After 3 years without the Italian Day Festival due to the pandemic and other gathering restrictions, Italian Day returns to The Drive Sunday, June 11th. This 14 block vibrant street party will take place on The Drive from the Grandview Cut to Venables. Italian Day is filled with food, entertainment, and loads of things to do, see and experience. Grab some friends and stop at one of the many outdoor patios set up for the day, or take in one of the many food trucks lined up and down Commercial Drive. You will certainly not go hungry while you wander and take in all the sights and sounds.
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. Stop by and see some of the magic of this great street festival. For more information about Italian Day, visit them online at www.italianday.ca.
Improv Against Humanity is back! The improv group The Fictionals will be taking the stage at Café Deux Soleils on Friday, September 30th to showcase their unique and well honed improvisational talent. Along with lots of laughs and a fun night, there will be some epic prizes to be won including the Most Horrible Person in Vancouver. Will you be crowned? You are invited to come check out all the great local talent. Tickets are $10 at the door – cash only. Show gets under way at 9:00 pm.
The Britannia Plaza Market is an outdoor event that takes place just outside of the Britannia Community Centre and is back for another year. The market will run every Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm from June 22nd to October 5th. The market will also run every Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm from June 25th to September 10th.
You are invited to stop by and check out some local producers, artists and makers which will showcase a variety of items each week including fresh produce, homemade treats, artisanal goods and much more.
WEDNESDAYS 3:00 – 7:00 pm June 22 – October 5
SATURDAYS 12:00 – 4:00 pm June 25 – September 19
If you are interested in being a vendor, you are invited to reach out to the organizers at britanniacraftfair@live.ca.
After a successful run this summer, the Britannia Plaza Market which is located outside of the Britannia Community Centre and near the Britannia Library, continues until October 21st. You are invited to stop by this Saturday, September 11th from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm and check out some local producers, artists and makers. The outdoor markets will then continue on Thursdays ONLY from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm until October 21st. Stop by support local artists, makers and growers.
Sat 12:00 pm – 4:00pm Sep 11 Thu 3:00 pm – 7:00pm Weekly until Oct 21
The Havana Theatre on Commercial Drive will play host to a jaw dropping dance cabaret July 27 – August 7. Under the direction of creator and choreographer, Jen Oleksiuk, you can expect an evening of splendid awkwardness, joyous sexuality and wild seduction. The Smoke Show combines enticement and humour in the form of an interactive dance cabaret inspired by modern and classic genres. You can expect to see influences from Motown, fosse, jazz, rock and burlesque. We are hearing this cabaret is one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets. To purchase your ticket, visit Showpass.com. Note, this show is 18+ years of age.
If you have not experienced flamenco dance, you are truly missing out on an amazing experience. The music, the raw emotion, the dance, the storytelling, it’s like being transported to another world. If you wish to check it out, you are in luck as you don’t have to travel far. This July you can catch Noche Flamenca at Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. The show will feature the most established Flamenco artists in the city who are continuing the legacy of Vancouver’s Flamenco scene that began at the legendary Kino almost 30 years ago. You are invited to come experience the rhythm, passion and power of this Spanish music and dance tradition. There are several upcoming shows with the first one kicking things off on July 2nd. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. To reserve your table and tickets, visit Havana Theatre.
We are pleased to share there’s something fun and super chill you can now do in East Van. That is, visit the Bunny Cafe which is now open at 1696 Venables Street near Commercial Drive. This space is the first of its kind in North America and is the mastermind of Michelle Furbacher. She is the owner and founder of Catfé, which was the first cat cafe in Vancouver. During a time when Michelle did not have any cats for the cafe, she brought in rabbits for a pop-up event and it turned out to be a huge success. Thus the idea was born for a new concept of rabbit rescue, adoption and advocacy. We had the pleasure of checking out this new space just before its official opening and got to spend time with their 22 rabbits and Michelle.
The Bunny Cafe is a beautiful open space that same may recall was previously Venables Laundry. They have renovated the space and divided it into 2 distinct spaces. One is a glassed in room in which the bunnies roam free, eat hay and hide if they so chose under various benches and other spots. The idea being that if the rabbits don’t feel like being social, they can just hide out and chill. The other half of the cafe is a retail space with everything bunny you can think of including t-shirts, pillowcases, tote bags, mugs, tea towels, rabbit food and the best bunny slippers we’ve ever seen. The future intention is create an actual cafe in the retail space which would allow visitors to sit on stools and overlook the windowed room where the bunnies roam. Due to Covid this aspect of the cafe was put on hold for the time being.
So how does it work if you wish to spend time with the rabbits? You are asked to book online at BunnyCafe.ca where you can pay and book your time. Each time slot is for 1 hour and the space is open between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm with nap time for the bunnies between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The cost is $15.95 per person including children who must be over 5 years of age. You enter the windowed room with the bunnies with a volunteer and you are requested to wish your hands and then given some greens to feed the rabbits and a few instructions. Speaking of greens, if you are an avid gardener near the Bunny Cafe and have extra greens and carrot tops, the Bunny Cafe would love to connect with a few locals who have any extras to offer.
All the bunnies in the Bunny Cafe are available for adoption. If interested in adopting a rabbit in their care, adoptions are handled through Rabbitat Rescue. If you wish to check out the Bunny Cafe on social media, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok. This is a super chill and relaxing space we invite you to check out.
It’s back baby! Live theatre that is at Havana Theatre located within Havana Vancouver, 1212 Commercial Drive. This is a great spot that features a variety of live performances including comedy, dance, drag, trivia and live podcasting. On June 17th they are officially back with an in person performance. The first performance in their line up is Fundays in the Neighbourhood: A Night at the Museum!
What is Funday in the Neighbourhood? If you ever wanted to see a show described as “Mr. Rogers after dark”? then this is the show for you. The show features local actor and comedian John Hannah who explores the ins, outs, peoples, places, vibes, moods and talents from around our neighbourhood, hint Commercial Drive. The show is co-hosted by a skeleton puppet named Slappy and musical director Julien Amar. Each performance is a little different and could feature a musical guest, a game show, epic music videos, stand up comedy, an introduction to bird watching, or even improv. Havana Theatre invites you to come on down and put a little FUN in your day. And honestly after the last year and a half, I think we could all use a little more fun. Tickets are $10 for a table for 2 and available through Showpass.
With Christmas coming we thought it was time to update our Our Favourite East Van Bakeries. Personally, I think a sugar coma will help us get through the holidays this year. Although in theory, you may have more time to bake, but will you? If you haven’t mastered the art, or some say science of baking, good news, you have lots of great local options. Whether you are craving an Italian pannetone, a German stollen, cheesecake or Christmas cookies, you will be sure to find it locally. Get ready, we’ve set out a long list. Coming from a line of bakers, sourcing out great bakeries just comes natural. Enjoy.
Is a unique spot with a focus on using 100% traceable grains, beans, and freshly milled flours that support Canadian farmers. All their delish items can be delivered to your door including their flours should you wish to try your hand at baking. Added bonus, they feature quite a few recipes on their website. If you want them to bake, oh you are in for a treat. Many options to choose from including Pumpkin Pie Galette, Butter Tart Bar, Pear Custard Buns, Cinnamon Raisin Bread and so much more. Curbside pick up also available.
On The Drive, but tucked away every so slight in the Il Mercato building at 1st and Commercial is the Bench Bakehouse. You will see it easily enough at the entrance to the Super Valu. They have a great selection of naturally leavened breads and French inspired pastries. If you are looking for some family fun this holiday season, they also have on hand some DIY Gingerbread House and Gingerbread Men Kits.
This spot has just recently switched things up and rebranded and added to their team. Eric Ho, Pastry Chef, is still on hand to make delish croissants, artisan breads, scones and cookies.
This Italian bakery makes one of our favourite things, St. Honore cakes. Others may try and imitate, but personally we think theirs is hands down the best. Why accept imitation, as they say. They also carry an amazing selection of dessert items.
This sweet shop, literally and figuratively is run by the lovely Fanny Bay, who is a self taught baker and cookbook author. The shop is new to The Drive as of June 2019 and her loyal followers have shown lots of love during the pandemic. Fanny is known for her signature cheesecakes, shortbread cookies and modern buttercream cakes. If you are looking for a delish gift, she is also offering Holiday Cookie Gift Boxes (as pictured above).
A newer spot on The Drive with a loyal following that makes an array of delish artisan breads and other sweet treats. They have pivoted to offer more meals which are available from their Pick Up window. They’ve also been busy as well making jams available for purchase. We hear the Blackberry Cardamom Jam is a must try.
This spot is just one block West of Commercial Drive and is most certainly a favourite go to spot for two things. One is Ginger Snaps and the second is pie. They generally have small and large pies on hand and on Fridays pie is 25% off which means, get their early or they will be all gone. They do have a wide range of sweet and savoury items including delish scones. This East Van staple has been a part of the community for over 40 years.
This is a favourite spot not only for their amazing bread, but something I’ve come to love financiers made from mostly almond flour. They have some amazing individual decadent desserts for taking away or having in, but their seasonal treat that has us excited is a German stolen passed down from Oma’s recipe (translation grandmother for those not up on their German) and yes for the diehard fans, with marzipan.
I grew up on just about everything from this bakery when it was called Fraser Bakery. It has many German favourites including a variety of strudels, Black Forest Cake, Christmas cookies and a Bee Sting cake or Bienenstich in German which is a white sponge cake with pastry cream in the middle and topped with honey glazed shaved almonds.Delish if you’ve never tried it. One unique thing about Breka, is that they are open 24/7 seven days a week. Don’t let that fool you though, it’s generally a busy spot so be prepared to wait a bit.
A food savvy reader has brought this spot to our attention located at Fraser & 27th in the old Bows X Arrows space. It’s billed as a restaurant, community space and bakery. We have intel that says this is a spot to hit for organic breads and pastries. For bread lovers, check out the Bread Subscription.
Located in Mount Pleasant at the intersection of Kingsway & Fraser with great neighbours Like Matchstick Coffee and Les Faux Bourgeois. Everything here is made in house and is a 100% gluten free for celiacs and those that are gluten sensitive. They have an amazing selection of sweet and savoury ready made and frozen. Be sure to check out this quaint little spot.
HASTINGS SUNRISE
Delish (Formerly East Village Bakery): 2166 East Hastings Street
Lots of delish options for sweet and savoury items including scones, cupcakes, cookies and more. Quinoa is used a number of their baked goods, which is certainly a heathy choice. They also have some vegan options.
Holy cannoli, this spot has a great selection of Italian sweet treats. You won’t be disappointed. They also have a great selection of cakes at the ready.
This spot is famous for it’s Black & Tan Cake which has been featured as the one of the things you must eat before you die. Really, we aren’t making it up. They have an amazing selection of desserts, cake and pies. Did we mention their cakes have names, Harold was a running favourite, but if you happen to catch these cakes featured on social media, best be quick. These cakes don’t tend to last long.
Tanya Muller is the owner and pastry chef of Le Gateau Bakeshop and we think the creator of some of the most beautiful wedding cakes we’ve ever seen. Outside of wedding cakes, they carry an array of seasonal sweets cupcakes, tarts and cookies all decadent and beautiful.
This one is recommended by our followers as a must try. They have a great selection of artisan breads, celebration cake, pastries and a whole lot more including pizza.
Well this one has crossed our radar before and an Instagram follower reminded us about this sweet shop that specializes in Latin desserts, cakes, pastries, empanadas and breads. If it’s cake you are looking for, the Mango Cake and Dulce De Leche Cakes are recommended.
If you’ve attended any farmer markets and craft fairs over the holiday season, you will find Sweet Thea Bakery with a whole lot of delish goodness. They offer decadent cookies, stollen, plum pudding and a whole lot more. They are currently set up at a Pop Up Shop at Main & 27th Avenue until December 27th. If you can’t make it person, visit them online, they delivery and a couple of other pick up options.
Swiss Bakery, 143 East 3rd Avenue (just off Main Street)
We’ve been hearing so many great things about the Swiss Bakery and readers reached out to say, they need to be on this list. Although we haven’t made an in person visit yet, their website has lots to get us excited including frissants, carmelized puff tart, stollen and Christmas cookies.
Trafiq is a chic little café which we’ve only popped into briefly, but we keep hearing great things about this spot and the cakes look to die for. They have a Lemon Lavendar cake that’s caught our eye and sounds amazing. Their Instagram feed is drool worthy honestly. Give them a follow.
This one comes recommended from our followers who wrote to us and said Half Baked Cookie Company needs to be on your list. If you love pie, well this is certainly the place to go. The menu is mouth watering and there are some seasonal flavours definitely worth checking out.
Something else that has landed on our radar is the Best Kind Bakeshop which is an online bakery featuring Chef Mark Burton’s sourdough breads and other baked goods. You can find baguettes, double chocolate rosemary sourdough cookies, cinnamon buns and croissants. To place your order, visit him online at Best Kind Bakeshop.
We hope you’ll support some of these great local businesses this holiday season.
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.
Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Community Centre – November 22 – 24
The 34th Annual Christmas Craft Fair happens this weekend with over 50 local artisans and makers with handmade items for gift giving this holiday season. Enjoy live music while shopping. The craft fair runs Friday 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $2. Stop by and get a jump on your Christmas shopping. To learn more, visit Britannia Christmas Craft Fair on Facebook.
Aurora Winter Festival – Hastings Park/PNE – November 22
The Aurora Winter Festival kicks off this Friday at Hastings Park/PNE with an array of indoor and outdoor activities, Christmas Market, games, rides. This is an all ages event. For tickets, visit Ticketleader.
Fado: The Saddest Music in The World – Firehall Arts Centre – November 22
A play featuring Fado music with origins going back to the early 1800s in Lisbon, Portugal. This music is a distinct part and proud part of Portuguese culture. If you haven’t experienced it, we invite you to check out this production at the Firehall Arts Centre kicking on this weekend. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.
If vintage and collectables is your thing, Eastside Flea will have that in spades this weekend along handmade items and food trukcs from11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Oh and dogs are welcome to come wander with you, on a leash of course.
Christmas On The Drive – November 24
The Commercial Drive Business Improvement Association along with other sponsors will again be hosting Christmas On The Drive this Sunday between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. This includes horse carriage rides, pictures with Santa from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, treats and hot beverages, dueling pianos and more. The starting point is The Drive Mortgage Store at 1250 Commercial Drive. The finishing point is the tree lighting in Grandview Park at 5:00 pm.
East Van Panto: Pinocchio – The York – On Now Until January 5, 2020
Our favourite holiday tradition just kicked off this week. Take in this fun and entertaining show that is fun for all ages. Just remember if you are in the front row, you might become part of the production. This year’s panto is Pinocchio and touches on some unique aspects in East Van, such as the mysterious Beckwoman and the coffee wars on The Drive for starters. Tickets for the East Van Panto Pinocchio start at $26 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $145. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch. Note, the show will be performed at the York Theatre.
Comedy, Music & Entertainment & More
Do you love cartoons? Miss those Saturday morning cartoons you used to watch as a kid. Do you know Storm Crow Tavern offers cartoons Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm whilst you enjoy breakfast/brunch?
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 support our local growers and makers? Stop by one of the Winter Farmer Markets happening on either Saturday or Sunday. Saturday we have Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday, it’s Hastings Park Winters Farmers Market also from 10:00 am to 2:00 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.
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