Returning for its second year, Strathcona Blocks Party is a family-friendly event treating the neighbourhood with a beer garden, musical performances, food trucks and outdoor games.
Strathcona Blocks Party
When: June 17, 2023 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: From 600 to 900 block of East Hastings
Admission: FREE
The Strathcona Blocks Party will feature a live music both at 840 East Hastings with performances lasting the whole party. Sit back and enjoy musical performances by Marlin Ramazzini Band, Francis Henson, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Band and Scarlet Fever, a local youth band that operates out of Ray Cam Community Centre.
Families can enjoy giant Jenga and tic-tac-toe, a customizable wall hosted by Strathcona letters and chalk, as well as a visit with Vancouver mascot Fin the Orca. The space will be complete with food trucks that serve delicious bites, and free tote bag pressing created on-site by Ink Pad will be available while supplies last.
At 895 East Hastings, a lively outdoor beer garden at Strathcona Beer Company will keep participants refreshed until 7:00pm. Visitors can pop into neighbourhood restaurants who will host tours, maker activities, an open studio and more.
While exploring the blocks, visitors will find art exhibitions from four East Vancouver art galleries, giveaways, and discounts from participating businesses. At 848 East Hastings, for those looking for more local goods and last-minute Father’s Day gifts, there will be a vibrant market experience.
The 2023 Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is gearing up to welcome 100,000 visitors and racers to celebrate its 35th anniversary on June 24 and 25 at Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and False Creek. In addition to the dragon boat race, a lineup of free events are scheduled for the entire weekend.
Races begin at 9:00am on the 24 and end at 5:30pm on the 24 and 25
Where: Concord Pacific Place and Creekside Park around False Creek in Vancouver
Music Lineup
The TD Main Stage is one of the City’s biggest free, outdoor, and independent stages, and features a 100% local lineup that platforms artists and performers from POC, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQAI+ communities. The lineup includes:
June 24, 2023: Dear Rouge, SABAI, Kimmortal, Coastal Wolf Pack, Mikey Jose, Ludic, Hayley Wallis and the Bright Futures, and Eagle Song Dancers
June 25, 2023: Ricecake: Summer Solstice and Festival Wrapup Party, Missy D, Fionn, Van Lefan, Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble (additional performers to be announced for June 25)
Races, Food, Shopping
Races take place on False Creek, with the course starting at Cambie Street Bridge. Nearly all the races are 500 meters, with the exception of the Concord Pacific Champion Race Series (100M Knockouts), and Guts and Glory Grand Finals (2,000M circuit races). 18 international standard dragon boats will be used for racing during the Festival, 9 of which are designed by local artists.
Cultural programs will be held at the festival, featuring a Chinatown Pavilion and an Indigenous Pavilion.
More than 50 vendors for food and beverages will be available on site, and soak in the sun as the festival hosts the city’s biggest outdoor patio every year. You can also shop from local vendors throughout the festival.
About the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society
The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society is the non-profit organizer of North America’s flagship dragon boat festival – the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, and runs Dragon Zone Paddling Club – Canada’s largest paddling club.
The Society also produces a series of races, cultural programming, and community initiatives centred around the traditional Chinese sport of dragon boat. Through its All Access and youth programs, supported by the Milton K. Wong Legacy Project, the Society makes paddling experiences accessible regardless of any barriers to participation.
CelticFest Vancouver presents Irish actor and writer Aidan Dooley’s solo performance of Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer. Dooley takes his audience on one incredible journey in the shoes of this courageous Irish hero. Experience the thrill and excitement of his expeditions told with charm, warmth, and humour.
Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer
When: 8:00pm shows on June 9 & 10; June 16 & 17; June 24 and 2:00pm matinee June 25, 2023
Where: Billy Bishop Legion 1407 Laburnum Street, Vancouver
Hear the riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive three famous expeditions: Discovery, Terra Nova, and Endurance.
Crean’s story is a testament of human fortitude against all the elements of Antarctic. His 36 mile, solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova expedition to rescue his comrades Teddy Evans and William Lashly has been described by Antarctic historians as the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration.
Comedy, music, festivals, birding, Broadway and rollerskating are just some of the events to enjoy in Metro Vancouver this weekend. Miss604 is proud to sponsor the summer season of Burnaby Village Museum and you can find many more things to do all listed below:
Nominations are currently open for the BC Achievement Foundation’s 15th annual Indigenous Business Award (“IBA”) program. Presented annually, the IBA program recognizes the contributions of extraordinary Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across BC, while helping to elevate connections between the province’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies.
BCAF Indigenous Business Award Nominations Open
“The ambition, tenacity, and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their businesses drives them forward, strengthens our economy, and supports Indigenous economic empowerment and a shared prosperity for our province,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “I encourage everyone throughout British Columbia to nominate an outstanding Indigenous entrepreneur or Indigenous-owned business and #nominatenowbc,” he added.
Nominations are invited from throughout the province and aim to showcase business excellence in the following categories:
Young Entrepreneur Business Partnerships Community-Owned Business Business of the Year Awards (company size 1-2, 3-10, and enterprise with 11 or more)
“Our young people need to be inspired and we have a responsibility to lift our youth so they know whatever they set their minds to they can achieve.” Chief David Jimmie 2022 IBA Award of Distinction recipient.
By recognizing outstanding people and businesses, the IBA program highlights Indigenous entrepreneurship while modelling success for others to follow. Now in its 15th year, the program counts over 220 remarkable businesses among its alumni.
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.
