Have you always wanted to learn how to roller skate? Did you know that roller skating is a great workout for muscle development? It’s also low impact and fun. Come out Sunday, July 29th for a fun and informative lesson in which you’ll learn important basics such as falling, turning, stopping and of course skating. Andrea (Andi) Fraser Winsby a former coach for the Terminal City Rollergirls is offering up her vast experience to teach you. The cost is $15 and you are required to get loaded up with the full safety gear in advance of the lesson otherwise you won’t be able to skate. Lessons start at 10:30 am sharp and go till Noon. Note: This is a fair weather event. To reserve your spot or for more information, visit Eventbrite.
Beginner Roller Skating Lessons At Grandview Park Sunday, July 29th
10 JulEast Van History Walks With James Johnstone Back This Summer
9 JulJames Johnstone is back with his popular historical walking tours this August and September. On Saturday, August 18th, James will take you on a tour of one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods, Strathcona. The tour kicks off at 10:00 am starting from 696 East Hastings Street at Heatley. This historical walking tour is a culmination of years of researching over 250 homes in the East End. Although you will find architecture is a theme on this tour, James will also focus on social history and how waves of immigrants established themselves in this area before moving on to other parts of the city. The tour will also touch on the impact of portside industries like BC Sugar, the prohibition and the proliferation of bootlegging as well as the City of Vancouver’s attempts to wipe out “urban blight”. If you can’t make this date, he will be doing this tour again on Saturday, September 1st and 15th. James is also offering another tour on September 8th, which focuses on the Working/Wild Side of Vancouver’s East End. This tour has some interesting local history points including the birthplace of Venice Bakery, home of actor John Qualin (Grapes of Wrath), home of maternal grandparents of Michael Buble, home of boxing legend Jimmy McLarnin, birthplace of former Premier Dave Barrett as well as some interesting history on Union Market which was once a Chinese laundry and bottlegging operation. James has much more history for you. Each tour runs for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours the cost is $20 for each tour. If you would like more information or to reserve your spot, email James directly at historywalks@gmail.com.
Meet Me At The Lamp(p)ost: Exhibit of East Vancouver Street Photography At Massy Books
2 Jul
Massy Books 100% Indigenous owned and operated business that recently moved to 229 East Georgia Street in Chinatown. They have a great selection of rare and off beat books alongside best sellers. We recently learnt they also have a great gallery upstairs. It is currently featuring a collaborative collection of street photography that celebrates the artistry and grit of East Vancouver while capturing stillness in a world full of transient moments.
The exhibit is presented by Irish-born, Canadian residents Laura Noonan and Tara Mary Paget, through place-specific street photography, Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost revolves around the present and promotes contentment in self and place. Laura and Tara founded Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost in 2016, they are self-taught lens-based artists, focused predominately on exploring the landscape, people and architecture that make up East Vancouver. They chose Massy Books as a place to display their work for its quirky and artsy nature and its community space that enables people to connect. Meet Me At The Lamp(p)post is on now 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. Stop by and check out how they see East Vancouver.
What’s On East Van: July 1st Long Weekend Edition
29 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.
Adult Nights – Playland – June 29th
Playland Nights continues this Friday Night for the 2nd 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.
FIFA – The World Cup
FIFA World Cup Soccer continues with a few big games this weekend. Saturday June 30th, France vs. Argentina starts at 10 a.m. followed by Uruguay vs. Portugal at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 1st kicks off with Spain vs. Russia at 10 a.m. followed by Croatia vs. Denmark at 2 p.m. Monday, July 2nd Brazil vs. Mexico kick off at 10 a.m. followed by Belgium vs. Japan at 2 p.m. Lots of spots in East Van which we expect will be featuring the games we expect including many of the local breweries as well The Libra Room, Portuguese Club, Boteco Brasil on Nanaimo Street, Joe’s Café, The Vancouver Alpen Club and St. Augustine’s to name a few.
Movies In The Park – McLean Park – June 29th
The Summer Movie Nights are back which are hosted by the Collingwood Community Policing Centre. You are invited to bring your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks to McLean Park. This is a free event and everyone is invited to attend. Everyone is invited! Movie kicks off at dusk with popcorn of course. Note, we do expect if it rains, the event will be postponed to a future date.
Canada Day Celebration – Grandview Park – July 1st
You are invited to a Canada Day celebration at Grandview Park this Sunday, July 1st. There will be a host of family friendly activities from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm including live music by the Kara Kata Afrobeat Band, The Drive Street Band & The Carnival Band as well as salsa dancing, Kung Fu demonstration Kick Stand offering bike tune ups.
Canada Day Celebration – Hastings Park – July 1st
You are invited down to Hastings Park, 3096 East Hastings Street for a host of family friendly activities including arts and crafts, carnival games, balloon twisting, face painting, live performances and of course cake. Fun happens between 11:00 am – 2 pm.
Canada Day Celebration – Sunset Park – July 1st
Sunset Community Association will be hosting a Canada Day Celebration at Sunset Park at Main and 53rd Avenue from Noon to 4:00 pm. There will be free carnival rides, BBQ and live entertainment.
Grease Sing-A-Long – Rio Theatre June 29th & June 30th
You’ve got the chills and they’re multiplying. Do you know the words? If so, head down to the Rio Theatre for a 40th anniversary Sing-A-Long to the movie Grease. The original of course. Singing encouraged so is dressing up. Fun happens at 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday night.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival – Until July 1st
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is on now until July 1st. Tangent Café will be playing host to live music this weekend. To see the full line up, check out the Festival Guide.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
The Rio Theatre is showing a couple of documentaries this Canada Day, July 1st. First up is The Tragically Hip ‘Long Time Running’ at 6:00 pm followed by Talking Heads ‘Stop Making Sense’ at 8:30 pm. Also, the Wise Hall is hosting an East Van Canada Party which kicks off at 8:35 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
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
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.
What’s On East Van: June 15th Edition
15 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 is underway as of June 14th 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 note 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. We hear ChiCha Restaurant at Broadway & Main will be featuring Iran vs. Morocco and Spain vs. Portugal on Friday ,June 15th.
Parallel 49 Beer Garden – June 16th
Parallel 49 Brewing Co. will be hosting a beer garden this Saturday, June 16th from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. There will be lots of great beer for $5 along with delish food and music. This is always a popular fun spot on the weekends. Sun is in the forecast!
Fredi Rahn Studio Sale – June 16th & 17th
Local East Van potter, Fredi Rahn, is hosting a Studio Sale this weekend. Stop by her studio which is located in the Hasting Sunrise area and more specifically at 2704 Yale Road. Fredi Rahn is a well known potter in East Van who participates in the Eastside Culture Crawl. This weekend you can expect to find some samples and orphans on sale looking for a good home. We hear there will be also be a free gift from the demo shelf with every purchase (while quantities last of course). Stop by this weekend between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to check out some beautiful pottery.
East Van GoGos Spring Brunch – Trout Lake Community Centre – June 17th
You are invited to a Spring Brunch this Sunday, June 17th in the Grandview Room at Trout Lake Community Centre. This event is a fundraiser for the East Van Gogos (meaning grandmothers) which do some amazing work in our community. Come enjoy a buffet style brunch along with live music. Tickets are $30 and available by emailing eastvangogos@gmail.com.
Car Free Day – Main Street – June 17th
Car Free Day on Main Street happens this Sunday, June 17th from Noon to 7:00 pm. Another great street festival spanning 21 blocks from Broadway to 30th Avenue along Main Street. Car Free Day features 15 stages and lots of mini festivals up and down this stretch of Main Street. This is a family friendly event with kid-zones, food vendors, live music and lots of entertainment.
East Van Garden Tour – June 17th
The East Van Garden Tour happens this Sunday, June 17th. This is a great opportunity to see how creative people get with their green spaces. Owners are on hand to answer questions. This is a self-directed tour. Buy your ticket for $15 at Figaro’s Garden Centre on Victoria Drive, grab a map of this year’s participating homes and off you go. Event happens between 10:00 and 4:00 pm. You can also pick up tickets at Eventbrite.
Ice Cream Social – Beta 5 Chocolates – June 16th & 17th
Beta 5 Chocolates is back to hosting their Ice Cream Socials on the weekends which means a decadently creative dish offered each week they choose to host their socials. This weekend’s treat is called Imagine. It features crunchy black rice and sesame granola, black sesame ice cream, white chocolate, pavlova meringue clouds. This treat is available Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm or until they sell out.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Comedy is back with The Dirty Betty Shows at Cafe Deux Soleils Friday, June 15th. 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. For theatre, Diary of Ann Frank continues at Havana Theatre. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
What’s On East Van: June 8th Edition
8 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.
Bakery Pop Up – Les Amis du Fromage – June 9th
Les amis du fromage is hosting another Bakery Pop Up Shop at their East Van location, 843 East Hastings Street this Saturday, June 9th. This week Lauren Ritchie will be selling handmade loaves of bread from Noon to 5:00 pm or until she runs out.
Mid-Main Art Fair – Heritage Hall – June 10th
Mid-Main Art Fair happens at the Heritage Hall this Sunday, June 10th. 17 artists will be showcasing their work which will be available for sale. Expect to find paintings, sculptures, photography and printmaking. Event happens from 11 am to 6 pm. Free admission.
Italian Day – Commercial Drive – Sunday, June 10th
One big street party happens this Sunday, June 10th featuring all things Italian and much more. Commercial Drive from Broadway to Venables will be closed to vehicle traffic so you can wander the stretch and find an array of businesses offering great eats, good deals or just plain fun. There will be displays, booths and live music along this stretch. This year’s theme is music. Fun gets under way at Noon and goes till 8:00 pm.
Free Screening Wizard of Oz – Rio Theatre – June 10th
Whether your favourite is Dorothy, the Tin Man or The Scarecrow, check out the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz, at the Rio Theatre for free this Sunday, June 10th. Doors open at 12:30 pm, movie begins at 1:00 pm.
Retro Design & Antiques Fair – Croatian Cultural Centre – June 10th
The Retro Design & Antiques Fair is back this Sunday at the Croatian Cultural Centre from 10 am – 3 pm. There will be some 185 tables featuring eclectic, vintage, collectables, kitschy. It’s all over the map. Admission is $5, save for early bird (prior 10:00 am which is $20). Children under 13 are free with an adult.
Ice Cream Social – Beta 5 Chocolates – June 9th & 10th
Beta 5 Chocolates is back to hosting their Ice Cream Socials on the weekends which means a decadently creative dish offered each week they choose to host their socials. This weekend’s feature is Mango Bubble Tea with mango sorbet, milk tea ice cream, mango compote, tapioca pearls, condensed milk, Chantilly and Hokkaido milk bread. This treat available Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm or until they sell out.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Looking for comedy? Local comedian, Graham Clark, hosts his Laugh Gallery event Monday at Havana Theatre 9 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. For theatre, Diary of Ann Frank continues at Havana Theatre and C’mon Angie is on till Saturday at the Firehall Arts Theatre which touches on the issue of consent after a one night stand. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
Eat.Drink.Play. At The Firehall Arts Centre June 14, 2018
6 Jun
The Firehall Arts Centre invites you to Eat.Drink.Play. being held on Thursday, June 14th from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street. This annual fundraiser brings together some of East Van’s best restaurants, craft brewers, small-batch distillers and performers for an evening of sampling and sharing. The event takes over the Firehall’s entire premises including theatre, lobby, studio, courtyard as well as the dressing rooms. Throughout the Firehall, you will find an array of delectable treats, eclectic dance, music and performances as well as a silent auction. Eat.Drink.Play will feature selections of food from neighbourhood hot spots including The Pint, Tuc Craft Kitchen, Cadeaux Baker, Crab Park Chowdery, Kofta, Elephant & Castle. Libations will be provided the kind folks at Steamworks Brewery nand Odd Society Spirits as well as Hoochy Boooch kombucha. You can expect a smorgasbord of delectable treats and enjoyable performances as you roam through the heritage building sampling food, enjoying libations, and bidding on some amazing silent auction items. For music and laughter, Krystle Dos Santos, recently seen in the Chelsea Hotel will be on hand as will Andy Toth seen in the Firehall’s Urinetown The Musical and a few more guests. The Firehall Arts Centre has been producing performing arts for 35 years in this beautiful heritage building at the corner of Cordova and Gore. We invite you to lend your support for our City’s vibrant and innovative arts community. Tickets for Eat.Drink.Play are $49 and $25 for artists and are available online at Firehall Arts Centre.
Our Social Fabric – A Textile Recycling Initiative In East Vancouver
4 Jun
We recently happened upon a great initiative in East Vancouver. Some of you may already know about it, but if you don’t, you might be happy to. It’s called Our Social Fabric (OSF). It is a textile recycling initiative that has been in operation since 2009. The aim of Our Social Fabric is twofold, one to keep textiles out of the landfill and two, put those materials into the hands of creatives within our community. This volunteer run organization receives donations of textiles, fabrics and sewing notions including patterns, zippers, buttons and more. The items come from a variety of sources including the film industry, theatre, estate closures and manufacturing to name a few. Their team of volunteers sort through the donations, organize them and offer them to the public at drastically low prices. We recently attended one of their monthly sales to see what this space was all about. We have to say, they put on a good event. Everything is organized well by colour and similar materials. The fabric is pre-cut and marked as to how many metres and total cost. There was some fabric available on rolls for $5.00 per metre including some beautiful linen. Although prices vary depending on the material, $3 – $5 per metre was fairly common. Our Social Fabric works out of a space in the Russell Building located at #270 – 1275 Venables Street at Clark Drive. Their sales happen about once a month, sometimes more. All upcoming sales are posted on their website, Facebook and Instagram. Their next sale happens Thursday, September 13th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. If you sew, this is a definite spot worth checking out. If you wish to brush up your sewing or learn, Our Social Fabric also offers workshops every now and again. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming classes. You can also follow them on Instagram to keep an eye on upcoming sales. If you attend their sales, we suggest arriving early to get first dibs on items and do expect a line up.

