Discover the Magic of Gastown this Summer in Vancouver
Live music, cycling races, and aerial dancers headline an unforgettable summer
in Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood
The Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) has planned an action-packed summer, with the closure of Water Street facilitating a family-friendly lineup of events that will transform Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood into an ultimate hub of arts and culture.
“Our summer events calendar is designed to reflect the unique spirit and creativity of Gastown,” says Elise Yurkowski, Director of Marketing for GBIS. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating our community, supporting local businesses, and enjoying the rich cultural experiences that Gastown has to offer. This summer is about bringing people together and creating lasting memories.”
Summer events in Gastown include:
Gastown Thursday Nights
Every Thursday from now until September 5, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Every Thursday, live music will animate the streets of Gastown with jazz, soulful slow jams, and other leisurely rhythms setting the scene for patio lounging or strolls down the cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the concert series in Blood Alley Square, Vancouver’s newest public plaza! For details, visit gastown.org/thursdaynights
Gastown Grand Prix: Global Relay
July 10, 5pm – 9pm
Witness top road cyclists from around the world compete in the prestigious Gastown Grand Prix – North America’s most renowned road cycling event. All streets in the historic district will close to host this full day of youth and professional cycling races. For more information, visit globalrelayggp.org
Maker’s Public Market
July 13 & Aug 10, 12pm – 4pm
This summer, Maker’s Gastown will bring a homemade touch to Maple Tree Square. During the second Saturday of July and August, visitors can browse the outdoor public market, featuring local businesses and handmade goods.
Aeriosa Vertical Dance Playground
August 8, Three performances between 4:30pm and 7:30pm
Catch the Aeriosa aerial dancers transform 21 Water Street, a heritage building, into a vertical dance playground using walls, ledges, rooftops and open sky as their dancefloor. Visitors can see them rehearsing from August 3-7, with the final performance taking place August 8.
Pride Kickoff Party
August 1, 4pm – 8pm
The fourth annual kickoff party for Vancouver Pride weekend beckons with live music, drag performances, dancing, and colourful celebrations.
Getting to Gastown
Explore Gastown with ease this summer using the following transportation options:
- Free 1-Zone TransLink passes: Select restaurants and retailers are offering free single-use transit passes so visitors can travel with minimal environmental footprint.
- Free parking: Visitors can redeem three hours of free parking once per week at the EasyPark lot at 151 West Cordova Street.
- Bike Valet: A free Bike Valet service is available at 131 Water Street from June 28 – September 2, open every Sunday to Tuesday from 12pm to 7pm and Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 10pm.
- Mobi bike stations: Mobi bike stations are available on Cambie Street, north of Water Street and the 0 block of Alexander Street. A second station starts on July 15 at Cambie Street and West Cordova Street.
BC Parks Foundation Wishing Tree: Located at 1 Alexander Street, speak a wish for nature into the microphone, and watch the magical light show unfold. Every wish generates $10 towards protecting 30 percent of BC parks by 2030.
How to Participate
Gastown summer events are free and open to the public. For details on each event, and to sign up, please visit gastown.org/events.
About Gastown Business Association:
The Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS), also known as the Gastown BIA, is a non-profit association created in 1989 to represent business owners and commercial property owners as they work together to promote and enhance Gastown. The organization supports assets of the neighbourhood, and advocates to improve conditions for local businesses and improve the quality of life for those who work in and visit the area (BIA – Business Improvement Area). The GBIS is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of property and business owners from within the area who represent a broad range of members and community stakeholders. For more information, visit gastown.org.
Media release provided by Gillian Moussa, Nine Point Agency. Images courtesy of Gastown Business Association Facebook page.
