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.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many events originally scheduled for 2020 have been either postponed or cancelled.

As of late August, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no official announcement regarding the status of the 2020 Victory Square Block Party. As a result, we’re guessing it won’t be happening this year, although exact details are to be confirmed.

To see a list of other events and attractions that have been impacted by the pandemic, see our COVID-19 Vancouver page.

Live Music at Victory Square

The Victory Square Block Party usually takes place on the first Sunday in September each year. In 2019 it took place on Sunday, September 1st.

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.

Block Party Performers

In 2019 bands that were scheduled to play at the Victory Square Block Party are listed below. When you look at the list you’ll know most aren’t big-name groups nor completely mainstream. Some of them though were still pretty good, especially if you like punk, alternative and up-and-coming bands. 2021 details are to be confirmed.

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 in years when they take place).

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.