Canada – drawing over 200,000 attendees of all cultures and ages. Stop by and see some of the magic of this great street festival.
Share this:
Stone Soup Festival At Britannia Community Centre Saturday May 12th
9 May
The Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, is hosting the 23rd Annual Stone Soup Festival on Saturday, May 12th. This annual event is a celebration of food, art, environment and community. You can expect to find a food market, local artists, community groups, talks, seed swap, net making and Metis dance workshops, live music, children’s activities, free soup and much more. The Stone Soup Festival aims to bring awareness to the issues of food security, the benefits of sharing resources and eating ‘local’ and celebrating the diversity of food in our neighbourhood, the environment and its importance to the culture of our community. This is a free family friendly event that happens from Noon – 5:00 pm.
Share this:
Spark Fire & Light Saturday May 26th At Terminal City Glass Co-Op
8 May
Terminal City Glass Co-op is hosting Spark Fire & Light an annual public fundraising event on Saturday, May 26th at 1191 Parker Street. With over 200 members, Terminal City Glass Co-op is Canada’s first and only non-profit glass arts Co-op. Founded in February 2012, the studio was built almost entirely with donated equipment and materials and volunteer labour of members. This event is a fundraiser which helps support Terminal City Glass Co-op’s public educational programming and their community building activities. The Co-op offers courses in glassblowing, flameworking, beadmaking and sandblasting to everyone age 16+. Spark Fire & Light will feature live glassblowing demonstrations, food, drink and music along with the chance to bid on a silent auction that will feature pieces by some of North America’s premier glass artists with works ranging from wearable jewelry to functional and sculptural objects. The event kicks off at 7:00 pm and tickets are $35 and available online form Terminal City Glass.
Share this:
What’s On East Van: Friday April 13th Edition
13 Apr
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.
Nifty For Fifty – Heritage Hall – April 15th
Looking for a great deal from local designers? You may wish to stop by the very popular Nifty For Fifty happening Sunday at the Heritage Hall between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. This event features over 30 local designers including some personal favourites Cord & Stone, Daub & Design and Dahlia Drive. Admission is $2.00. To learn more about the designers on hand, visit Nifty For Fifty.
Swinging Sundays With The Ladies From Company B – Wise Hall – April 15th
If you love swing music and love to dance, you may wish to stop by the Wise Hall on Sunday and check out Swinging Sundays. The Ladies of Company B will perform their brand of harmony in the Wise Lounge after 7:00 pm. If you miss this Sunday, they’ll be back on Sunday, April 29th.
24 Hour Bike-A-Thon – 1739 Venables Street – April 13th
If you love bikes, or want to learn more about them (ie. fixing them), there’s an interesting event happening this Friday. It’s a 24 Hour Bike-A-Thon. Kickstand Community Bike Shop which will help teach people that have never built a bike (but note most of the work will be refurbishing instead of starting from scratch). They plan to build 24 bikes in 24 hours with sustenance from Moja Coffee and Renzo’s Cafe. Event starts at 6:00 pm at 1739 Venables.
Bird on Stilts Workshop – Trout Lake Community Centre – April 15th
Birds on Parade will be hosting a free workshop at Trout Lake Community Centre this Sunday, April 15th. Once the stilts are completed, you will be invited to participate in upcoming parades around the City. For more information, visit Birds On Parade.
BC Distilled – Croatian Cultural Centre – April 14th
The 5th Annual Tasting Festival that is BC Distilled takes place this Saturday at the Croatian Cultural Centre. This event highlights BC’s premier artisan local distilleries. Come out and see what’s new and exciting in this growing industry. For tickets visit, BC Distilled.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Looking for live music, Breaking Boundaries is back at Café Deux Soleils and we see the Libra Room has a full slate of live music lined up nightly. The Winter Farmer Markets continue this weekend with Saturday’s being held at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am to 2 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
Share this:
Little Conversations An Evening Of Music & Words With Blue Dirt Girl At The Cultch April 6th
28 Mar
Real. Honest. Sad. Funny. Whether they’re in-depth talks or brief exchanges on the street, conversations are how we connect with the world. Through her music, blue dirt girl unearths, unbuttons and examines all of her conversations—from her working and writing sessions with her bandmates to the regular Friday morning discussions with the women behind Thinking Ship poems, and Sob Stories podcasts to the spontaneous chats she has with the people she meets throughout the day. Out of these little conversations come inspiration and collaboration.
On April 6th you have the rare opportunity to listen in on the conversation between the music of blue dirt girl and the poems of Thinking Ship; take a moment to engage with Sob Stories who will be collecting conversations for the podcast in the Founders’ Lounge at The Cultch. A performance follows at 8:00 pm in the Historic Theatre. Tickets are $25 and available online from The Cultch.
If you aren’t familiar with Blue Dirt Girl, it is Kathryn Sutherland on lead vocals and electric guitar, AlbertKlassen on stand up and electric bass and vocals, and Jason Overy on drums and percussion. After collaborating on and off for 17 years, the trio formed blue dirt girl in 2016 and recorded their first album, Crazy Beautiful in 2017. With a sound that moves from swing to pop and back again, blue dirt girl pulls it all together with a jazzy vibe and Kathryn’s soulful vocals.
Start a conversation, more than likely, it will change your day.
ILiveInEastVan.com 