Annual Events & Yearly Celebrations
Special Events & Past Functions
Annual Lunar New Year celebration
- Between the 2700 to 2200 blocks of East Hastings, the participating businesses will be blessed by the lion to ring in Chinese New Year.
- There is a traditional lion dance, performers, and a Chinese drum entourage.
- The BIA provides participating businesses with a head of lettuce and a red envelope in which every business puts in a ‘donation’ for the lion to bless the business.
Annual Love your city contest
In Febuary, LOVE is in the air and the airwaves, with colourful street installations in Vancouver retail neighbourhoods, and fantastic prize draws on Instagram!
15 Business Improvement Associations across the city including the East Village BIA have teamed up to host a month-long #FindLove initiative throughout February.
Enjoy fun-loving street installations including life-size candy hearts, window decals, street decals, and many expressions of love to warm your heart!
annual neighbourhood Shredding Day event
- Annual community Shredding, and Electronic Recycling Day to protect business and community members from identity theft.
- This event is jointly organized by the East Village BIA and the Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre with help from Vancity, Best Shredding, and the City of Vancouver.
BIA’s Live Summer Music Series
- During the summer months the East Village BIA is proud to present our Summer Music Series, a live concert series that is completely free for the neighbourhood to enjoy!
- Every Second Friday from June-Aug in the Kamloops St. + Hastings St Plaza.
- Our goal is to bring more music and art to the neighbourhood, and fill the air with lovely sounds, and colourful grooves for you to sit and stay awhile, or just soak up some nice vibes on your journey down Hastings Street. Join us at the Kamloops Plaza (Hastings + Kamloops) in the East Village.
Movie in the Park (2024)
- Join us in Pandora Park this summer for an outdoor community screening of a classic film.
- September
- More details TBD
Annual Halloween on Hastings Street event
- A free candy, “Trick or Treat” public event organized and hosted by the East Village BIA.
- Children are invited to visit participating businesses along Hastings St. to score some free candy and then head back to the Kamloops St. + Hastings St. outdoor Plaza for more candy and seasonal themed photo opportunities.
- Show off your costumes, have fun, and dare to be scared!
annual Winter Festivities
- Seasonal themed performances and winter photo opportunities are installed in the community
- Keep an eye out for the trio of carollers strolling down East Hastings singing Christmas jingles. Feel free to join in – who knows you may even see Santa with them!
- Get into the Christmas spirit with us and sing to your little heart’s content!
Annual General Meeting
- All business owners and property owners within the East Village Business Improvement Area are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the East Village BIA.
- A business or property owner has the right to appoint a representative who is affiliated with their business to attend and vote at the AGM on their behalf.
- The boundaries of the area are Renfrew Street, East Hastings Street, Clark Drive, East Pender Street, Powell Street, Semlin Drive, Victoria Drive, and Turner Street.
Sunrise Summer Kickoff (2006-2019)
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The East Village Business Improvement Association (formally: Hastings North BIA) and Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre hosted this free community event featuring street hockey, live music, a Velcro wall, street hockey, pony rides, and much more!
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All kids participating in street hockey received a free t-shirt, lunch, and goodie bag. Celebrating the summer season with cultural performances, delicious barbecue food, and games galore.
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The Sunrise Summer Kickoff is happened in the Sunrise Square Parking lot located at 2500 Franklin Street behind the old London Drugs. Check out the neighbourhood, stay for the fun!
Yoga in the Park (2009-2017)
- Beat those office blues and join us for yoga in Pandora Park!
- Yoga is by donation and all proceeds go towards WISH Drop-In Centre Society.
- All yoga mats provided by Relaxus Professionals. All ages and levels welcome.
Piano on the Street
- Music is in the air and pianos are on the streets! Through the summer, we have a community piano for all to play right outside CIBC on the SE corner of Penticton and East Hastings.
- Every year we invite an organization to help us paint the piano for all to enjoy. Organizations we have had in the past include: Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, and PALS Autism School.
Dog Days Of Summer Celebration (2023)
- An outdoor event for you and your pet to enjoy together in the Hastings/Kamloops Outdoor Plaza.
- Live music, Games, Activities, Treats, and Prizes for you and your pup!