Flats Fest
Join us at Flats Fest on Saturday, September 6th from 12 to 9 PM at 565 Great Northern Way for a full day of community fun.
- Step into the Innovation Zone and check out inspiring showcases from the Centre of Digital Media, Vancouver Community College, Buffalo Buffalo, and more.
- Make it a family outing in the Kids’ Zone, featuring interactive shows, a bouncy castle, climbing wall, craft stations, and treats like free ice cream and cotton candy (while supplies last).
- Meet local businesses and creatives in the Community Zone, including Emily Carr University, 1933 Liquor Co, and Mountain Equipment Company.
- Grab tasty eats from food trucks and cool off with a refreshing drink, thanks to the site-wide license.
- Experience live music from local artists.
- Explore the Artisan Market and discover local treasures to take home.
There is truly something for everyone!
Programs
Main Stage
Flats Fest brings the energy with live music all afternoon. 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.
Acoustic Stage
Catch even more artists at the Acoustic Stage all afternoon.
DJ Stage
Catch even more artists at the DJ Stage all afternoon.
Kids’ Zone
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.
Innovation Zone
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 discover activations from the Centre for Digital Media and Vancouver Community College, and more!
Artisan Market
The Artisan Market will feature a variety of local vendors offering artwork, ceramics, jewelry, home products and more.
Student MarketPlace
Explore the Student Marketplace, where students from Emily Carr University and the Centre for Digital Media will be selling their artwork and handmade goods.
Food Trucks
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.
Beer Garden
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.
Event Participants
Buffalo Buffalo
Centre for Digital Media
Coal Car Studio
Costco
Electronic Arts
Emily Carr University
Ethos Lab
Foodstash
Kafka’s
Mountain Equipment Company
Nemesis
O2E Brands
Steve’s Poke
The Hive Bouldering Gym
Vancouver Community College
1933 Liquor Co
Event Sponsors
PCI Developments
FAQs
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.
We are working closely with our event organizers and the City to make sure we meet all public safety standards, including new requirements the City is implementing for 2025.
Absolutely! The event is free and open to the public — just come ready to enjoy food, music, and fun!
Yes! Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash.
South Flats is the local home and global champion for Vancouver's creative innovation. An intentionally designed, complete community that inspires creativity and provides opportunities to innovate. It is a super connector to the rest of the city and is alive with an industrious spirit.
The Kids’ Zone and Innovation Zone close at 5:00 PM, the Community Zone at 6:00 PM, and the Artisan Market, food trucks, and live music wrap up at 9:00 PM.
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.
