Categories: Things To Do

Vancouver’s free music and beer festival returns to this iconic park in Mount Pleasant this July

Photo via Shutterstock

Everyone’s favourite free outdoor music and beer festival is returning to Dude Chilling Park at the end of this month, and we don’t know about you, but we are so ready for Chillin’ in the Park.

Local brews and bands

This year, the drinks will be flowing from Main Street Brewing, Brassneck, and Steamworks, and bites will be available from Carp Sushi, AJ’s Brooklyn Pizza, Kobo Ice Cream, and Sula—truly something for everyone!

In terms of local bands taking centre stage, you can expect names like Balkan Shmalkan, The Royal Sundowners, Tasavoor, Mivule, Smoke Eaters, and Abbie Gobeli between sets.

The origins of “Dude Chilling”

According to the City, the original Dude Chilling Park sign was erected by guerrilla artist Viktor Briestensky, who wanted to light-heartedly reference another public art piece called “Reclining Figure” that was installed by Michael Dennis in 1991.

Originally, Guelph Park was named in 1972 after a bordering street, which was itself given the family name of Queen Victoria.

In November of 2012, an unauthorized “Dude Chilling Park” sign went up at Guelph Park, mimicking standard park signs in the city. It was immediately removed, but finally accepted as an official donation two years later, on Feb. 3, 2014, at which point, the iconic sign was reinstalled along East 8th Avenue and Brunswick Street.

Today, “Dude Chilling Park” is one of Google’s most-searched terms related to Canada, and the park has gained notoriety across the globe. The landmark sign has appeared in Atlas Obscura and Condé Nast, though it is still routinely stolen. However, it always makes its way back home!

Ideal for a morning stroll or after-work hang, the park consists of an open walkway in the centre, connecting a tree-lined field and recreation area with a playground and tennis courts.

Plus, it hosts some of the coolest, quirkiest, and most community-building events. Case in point: Chillin’ in the Park.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 25, when the beloved beer and music fest takes over the park between 1 and 7 p.m.

Be there or be square!