This summer, Vancouver’s iconic Gastown is the place to be. From buzzing patios and weekly events to immersive art, live music, and unforgettable eats, the neighbourhood is bursting with energy and experiences.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Gastown is setting the stage for the ultimate summer in the city. Here’s your inside look at everything you need to know to make the most of it.
Gastown Thursday Nights
Gastown’s free pop-up music series is back every Thursday from 4-7pm, running until September 4. With live music on every block, plus special monthly takeovers, enjoy live music from the comfort of your favourite patio or while walking down the cobblestone streets.
Key locations:
- Maple Tree Square
- Abbott x Water Street (outside of the Lamplighter)
- Cambie x Water Street (outside of Water St. Cafe)
Gastown Sunday Set
For 12 consecutive Sundays, Gastown is car-free and hosting a series of free, family-friendly, pedestrian-first events that will turn the cobblestone streets of Gastown into an open-air celebration of art, music, food, and local talent.
- Streetside Sessions – Coffee Party (June 15, July 27, August 31)
- Streetside Sessions transforms Gastown’s historic streets into a vibrant hub where visitors enjoy locally roasted coffee, curated DJ sets, and exclusive café offerings, all in a community-driven celebration hosted with Public Disco.
- Open Air Atelier – Live Art Battles (June 22, July 13, August 3)
- Open Air Atelier reimagines Gastown as a dynamic open-air art crawl, where emerging artists create live works throughout the neighbourhood in a public-voted competition alongside galleries and street performances.
- Gastown in Bloom – Flower Market (June 29, July 20, August 17)
- Gastown in Bloom transforms the neighbourhood into a vibrant outdoor flower market, celebrating its historic roots in commerce with local florists and producers while inviting visitors to stroll, shop, and connect with nature.
- Unscripted Sunday – Letting Water Street Breathe (July 6, August 10, August 27)
- Unscripted Sundays is a relaxed, low-programmed event that elevates Water Street’s inherent charm.
Gastown Grand Prix
One of North America’s most historic and prestigious road cycling events returns to Gastown on July 9!
Event scheduling
- 5:30 PM – YOUTH RACE
- 5:55 PM – OPENING CEREMONIES
- 6:15 PM – WOMEN’S PRO RACE
- 7:30 PM – MEN’S PRO RACE
- 9:00 PM – AWARDS CEREMONIES
For more information on road closures, the course map, and event details, please visit www.globalrelayggp.org
Getting to Gastown
Gastown Business Improvement Society has teamed up with local partners to make it easier than ever to get to Gastown every Sunday this summer.
- Free Parking: Park for free for up to 3 hours with proof of purchase on Sundays at the Easypark lot at 151 W Cordova St – just steps from all the action. Register online at gastown.org/gastownparking/.
- Free Transit: Show this event listing to a participating business to enjoy free transit on Sundays.
- Free Bike Valet: Ride your bike and enjoy complimentary bike valet on-site at 200 Abbott St from 10am – 7pm every Sunday until August 31. Powered by BEST.
- Discounts with Lime e-scooters: Scoot in style – sign up for the GBIS e-blast to receive a weekly discount code off your ride to the Sunday Set.
From late May to August, Cordova Street will also be temporarily two-way from Gore Avenue to Richards Street throughout the summer, improving neighbourhood accessibility.
