Today we were downtown on the ever popular intersection of Robson and Granville for the second year of the Granville Block Party, hosted by the Downtown Van association.
This is a two day, free to enter, street festival in the heart of the Entertainment District. There is security stationed at every entry point, leading into the event. They were doing bag checks and confiscating any drinks you would be bringing in. This is a shame, considering the Canadian Club street team were giving out whole cans of their whisky ginger-ale coolers to those entering the event. We were led to believe that they were part of the event and that we could enjoy this beverage within the sectioned off block party. Instead, we gave our cans up to the security guards, opting to instead enter and buy drinks there.
This is an inclusive and family-friendly event, however, you are able to purchase drinks at the two available bars. Red Truck beers, Ocaso tequila sodas, or Remix vodka sodas on menu. It was nice to be able to get a little day buzz on the streets of downtown Granville, safely.
Walking the block with open can in hand definitely made us more malleable. And our participation increased for the different activations available.
Whereas other neighbourhood block parties focus on the businesses that make them, the Granville Block Party just wanted to have a good time. Inviting live entertainers to put on a show.
There were two gold painted “statues” that were coin operated. You tipped them and depending on the amount, they sprung to life either jump scaring you or juggling.
There were models in costume. We saw a sliver spaceman with tentacles and two 70’s dressed dancers with disco balls for heads.
My favourite was the bubble lady with a cart full of bubble mixture and long sticks attached to one another with rope. She used these to make large and plentiful bubbles. I stood around watching, mesmerized.
There were booths by Evo, North Face, and Jolibee. The former two were doing spin the wheel giveaways and enter to win draws. The latter was selling branded merchandise, and I got myself one of the hoodies, I have actually been eyeing.
Down one end of Robson there were a few vendors selling homemade crochet keychains, jewelry, and textiles.
There was a lot more art and active elements to take in. Artists using a variety of mediums to create and express. Oil paints, spray paint, black felt marker, and even typewriter.
There were also art booths where an instructor taught you how to either make drop paint splatter art, allowing colours to bled together on waxy paper. Or felt art, using a pin to stab and spell out your name.
There was a man on a typewriter offering personalized poems by cost. Typed on the spot, the customer/client stays seated in front of him as a muse.
We had the most fun with all the activities. There was pogo and pick up sticks to try.
Several stations for the popular drinking associated game, corn hole. And even basketball shoot out nets.
We spent the most time running through the mini golf set up. You choose your ball and putter and play the wooden courses as you see fit.
There were also plenty of live performances to take in, with 3 main stages to watch them on. Including a band sound stage and one for DJs to spin from. There there was an open dance floor and guests were crowding around.
The line up of performances included:
Mazacote
Dawn Pemberton
Van Vogue Jam
Public Disco
Synthia Kiss
Parlour Panther
Kara-Kata Afrobeat
Leo D.E Johnson
ebonEmpress
Locals Lounge
Cookin’ With Brass
Bungalow
When hungry there are nearby food vendors, and in and out privileges. We kept it within the event and visited Los Elotes for their Mexican style street corn. A one woman team that did her best to keep pace, with a smile on her face as the line in-front of her grew. This is one of those food items that when you see someone else with one, you have to indulge as well.
We ordered their classic elote, which is Corn on the cob, Mayonnaise, Feta Cheese, and Mexican Chili & Lime. You are able to pick how spicy you want it. You can also get this done up with an additional coating of either crushed takis or Dorito dust. Fun to eat, with the fear of getting bits of corn stuck to your teeth, always hovering. You can just as easily get it as corn in a cup for easier consumption, but it does take away from the experience. I liked the toppings. My only wish would be to have the corn itself sweeter, like I know our now in-season Fraser Valley corn to be.
We opted for their Loco Mix instead. This is a bag of your choice between of Takis, Doritos, or Tostitos lime flavoured chips. Either is opened lengthwise and used as a bowl for the following toppings. Corn kernels, Mayonnaise, Feta Cheese, Mexican Chili & Lime, plus your choose of additional 3 toppings. We asked for it all and our bag bubbled over with crushed chip dust, chilli flakes, and sliced jalapeño. This was like nachos on the go, Mexican style. For the ease of eating chips and salsa with a fork or spoon. A great one for sharing.
Overall, there was so much to see and do and we easily spent 4 hours at the block party not realizing that time was going by so quickly.
WHAT: Granville Block Party
WHEN: Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25, from 1 PM – 7 PM
WHERE: Robson & Granville intersection (700 & 800 blocks)
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
For more tips, news, and regular updates, visit: www.dtvan.ca/granvilleblockparty
Instagram: @granvilleblockparty
