The Eastside Arts Society is bringing back its summer celebration of local creativity with the 6th edition of the Eastside Arts Festival, taking place July 17–26, 2026.
Spanning neighbourhoods, parks, studios, breweries, and cultural spaces across the Eastside Arts District, this year’s festival features artist-led workshops, walking tours, public art experiences, immersive performances, live music, and an all-day outdoor event at MacLean Park.
“As the Eastside Arts Festival enters its 6th year, I’m continually inspired by the creative energy, experimentation, and sense of community that exists across the Eastside Arts District,” said Sierra MacTavish, Programs and Development Manager at the Eastside Arts Society.
This year’s lineup includes expanded neighbourhood walking tours through areas such as Chinatown, Strathcona, and Commercial Drive, with themes ranging from photography and public art to soundwalking and heritage.
Festival-goers can also take part in affordable hands-on workshops, including potted plant portrait painting, floral watercolours, glass frit fusing, ceramic mini houses, indigo dyeing, textile printmaking, goldwork embroidery, and porcelain slip casting.
On July 25, the festival hosts its annual free outdoor event at MacLean Park in collaboration with the Rickshaw Theatre and presented by the Strathcona BIA. Running from 3pm to 8pm, the event includes live music, food trucks, a beer garden, public art activities, and an Art Shop featuring local makers.
Performers include DJ Jody Glenham, Big Rig, Stephen Hamm: Theremin Man, Wack, and Buddie.
The festival will also co-present The Dance Deck on July 18, 19, 25, and 26, along with MacLean Park Music on July 26.
Workshop tickets range from $35 to $55, walking tours are $20, and The Dance Deck tickets range from $40 to $70. Full festival details and tickets are available at eastsideartsfest.ca.
