Now in its 22nd year, the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival brings together some of the brightest local artists and community members for an unforgettable series of 100+ events, nearly all of which are completely free to attend.
The celebrated festival takes place over 12 days, spotlighting incredible works of art and organizations that are making a real difference in their communities. Visitors enjoy a variety of live music, dance, theatre and visual art performances, film screenings, poetry readings, neighbourhood walks, and so much more.
This year’s theme, Dignity in Community, will focus on what it means to live with dignity on unceded land. It honours the everyday and extraordinary ways the DTES community comes together, cares for one another, resists displacement, and creates space for belonging.
Each event uses a different method of storytelling to weave together the lived experiences, ancestral knowledge, and diverse cultural traditions of the DTES.
According to organizers, a few highlights to look forward to at this year’s festival include a theatrical performance celebrating el Día de Muertos called Spirit Encounters, an Indigenous Cultural Exhibition with dancing and drumming, and a variety show called Maraschino Tonight, which is part house party, part community theatre.
The 22nd annual festival will take place from Friday, Oct. 31 to Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, across over 40 local venues.
While tickets are not required for most events, registration and ticket purchase are required for a select few. As a largely free, community-wide celebration, admission is generally free of charge, but donations are accepted.
Mark your calendars, lovers of the arts!
When: Friday, Oct. 31 to Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Time: Times vary per event
Where: Locations across the Downtown Eastside
Cost: Free admission
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