Vancouver 
Events Description
Every year, the Downtown Eastside community looks forward to the Heart of the City Festival.
This year’s theme, Belonging, celebrates the experience of being seen, heard, respected, and valued for who you are. At the Festival, Belonging is something we create together; it’s sharing stories, laughter, grief, and joy. Belonging reminds us that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Join us at the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival, where we gather to share music, poetry, theatre, ceremony, films, dance, readings, forums, workshops, discussions, gallery exhibits, art talks, history walks, and more!
From October 30 to November 7, the Festival brings together more than 100 events at 30+ local venues — music, poetry, theatre, ceremony, films, dance, readings, forums, workshops, discussions, gallery exhibits, art talks, history tours, and more — all rooted in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside!
HOW MUCH
Tickets: Free & Ticketed events
Most Festival events are free. Donations are gratefully accepted. Tickets must be purchased for some events, and some events require registration.
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
October 30 to November 7, 2026
Venue & Address: over 40 venues throughout the Downtown Eastside
Vancouver
