Vancouver is getting a 10-day art and music festival with pop-up parties

Fans of the beloved Vancouver Mural Festival are in for a treat this year. Not only will visitors get to check out an open-air gallery of new murals across the city, but they’ll get to enjoy a 10-day festival that goes beyond the iconic City Centre Artist Lodge.

With over 400 murals under its belt (and 20 new ones being added this year), Vancouver’s Mural Festival brings once-ordinary buildings across the city to life – turning them into canvases that Vancouver residents and beyond can enjoy for years to come.

“Every year, our team curates art, spaces and experiences that invite people to connect with each other and feel a sense of belonging,” said Lebedinskaia. “We want to create an opportunity to immerse people in creativity and we’re excited to share that our full event schedule is now available on the website, including the jam-packed four-day program for the Mount Pleasant Street Party.”

In years past, the festival has completely transformed Vancouver’s public art scene, bringing hundreds of new artworks by local artists to fruition. This year is slated to be just as impactful and community-oriented – and not to mention a blast for all ages.

From guided walking tours to food trucks to block parties – there will be a little something for everyone.

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2023 events and parties

According to a recent release, this year’s Mount Pleasant Street Party will return from August 10th to 13th, with five exciting zones to check out at the iconic City Centre Artist Lodge and surrounding areas. Daily programming includes DJs, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, the City Centre Open Studios, and pop-up artisanal markets.

Of note, there’s also the 6th annual Holden Courage Memorial Graffiti Jam, a street party featuring live freestyle graffiti art. Artists will paint a mural on Main and 5th Avenue in honour of Holden Courage, a beloved local graffiti artist.

And now, for this year’s full lineup of art and community-driven events:

• VMF Mural Tours – August 4th to 13th (by donation)
• Public Disco Pride Special – August 4th ($14.64)
• Make Good Party – August 5th and 6th (free)
• Astro Alley – August 5th to 7th (free)
• Curator Talk – August 10th (free reservation)
• Mount Pleasant Street Party (free)
• VMF After Dark – August 11th ($14.64)
• VMF AFter Dark Public Disco – August 12th ($14.64)
• Bastid’s BBQ – August 13th ($24.33 – $30.27)

Get ready to enjoy some local art & dance the night away!

Vancouver Mural Festival 2023

When: August 4th to August 13th, 2023
Where: Mount Pleasant
Cost: Free and ticketed events