The Victory Square Block Party is a community event with live music in downtown Vancouver not far from Gastown on the Sunday of the Labour Day Long Weekend.
In 2025 the event took place on August 31st. 2026 details are to be confirmed.
Live Music at Victory Square in Vancouver
The Victory Square Block Party typically happens as a free event in either late August or early September. In 2025 the event ran on Sunday, August 31st. Unlike in previous years, however, the 2025 event was a fundraiser for Megaphone Magazine. Admission was by donation.
Victory Square is a small park with a cenotaph at 316 West Hastings Street. It’s located about four blocks south of Gastown’s Water Street, has a grassy lawn and is surrounded by beautiful older buildings.
Block Party Performers
For an idea of what to expect in future years, below is the lineup of performers from the 2025 event.
- Beats Blues & Bars
- Emma Goldman
- Yawn
- The Magic Triangle
- Trinkettes
- Miguel Maravilla
- Mechanical Bull
Tips & Advice
Below are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Victory Square event (and help you decide if it’s something for you, or if the ticketed Concerts at the PNE or free Bands on the Beach event at Harrison Hot Springs are more your style).
TIP #1: Gastown is a popular tourist attraction, and Victory Square is a pretty spot. It’s close to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), however, which is one of the city’s poorer and “more colourful” neighbourhoods. If you’re downtown near Gastown and you like live music, then the Victory Square Block Party is definitely worth checking out. Don’t expect a stylish dress code, however, and don’t be surprised to be approached by more than one panhandler in the area.
TIP #2: Despite being close to Vancouver’s DTES, the area is safe, especially during the day. If you’re uncomfortable with homelessness, though, then don’t head further east along Hastings Street.
TIP #3: For some people, the Victory Square Block Party is a “best place to be” on the Sunday of the Labour Day Long Weekend. For others, however, not so much. Other venues with live music on the first weekend in September most years include the following:
- The Pacific National Exhibition – with both free and ticketed concerts all weekend.
- Bands on the Beach – free live music (including country) at Harrison Hot Springs on the Saturday and Sunday.
Other Information
For more information about the Block Party, click Victory Square Block Party Instagram Announcement.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
