The Eastside Arts Festival, coming back for its fifth year, has announced an expanded series of events for summer 2025.
Running for 10 days in East Vancouver, the festival will take place in studios, breweries, and venues through mid- and late-July, culminating in an all-day outdoor concert in Strathcona's Maclean Park.
"This year the Eastside Arts Festival will also host the largest number of art-making workshops in festival history, as well as both ticketed and free live performances," reads a release from the Eastside Arts Society (EAS).
There will also be guided tours by Hogan’s Alley Society, Heritage Vancouver Society, and the 360 Riot Walk and free, interactive art activities.
The goal of the festival is to highlight those working and creating in the Eastside Arts District (EAD), an area including Chinatown, Strathcona, Commercial Drive, parts of Mount Pleasant and more, according to the EAS.
“We welcome arts lovers and community members, especially those familiar with our annual Eastside Culture Crawl, to dig deeper," says EAS artistic director Ester Rausenberg in a press release..
"Learn about our district’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy a behind-the-scenes art-making experience, and soak in a live performance from musicians and dancers who call this incredible community home.”
The Eastside Arts Festival (formerly known as CREATE! Arts Festival) has events every day from July 18 to 27.
The cornerstone event takes place July 26 at MacLean Park (710 Keefer St). The free day of music starts at 1:00 p.m and will run to 7:00 p.m. with performances by Janky Bungang, Twin River, and Madelyn Read. There will also be a "festival shop" with local art, free art activities, and food trucks.
The Rickshaw Theatre will also host a night of music, highlighting up-and-coming Vancouver talent on July 25. Tickets are $20 in advance (plus fees) or $25 at the door.
Eastside Arts Festival
When: July 18 to 27, 2025.
Where: Event locations throughout the Eastside Arts District
Cost: Varies, with some free events. Workshops are $40.54. Tours are $23.76.
