Grab your paintbrushes, your walking shoes—and maybe your beer passport—because Vancouver’s Eastside is about to burst with colour, creativity, and community this July.
The Eastside Arts Festival (formerly CREATE!), produced by the Eastside Arts Society (EAS), is back and bigger than ever, running from July 18–27, 2025. This marks the 5th annual celebration of art in all its glorious forms across the Eastside Arts District (EAD), and trust us—this isn’t your average arts fest. This year’s edition features more hands-on workshops, immersive performances, free family fun, and even a beer lover’s scavenger hunt than ever before.
It’s Not Just Art, It’s a Full-On Creative Playground
From eco-printing with plants to gold-thread embroidery and felted mason jar cozies, the Eastside Arts Festival invites you to ditch the gallery observer role and become the artist yourself. With over a dozen interactive workshops happening daily in artist studios and even breweries (hello, parent-friendly venues), this year marks the largest collection of art-making opportunities in festival history.
Workshops are just $35 and perfect for adults looking to explore their creative side—whether you’re a hobbyist or haven’t picked up a paintbrush since elementary school. We especially love how inclusive these offerings are, welcoming art lovers of all ages and abilities.
Live Music in the Park… and a Whole Lot More
Save the date for July 26: MacLean Park transforms into a free, all-day arts-and-music extravaganza complete with:
- A curated Festival Shop featuring handmade goodies from local artists
- All-ages art activities (perfect for keeping the kiddos engaged!)
- Live music from artists like Janky Bungag, Twin River, The ReViberators, and Madelyn Read
- Food trucks (Planted Love and Midnight Joe’s, anyone?)
- A licensed beer garden hosted by Strange Fellows Brewing
It’s the ultimate summer Saturday, designed for wandering, dancing, and soaking up East Van’s creative vibes.
Get Curious: Walk, Learn, and Listen
Want to learn the stories woven into Vancouver’s cultural fabric? Check out the lineup of guided walking tours from groups like the Hogan’s Alley Society, Heritage Vancouver, and the Powell Street Festival Society’s 360 Riot Walk. These 60–90-minute journeys through East Van’s historic neighbourhoods dig into the district’s layered past, guided by passionate experts and artists. At just $20 a tour, they’re a thoughtful way to connect with your city—and perfect for older kids and teens, too.
Backyard Ballet? Don’t Miss The Dance Deck
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a stunning outdoor dance performance hosted in an intimate backyard setting by Belle Spirale Dance Projects. Taking place on July 19–20 and 26–27 at 4PM, this enchanting event invites you into a world of movement, storytelling, and community.
New This Year: The Eastside Beer Passport
Need an extra excuse to sneak out for some grown-up time? This year’s fest introduces the Eastside Beer Passport, running from July 18 to August 4. For $35, you can enjoy a drink at four local breweries—or go all-in with both passport versions to hit all eight, including favourites like:
- East Van Brewing
- Luppolo Brewing
- Superflux
- Strange Fellows
Even better? Proceeds support EAD’s artist programs, so it’s sipping for a great cause. We call that a win-win.
One Night Only: Indie Rock at The Rickshaw
If you’re craving some late-night tunes, mark July 25 at 8PM on your calendar. The iconic Rickshaw Theatre will host a ticketed show featuring Young Friend, Babe Corner, and Kylie V—a trio of rising indie stars bringing nostalgic vibes and lyrical storytelling to the Eastside stage. Tickets range from $20–$60, depending on your seat.
Why We Love It
What makes the Eastside Arts Festival stand out—especially for families—is its balance of high-quality cultural experiences and accessible, low-cost fun. Whether you’re planning a creative date night, a parent-child art day, or a lazy Sunday in the park, there’s truly something for everyone.
It’s more than just an arts festival—it’s a celebration of East Vancouver’s beating creative heart, and a beautiful reminder of the power of local art to bring people together.
Ready to Explore?
Visit eastsideartsfest.ca for a full schedule and to purchase tickets for workshops, performances, and the Beer Passport.
Don’t forget: Snap those selfies, share your mini masterpieces, and tag @mumfection to show us how you’re getting creative in East Van this summer!