Victory Square Block Party

The Victory Square Block Party is a free community event with live music in downtown Vancouver not far from Gastown on the Sunday of the Labour Day Long Weekend.

Live Music at Victory Square

The Victory Square Block Party takes place on the first Sunday in September each year.

In 2018 it is on Sunday, September 2, from 1:00 until 9:00 pm.

Victory Square is a small park with a cenotaph at 316 West Hastings Street. It’s located about 4 blocks south of Gastown‘s Water Street, has a grassy lawn and is surrounded by beautiful older buildings.

2018 Block Party Performers

In 2018 bands scheduled to play at the Victory Square Block Party are listed below. When you look at the list you’ll know they aren’t big-name groups nor completely mainstream. Some of them though are still pretty good, especially if you like punk, alternative and up-and-coming bands.

Club Sofa – a 4-person all-girl band
Devours – music with Jeff Cancade from Vancouver
Future Star – from North Vancouver
Mamarudegyal MTHC – a Trip Hop, R&B, Hip Hop, Rap and Soul musician from Calgary
Sorry Edith – a post-Punk Revival trio from Vancouver
La Kasquivana
YEP
Prxncxss Aprntly

Note: What’s great music to some, isn’t so hot for others. Also, what’s a “best place” for some folk isn’t so appealing to others. Some people will love this music, venue and the block party atmosphere, while others won’t see the point. Isn’t it great that we’re all different!

Tips and Advice

Below are some tips and bits of information to help you make the most out 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 East Side, however, which is one of the city’s poorer and “more colourful” neighbourhoods.

If you’re downtown near Gastown and you like live punk and alternative music, then the Victory Square Block Party is definitely worth checking out. Don’t expect anyone to be wearing Gucci suits, 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 Downtown East Side, 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: If you like punk and alternative music, and you’re looking for a free venue in an urban yet pretty spot, then this is the place to go.

TIP #4: 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.
Richmond World Festival – a free multicultural event at Minoru Park on the Friday and Saturday.
Shipyard Night Market – with live music in North Vancouver on the Friday night.
Bands on the Beach – free live music (including country) at Harrison Hot Springs on the Saturday and Sunday.