Vancouver’s most creative neighbourhood is getting ready to throw its biggest celebration yet.
Returning July 17 to 26, the Eastside Arts Festival is back for its sixth year with its most ambitious lineup to date. Produced by the Eastside Arts Society—the organization behind the much-loved Eastside Culture Crawl—the 10-day festival invites visitors to experience the city’s vibrant arts community through artist-led workshops, immersive walking tours, live performances and free public events across Vancouver’s Eastside Arts District.
This year’s festival features the largest number of artist-led workshops and community walking tours in its history, transforming everything from breweries and distilleries to artist studios and Strathcona Park into spaces for creativity, connection and discovery.
“I think people are really responding to the chance to experience art in a way that feels personal, local and accessible,” says Sierra McTavish, Programs and Development Manager for the Eastside Arts Society. “The Eastside Arts Festival is not just about seeing finished work; it’s about meeting artists, walking through neighbourhoods, entering studios, making something with your hands, hearing music in the park, and discovering the creativity that is already happening all around us.”
Among this year’s standout additions are expanded artist-led walking tours, returning after proving to be one of the festival’s most popular features in 2025. New themes include photography, soundwalking—an immersive listening experience exploring the neighbourhood’s unique sonic landscape—public art tours and even a choose-your-own-adventure heritage walk.
“I hope people discover how layered the Eastside is,” says McTavish. “There is so much history, creativity and care in these streets, buildings, murals, studios, gardens and gathering places. The walking tours invite people to slow down and notice details they might otherwise pass by.”
The festival also continues to blur the lines between everyday spaces and artistic venues. Workshops will be hosted throughout local breweries, distilleries, studios and public parks, making art more approachable for everyone.
“Taking art outside traditional gallery spaces helps remove some of the barriers that can make art feel intimidating or separate,” McTavish explains. “When art shows up in parks, breweries, studios, streets and community spaces, I hope encountering art becomes a bigger part of how people move through the city.”
The can’t-miss event of the festival takes place on Saturday, July 25, when MacLean Park transforms into a free outdoor arts celebration from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Presented by the Strathcona Business Improvement Association in collaboration with the Rickshaw Theatre, the afternoon features live performances from local musicians, public art activations, food trucks, a beer garden and an art market showcasing local creators.
Not sure where to start? McTavish recommends diving right in with a hands-on workshop before exploring the neighbourhood on foot.
“My dream day would start with a workshop. It’s such a great way to connect with artists directly, try something new and experience the creative process up close,” she says. “From there, I’d send people on an artist-led walking tour, then end the day with live music at MacLean Park or an evening performance of Dance Deck. That combination of making, walking, connecting with artists and gathering outdoors really captures the spirit of the festival.”
The festival also shines a spotlight on one of Vancouver’s defining creative communities. Vancouver’s Eastside is home to the highest concentration of working artists in Canada—a distinction the festival proudly celebrates.
“The Eastside has long been a place where artists build community, share resources and support one another,” says McTavish. “Celebrating the artists who live and work here is important because they contribute so much to the cultural life of Vancouver. They shape the identity of the city, activate neighbourhoods and create spaces for connection. The festival is a way of recognizing that work and inviting the wider community to take part in it.”
Whether you’re a longtime Culture Crawl fan or discovering the Eastside Arts District for the first time, this year’s festival offers countless opportunities to explore, create and experience one of Canada’s most dynamic artistic communities. —Noa Nichol
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