Summer may be winding down, but Vancouver’s South Flats is turning up the volume for one last hurrah. On Saturday, September 6, from 12 to 9 PM at 565 Great Northern Way, Flats Fest returns with a full day of live music, delicious food, and community spirit. This free, all-ages celebration transforms the creative district into a hub of entertainment and connection, offering something for everyone:
The Innovation Zone will be filled with cutting-edge projects and virtual reality experiences from local South Flats organizations. Here, attendees can try out new games from groups like Buffalo Buffalo, learn about local organizations like Ethos Lab and LDS (Learn. Develop. Succeed.), discover activations from the Centre for Digital Media and Vancouver Community College, and more!
Families can enjoy a full afternoon of free activities in the Kids’ Zone, including a bouncy castle, climbing wall, craft stations, glitter tattoos, face painting, and balloon animals. Live entertainment features a singalong with Tinkerbell, a dance battle from BattleZone Canada, science fun with Andy the Musical Scientist, and a special set from Will’s Jams. Free cotton candy and Rain or Shine ice cream will be available while supplies last.
Flats Fest brings the energy with live music all afternoon. The Main Stage, at the heart of it all, will transform from a daytime Kids’ Zone into a lively outdoor summer concert. Catch high-energy sets from Kutapira, Souls in Rhythm, and Tiffany Rivera, followed by Surf Hat at 7 PM and finally, the headliner, indie legends Yukon Blonde closing out the night at 8 PM. Catch even more artists at the Acoustic and DJ Stage all afternoon.
The Community Zone will spotlight local businesses and creatives, including 1933 Liquor Co., Mountain Equipment Company, and the Food Stash Foundation with interactive activations and chances to connect.
Attendees can also explore the Student Marketplace, where students from Emily Carr University and the Centre for Digital Media will be selling their artwork and handmade goods. In addition, the Artisan Market will feature a variety of local vendors offering artwork, ceramics, jewellery, home products and more.
Those interested in learning about the South Flats neighbourhood can visit the lobby of 565 Great Northern Way, where PCI Developments will set up information booths about the future plans for the area.
Food lovers can savour the season’s flavours with a variety of local food trucks, including REEL Mac and Cheese, Planted Love, WakWak Burger, Taco Nori, and Dos Amigos. Sweet options include Gary’s Kettle Corn and Rain or Shine Ice Cream. If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, stop by Nemesis Coffee or Kafka’s Coffee.
Thanks to a site-wide license, guests can enjoy refreshing beverages, including local beers from Strathcona Beer. Flats Fest is proud to partner with the Food Stash Foundation, a South Flats- based non-profit dedicated to reducing food waste and improving food security. A portion of all proceeds from alcoholic beverages sold will be donated to the Food Stash Foundation.
Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation, bike, scooter, or Uber to the event as there is limited free parking available at 565 Great Northern Way. For those biking, there will be a free bike valet available at Carolina Street.
Flats Fest is more than just a summer send-off, it’s a chance to connect with neighbours, discover new artists, and soak up the final golden days of the season. Between the music, the food, and the family fun, Flats Fest promises a great time for everyone.
