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 in Vancouver

The Victory Square Block Party takes place on the first Sunday in September most years. Last year the event happened on Sunday, September 1st. This year it will likely happen on September 7, although the exact date is to be confirmed.

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. The event is free to attend and features live music and activities for all ages.

Block Party Performers

At the time of writing this article, there wasn’t an exact schedule for last year’s musical lineup. However, below were some of the bands who were set to play at the event.

Lilex & The Apocalips
Ayanna Seymour
Samo T
Adewolf
New Age Doom
Scarlet Fever
Tough Sell

Note: What’s great music to some, isn’t so hot for others. Also, what’s a “best place” for some people 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.

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.