Eastside Arts Festival announces program with expanded concerts and its largest number of art-making workshops yet

The main event hits MacLean Park July 26, with shows at the Rickshaw, Dance Deck offerings, walking tours, and brewery passes

The festival throws its all-day outdoor event, complete with free art workshops, concerts, and food trucks, at MacLean Park.

EASTSIDE ARTS SOCIETY has just unveiled an expanded program for its fifth annual summer event—and a new, pared-down name. Formerly known as the CREATE! Eastside Arts Festival, the Eastside Arts Festival is set to spread across Eastside Arts District studios, breweries, and venues from July 18 to 27. It’s put on by the same folks who bring the Eastside Culture Crawl to life every November.

On July 26, the festival throws its flagship, free all-day outdoor event—this year at MacLean Park, sponsored by Strathcona BIA—featuring art activities, food trucks, and a beer garden hosted by Strange Fellows brewing. Live music presented in partnership with the Rickshaw Theatre happens from 1 pm to 7 pm, featuring cowpunk artist Janky Bungag, garage-pop duo Twin River, instrumental surf-rock trio the ReViberators, and singer-songwriter Madelyn Read. There will also be a Festival Shop with handmade artworks and goods from local artists.

Free afternoon live music returns to MacLean Park on July 27, presented by the MacLean Park Music series, with the Strathcona BIA and Eastside Arts Festival.

On July 25 at the storied Rickshaw Theatre, the festival also copresents a ticketed concert by Young Friend, Babe Corner, and Kylie V at 8 pm.

In all, the Eastside Arts Festival will host the largest number of art-making workshops in its history, running throughout the duration of the event at various studios and breweries, and including everything from eco-printing to goldwork embroidery and felted mason jar cozy covers.

Guided East Side neighbourhood walking tours will also run during the festival, including one by 360 Riot Walk, offered through Powell Street Festival Society and created by artist Henry Tsang. They’ll take place July 19 and 20, starting at the Vancouver Japanese Language School.

This year the popular Dance Deck outdoor tent performance series, produced by Belle Spirale Dance Projects, will be part of the festival. Ticketholders can catch the shows at 1745 Napier Street on July 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 4 pm.

And Creative Cultural Collaborations (C3) will hold a Big Print Powell Street/Paueru Gai Carving demonstration on July 24.

Also new for 2025 is the Eastside Arts Society Beer Passport, offering passport holders the opportunity to enjoy a beer at four different participating Eastside breweries from July 18 to August 4. Two passport variations with different brewery options will be available, and partners include East Van Brewing Company, Luppolo Brewing Company, Off the Rail Brewing, Parallel 49 Brewing Company, Storm Brewing, Strathcona Beer Company, Strange Fellows Brewing, and Superflux Beer Company. All proceeds from the $35 passport go to supporting artist programs in the Eastside Arts District.

Art workshops are $35, walking tours are $20, and ticketed performances range from $20 to $60. For the full schedule and more information, visit eastsideartsfest.ca.

Eastside Arts Society has been working to develop the Eastside Arts District since 2021, advocating for stable funding and secure, longterm studios for artists and cultural venues.

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Janet Smith

Janet Smith is founding partner and editorial director of Stir. She is an award-winning arts journalist who has spent more than two decades immersed in Vancouver’s dance, screen, design, theatre, music, opera, and gallery scenes. She sits on the Vancouver Film Critics’ Circle.

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