Just because summer’s coming to a close, it doesn’t mean that Vancouver won’t still come to life with pop-up festivals, performances, and seasonal fun. This fall, Commercial Drive (AKA one of the world’s coolest streets) is keeping the good times flowing with a whole host of fun events, and now is the perfect time to mark your calendar.
“From street festivals to cultural celebrations, comedy nights to Christmas magic — there’s something for everyone,” shares The Drive.
Third spaces, where residents of a community can gather and connect, are more important than ever, and it’s always nice when these spaces offer an environment free of vehicles and traffic. So lace up your walking shoes and get ready to explore all that The Drive has to offer, including live music, local eats, art, and community vibes.
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Time: Noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Commercial Drive, from Grandview to East 1st Avenue
Cost: Free admission
Yup, a massive Oktoberfest celebration is coming to Commercial with pretzels, pints, and bratwursts galore. The neighbourhood goes Bavarian from Sept. 22 to Oct. 2, 2025, so stay tuned for more info on participating spots!
Oh, and attendees will get an exclusive discount code for tickets to Vancouver’s legendary Harvest Haus at the PNE Forum, which takes place on Oct. 3 and 4, 2025.
When: Monday, Sept. 22 to Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025
Time: TBA closer to the date
Where: Participating bars on Commercial, more info to come
Cost: Free admission
Comedy on The Drive returns to the York Theatre for an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy. This one-night-only event will feature four top-tier comedians delivering non-stop laughs in one of Vancouver’s most iconic venues.
And the fun doesn’t stop at the theatre. Laugh and dine on The Drive! Ticket holders can show their Comedy on The Drive ticket at participating restaurants to enjoy exclusive offers before or after the show. Stay tuned — participating locations will be announced soon.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Where: 639 Commercial Dr.
Cost: TBA closer to the date
This one’s for the families with younger children! Little ghosts and goblins can trick-or-treat along The Drive at participating merchants on Halloween evening. Just look for the “Treats Here” posters on display to participate in the Halloween festivities.
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Participating merchants on Commercial, more info to come
Cost: Free
Now in its 29th year, the Eastside Culture Crawl is a beloved fall tradition in East Vancouver, bringing four days of local art to the forefront of the city. Over 500 local artists and makers open their East Van studios to showcase their incredible works of art, which can range from watercolour paintings to jewelry, ceramics, furniture, pottery, printmaking, blown glass, and so much more.
When: Thursday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Where: Open artist studios on Columbia Street, First Avenue, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront
Cost: Free admission
Finally, we arrive at the start of the holiday season. Free Santa photos, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, and festive fun for the whole family are coming to The Drive. The festivities will culminate with a magical tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Grandview Park.
When: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: 1657 Charles St.
Cost: Free admission
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