Vancouver is getting a free block party with over 30 public murals and street art

The Astro Arts Festival is officially back in Vancouver after a two-year hiatus. For those who aren’t familiar, the beloved local arts fest and free block party celebrates the incredible public artwork in Mount Pleasant, building upon the legacy of the now-shuttered Vancouver Mural Festival. Complete with an artisan market, live DJs, and a beer garden, this event is a must-visit this summer!

This year’s festival is bigger and better than ever, showcasing over 30 experimental murals, street art works, a graffiti jam, and the unveiling of six large-scale public murals.

The festivities will commence on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, and run all weekend long, so grab your flowy cover-ups and dancing shoes.

“Located between Columbia and Manitoba Streets, the laneway was home to the festival’s 2023 pilot,” explain organizers. “Now, it stands as one of the last remaining spaces in Vancouver for unrestricted creative expression.”

In addition to checking out an array of art at the open-air gallery, festival-goers can cheer on live painters at the Arena Mural Battle, and even win original pieces to take home at the live-painting raffle, called Snag.

The 100 Amigos Exhibition will feature over 100 local talents, curated by Pablo Zamudio, Drew Young, and Douglas Coupland.

So get ready to roam open studios galore, meet the creatives that call Mount Pleasant home, and enjoy a weekend of great music and vibes.

Astro Arts Festival 2025

When: Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Where: 165 West 4th Ave.
Cost: Free admission

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