Ditch the wheels, grab your Compass card, put on some comfy shoes, and get to know three of the city's most colourful neighbourhoods when they close the streets to vehicle traffic and celebrate Car Free Days.
A longstanding warm-weather annual event, Car Free Days bring communities together in a good old block party style, complete with food, vendors, entertainment, kids' activities, and plenty more for everyone to enjoy.
Here are details about all three of Vancouver's Car Free Days happening this year on Main Street, in the West End, and on Commercial Drive; Kitsilano will hold community block parties on June 16-17 and June 30-July 2 this year.
West End Car Free Day 2018
Car Free Day Vancouver/Facebook
Taking place on Saturday, June 16 from noon to 7 pm, Denman Street from Davie to Robson will be closed to vehicle traffic, and replaced with a fun street festival for the whole family. For West End Car Free Day, local businesses come together to give locals and visitors a taste of what they have to offer. Many restaurants extend their patios, and considering how many terrific restaurants are packed into this area, there will definitely be lots and lots to eat and drink. Car Free Day also means live arts and music, including acts on three stages set up for the event. Once you’re there, you can also plan to spend the day checking out the West End’s parks, beaches, and more.
When: Saturday, June 16 from noon to 7 pm
Where: Denman between Davie and Robson
Main Street Car Free Day
Car Free Day Vancouver/Facebook
Spanning a whopping 21 blocks of Main Street, this vehicle-free family-friendly event is a great way to explore one of Vancouver’s coolest neighbourhoods. Taking place Sunday, June 17 from noon to 7 pm, Main Street Car Free Day runs from Broadway all the way to 30th, and has an impressive 15 stages and mini festivals along the street. It’s the biggest Car Free Day event in Vancouver. Check out Main Streets many stores, restaurants, and businesses. Enjoy street hockey, skateboarding, a Binners’ Project drop-off site, all sorts of live performances from local talent, a kids’ zone, and tons of music.
When: Sunday, June 17 from noon to 7 pm
Where: Main Street between Broadway and 30th
Car Free Day on The Drive
Photo by Wayne Worden via Car Free Day Vancouver/Facebook
Known for embracing green spaces, working together, and celebrations, Vancouver’s Commercial Drive–known to many as just “The Drive”–is one of the city’s most unique communities. This year, Car Free Day on The Drive takes place on Sunday, July 8 from noon to 7 pm, and will take over Commercial Drive from Venables to North Grandview. The 15 blocks of the fest will be filled with local artisans, musicians, activities, entertainment, and plenty of food. Plus there are amenities like a bike valet and a healing garden. This is where Car Free Day in Vancouver began, so this neighbourhood knows how to do it right.
When: Sunday, July 8 from noon to 7 pm
Where: Commercial Drive between Venables and North Grandview
