Car Free Day Festivals take over Vancouver’s Busiest Streets

Image courtesy of Car Free Day | facebook.com

If you’re struggling with an idea for what to this Father’s Day in Vancouver other than getting dear old dad another tie for his collection, why not treat him to a unique experience instead? This Father’s Day weekend in Vancouver also coincides with the Car Free Day Festival taking over major streets on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.

Four neighbourhoods will be hosting epic parties to take back the streets with food, fun, family-friendly activities, and music. Main Street, Commercial Drive, Denman Street, and Kitsilano will be the place to be this weekend, and your dad might just enjoy the entertainment over another round of golf.

Here’s what’s going on at the different neighbourhoods for Car Free Day 2016:

Image courtesy of Car Free Day: West End

West End Car Free Day Festival

Denman Street will be blocking off car traffic from Robson Street to Davie Street for a lively street festival that focuses on music. With 4 stages set up during the event there will be something for everyone from rock to reggae and electronica to acoustic. In past years, a pet parade has been the most popular event – here’s hoping it’s back for 2016!

When: Saturday, June 18 from noon – 6pm
Where: Denman Street (Robson to Davie)
More info: Facebook event page

Photo sourced from carfreevancouver.org

Kitsilano Car Free Day Festival

Kitsilano does things a bit differently for Car Free Day. Instead of closing off a major street (they’ll be doing that for the upcoming Kahtsahlano Festival!), people throughout the neighbourhood host block parties. These parties are as individual as the people who pull them together. Some have dancing, some have music, some have couches, chairs and carpets in the middle of the street and some share chips and a drink together.

When: Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19
Where: Various locations
More info: available here

Image courtesy of asalaver | flickr.com

Commercial Drive Car Free Day Festival

This is where it all began. As the originator of Car Free Day, Commercial Drive always goes all out for the festivities. This 15 block festival will be packed with amazing local artisans, vendors & community groups, delicious food, and tons of entertainment and activities for all ages. Expect drum circles, bike races, a parade, swordplay demos, and so much more!

When: Sunday, June 19 from noon – 7pm
Where: Commercial Drive from Grandview to Venables
More info: Facebook event page

Image courtesy of asalaver | Flickr.com

Main Street Car Free Day Festival

With over 20 city blocks closed down for Car Free Day, Main Street has one of the longest stretching parties going on this weekend. You can expect mini-festivals, community-supported stages with dozens of bands, multiple kids zones, three giant artisan markets, and much more!

When: Sunday, June 19 from noon – 7pm
Where: Main Street from Broadway all the way until 30th.
More info: Facebook event page

It’s important to recognize that these amazing events are all 100% volunteer run and led, so if you do make it out to one (or all) of these festivals, make sure to thank a volunteer! If you’re heading to the festival, don’t forget to walk/bike/transit in spirit of the event!