Eastside Arts Festival 2026 in Vancouver

Celebrate creativity at the Eastside Arts Festival 2026, a 10-day festival showcasing visual arts, live performances, interactive workshops, public art, and community events across Vancouver's vibrant Eastside Arts District. Running from July 17 to 26, 2026, the festival invites visitors to explore artist studios, breweries, galleries, parks, and cultural spaces while connecting with local artists through hands-on experiences.

Presented by the Eastside Arts Society, the festival highlights the creativity that defines Vancouver's Eastside. Whether you're interested in painting, ceramics, photography, dance, music, printmaking, or public art, there's something for every age and skill level.

Event Details

Event: Eastside Arts Festival 2026

Dates: July 17–26, 2026

Main Festival Hub: MacLean Park
710 Keefer Street
Vancouver, BC

Additional Venues: Various locations throughout the Eastside Arts District

Organizer: Eastside Arts Society

Admission varies by event. Many activities are free, while select workshops and guided tours require tickets.

Festival Highlights

Visitors can enjoy:

• Visual art exhibitions
• Interactive art workshops
• Live music performances
• Dance performances
• Public art installations
• Artist-led walking tours
• Family-friendly activities
• Outdoor concerts
• Art market
• Food trucks
• Licensed beer garden
• Brewery-based creative workshops
• Local artisan demonstrations

Free Outdoor Festival at MacLean Park

The festival's signature weekend celebration takes place at MacLean Park on Saturday, July 25.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Free outdoor concert
• Live local musicians
• Public art activities
• Art market featuring local artists
• Food trucks
• Beer, cider, and wine garden
• Family-friendly activities

The event is presented in partnership with the Rickshaw Theatre and offers one of the festival's largest community gatherings.

Workshops and Creative Experiences

Throughout the festival, visitors can participate in a wide variety of artist-led workshops, including:

• Glass fusing
• Ceramics
• Watercolour painting
• Indigo dyeing
• Botanical printing
• Goldwork embroidery
• Lino printing
• Tote bag printing
• Porcelain slip casting
• Photography
• Plein air drawing

Workshops are designed for beginners as well as experienced artists.

Walking Tours

Explore Vancouver's creative neighbourhoods through guided tours, including:

• Public Art Walking Tour
• Street Photography Walking Tour
• Hogan's Alley Walking Tour
• Commercial Drive heritage tour
• Chinatown and Strathcona arts tour
• Plein Air Drawing Tour

These experiences provide a unique perspective on the Eastside's artistic and cultural heritage.

Live Music and Dance

The festival features performances throughout the week, including:

• The Dance Deck 2026
• Outdoor concerts
• Local musicians
• Dance performances
• Community celebrations

The closing weekend includes free concerts at MacLean Park featuring multiple local artists.

Family-Friendly Activities

Families can participate in interactive art experiences, creative workshops, public art projects, and outdoor performances designed to encourage creativity and community engagement.

Many activities are suitable for children and visitors of all ages.

Why You Should Attend

The Eastside Arts Festival is one of Vancouver's most engaging summer arts festivals, offering a unique opportunity to meet local artists, develop new creative skills, and experience the city's thriving arts community.

From hands-on workshops and live performances to public art installations and outdoor concerts, the festival celebrates the creativity and diversity that make the Eastside Arts District one of Vancouver's premier cultural destinations.

About the Eastside Arts Society

The Eastside Arts Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting artists and strengthening Vancouver's Eastside Arts District. The society also produces the renowned Eastside Culture Crawl, connecting the public with local artists through year-round programs, exhibitions, and community events.

Getting There

Festival events are held throughout Vancouver's Eastside Arts District, with many venues accessible by public transit, cycling, and walking.

MacLean Park serves as the primary outdoor festival hub, while workshops and performances take place in local studios, breweries, galleries, and community spaces across the neighbourhood.

Event Information

Event: Eastside Arts Festival 2026

Dates: July 17–26, 2026

Main Venue: MacLean Park

City: Vancouver, British Columbia

Admission: Free and ticketed events available

Official Website: https://eastsideartsfest.ca/