And that’s a wrap! Well, Gastown it’s been a year. Thanks for once again riding this wave with us. We couldn’t have done it without you. As we put this chapter to a close, it’s time to look back on the truly iconic moments that 2022 brought us.https://youtu.be/Z0cRx4DJ8cs
Shop Local Often, January 2022
The new year called for a new campaign in collab with our friends from around the city. The #shoplocaloften campaign launched to remind us all of the importance of shopping small. Something that lives deep in Gastown’s DNA.
“Known for all things fun and festive all year long, the old Vancouver hood has you covered no matter your shopping preference. Be it for yourself or your loved ones, cold-weather essentials or indulgent splurges, fashion-forward thrifting or home décor upgrades, Gastown has something for every type of shopper.”
Read Gastown in the News: Curiocity Vancouver’s Ultimate Gastown Shopping Guide.
Only In Gastown Giveaway & Guide, December 2022
We brought back our holiday giveaway and gift guide. And it was even stronger and more eclectic this year. Thanks to all those businesses who contributed one-of-a-kind items and experiences that can be found Only in Gastown.
Vancouver Cocktail Week, March 2022
We partnered with the very first Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW) to host a series of events, including our own Gastown Spirited Walking Tour where we uncovered secret venues and hidden history, while sipping our way through the history of cocktails in a secret-speakeasy style.
Read Gastown in the News: Toronto Star, Small city, big drinks scene: Why Vancouver’s flourishing cocktail culture is world-class. or Do604, Best Cocktails in Gastown.
Patiotown, Summer
Where culinary and urban patio dreams come true. Patiotown made a comeback – and it was even better than ever. Read Gastown in the News: Daily Hive, Best patios you need to visit in Gastown this summer.
“The heritage architecture and the rich history of Gastown make for a type of atmospheric dining that you can’t get anywhere else in Vancouver.”
Love Your City, February 2022
Understanding the importance of partnership. We, once again, partnered with other BIA’s from across Vancouver to show our love for this city. This year we added some words of inspo that hit us in the feelers (vibrant, inspire, love peace, hope).
Gastown Thursday Nights: Summer Edition
The neighbourhood, once again, came alive this summer with the sound of kick-ass music. From acoustics on every street corner, to a Jazz Fest pop-up, Pride takeover, and a 30 person orchestra, Gastown’s cobblestone’s transformed into a stage for local and international talent. Every Thursday night from June-September.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzkON84BiaE&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=Gastown
Meet Me In Gastown, August 2022
Our largest takeover yet. Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra brought a whole new level to the plaza. Special thanks to Go2 Productions (The Local projection-mapping) and Lowtide Properties for making this one happen.
Listen to Gastown in the News: On the Coast with Gloria Macarenko or read Vancouver Is Awesome, Here’s why you’ll see giant games and cool lights around Gastown this month
https://youtu.be/nTD_S8z4AEY
Gastown Thursday Nights: Holiday Edition
From Dec. 1 to Dec. 22 a series of free (and hella fun) events took over the streets and storefronts of Gastown. Featuring ballet in shop windows, roaming mariachi bands, Indigenous story-telling, seasonal delights, roaming carolers, brass bands, and of course, late-night shopping at some of the city’s most eclectic independent shops.
Read Gastown in The News: Vancouver Is Awesome, This charming Vancouver neighbourhood will transform into a festive musical town next month or Curiocity Vancouver, This hip Vancouver neighbourhood is hosting free holiday-themed events every Thursday
Kiss Me In Gastown, December 2022
Continuing a favourite tradition, #kissingastown came back this year. Not only could you find large arrangements in the ‘hood, but this year every business took part! Plenty of kisses to go around.
New 2 Gastown
Gastown said goodbye to many old friends this year, and welcomed many new faces to our ‘hood. To keep up to date on new and incoming business click here. In the meantime, we’d like to give a warm welcome to all those businesses that joined us this past year. It’s damn good to have you.
Shop & Style
Oak + Fort (new Flagship location)
Anna Kosturova (summer pop-up)
Food & Drink
Arts & Culture
Centre of International Contemporary Art (CICA)
Happy Birthday!
We celebrated some pretty big milestones this year. Here are just a few –
Clean-up Party, March 2022
We were humbled by the commitment and dedication that this community has for its neighbourhood as we welcomed back tourists, students, office workers (and spring) with a clean-up party. We had over a hundred volunteers and city council members show up to lend a helping hand in giving Gastown some much needed TLC.
Winters Hotel Fire, April 2022
2022 was not all fun and games. On April 11 a devastating fire at 203 Abbott St left more than 10 businesses forced to close, and two residents dead. Many of the businesses and residents lost everything.
While we still mourn the loss of everything in the fire, we are thankful for all those who supported through the various GoFundMe’s and the businesses that have found new homes in Gastown, including: Australian Boot Company, Roldorf & Co., and Nika Design.
“Follow the cobblestone road into a land of boutiques, artisan flavours, and historic ambience. This land is called Gastown.”
Read Gastown in the News: Vancouver Is Awesome Neighbourhood Guide.
+ Get caught up on all 2022 monthly reads HERE.
