June is here and that alone is something worth celebrating.
Similar to the rest of the world, our little neighbourhood is going through some changes. As we transition into summer we are making room for a more people-centric Gastown – full of outdoor activities, pop-up art and shops, and some added surprises here and there.
While there are many changes taking place around us, one thing always remains the same – Gastown is still that vibrant, creative, diverse, historic and stylish neighbourhood that you all know and love so dearly.
In addition to welcoming new businesses and faces to the streets of Gastown, we also wanted to take the time to celebrate the same old faces that keep this neighbourhood thriving. Man, are we happy to have you in our ‘hood.
Shop + Style
Celebrating Landmark Events
A good celebration never really goes out of style. Especially when you’re celebrating the birthday of your favourite local shop. Check out what businesses made it another year in Gastown. Drop by to wish them a happy birthday – it hasn’t been an easy one!
Out and About celebrated its third birthday. Nelson the Seagull, Community Thrift & Vintage and Rowan Sky hit the double digits, celebrating 10 years in Gastown. Our neighbour GPO turned one. Here’s to a hundred more years!
We are also celebrating some moves! Mosh Framemakers and Nettle’s Tale have moved onto bigger and brighter spaces in Gastown. Now, that’s really something to celebrate.
Out and About
This boutique is a Cordova Street must shop stop. From curated Japanese items to locally made goods this place has everything!
Nelson the Seagull
Craving some fresh bread? Need a midday pick me up? Perhaps you need some last minute fresh flowers? Fret not, Nelson the Seagull has had ten years of perfecting the cafe experience.
Rowan Sky
Another Cordova Street favourite. Rowan Sky has an amazing collection of shoes to suit any style. You might also run into a furry friend while shopping. Dreams do come true.
General Post Office Kitchen and Bar
Located and the base of the iconic Woodwards Building, GPO is dedicated in serving up delicious food and drinks!
Mosh Framemakers
Now located on Homer Street, Mosh Frame combines unique glasses with amazing customer service! Learn more about owner Sarah and Mosh HERE.
It’s swimsuit season and Nettle’s Tale is here to remind you that everybody has a summer body! Click HERE to learn more about the new location on Cordova Street.
Located on Carrell St Community sells a tightly edited collection of recycled fashion at a low price point. They support at-risk people through our compassionate and supportive work training program, and all our profits are donated to the PHS Community Services Society.
Are you a business member celebrating a birthday, anniversary or any other milestone? Let us know HERE.
Food + Drink
Patiotown is Back & Better Than Ever
When life gives you lemons, you make one great cocktail. Or you drink a great cocktail on a Gastown patio. With more outdoor seating than anywhere else in the city, Gastown is Patiotown. Find a full list of restaurants offering patio dining HERE.
Don’t forget to show some love for all Vancouver patios by giving @patiovancouver a follow + vote for your fav patios to win.
Learn more on the PATIO Vancouver campaign HERE.
Entertainment
Coming Soon to a Patio Near YOU
No need to pine over the days of enjoying some tunes while sipping on a cold one. Though it may look a little different than usual, your local favs are still finding ways to support artists.
Water Street Cafe has begun their 100 Days of Patio Music. Local musicians will be performing daily from 3pm-6pm. Now that’s one bumping happy hour.
Gastown Unplugged, the free pop-up music series set in multiple locations throughout Gastown, is making a comeback starting Thursday, June 17th. Be there or be square… Maple Tree Square that is…
For more live music and entertainment updates keep an eye out on our Instagram page.
Art + Culture
Coffee Today, Gastown Tomorrow
Let’s keep the feedback coming on how you could picture the future of Gastown!
We teamed up with the cafes of Gastown and added blank stickers to all their to-go cups. The rest is up to your imagination. Here are some of our favourites so far.
No coffee cup? No problem. Screenshot or download the image above and design from there.
Need some inspo? Check out some celebrity sketch, plus learn more about our Urban Design Study HERE.
Business
The New Kids on the Block
As if there wasn’t already enough to be excited for – we have some new friends to welcome to the ‘hood. From mainstays to pop-ups, Gastown truly is the place to be.
Country Roads opened its doors earlier this season. Irish Pub, Smith’s has also settled in to the heart of Gastown. We have a new tailor in town, BK Tailors. And we can’t forget about our #IAMGASTOWN this month, EC Rare Books.
Country Roads BBQ
On the corner of Maple Tree Square. Country Roads brings the taste of the Wild West to the West Coast with delectable BBQ delights.
Smith’s Bar and Resturant
The Irish spirit lives on at Smiths. Located on Carrall Street, they are rumoured to have a hidden Whiskey Lounge filled with the finest liquid amber.
‘Tis the Season of Pop Ups!
Keep and eye out because Gastown is a revolving door to some of the most innovative names in the game. Here today, gone tomorrow… Or maybe they’ll never want to leave…
Celebrate Taco Tuesday every week this summer with Top Rope Birria. Located at 54 Alexander Street, aka, the Birds and Beets patio.
Check out Apollo Scooters! Free Test drives available by appointment due to local COVID regulations. Located at 348 Water Street.
Taking place June 9-13 at 28 Water Street, the shop will offer in-person fit sessions of the size-inclusive denim from Decade, along with the first bricks-and-mortar offering for the “high-end, fair priced” footwear from Maguire, which operates stores in Toronto and Montreal.
DiBeppe has bumped the traditional Lenten celebration to June this year, and it’s on all month long. Head in for delicious one of a kind meals only offered during the festival!
People
https://youtu.be/vruEo0ujs4k
A Rare Discovery at EC Rare Books
We sat down (over Zoom) with Gastown newcomers, Stefanie and Richard of EC Rare Books. Despite being only open for a month, there was a familiarity to the shop that goes back centuries. Read about this discovery and more Read about this discovery and more HERE.
https://youtu.be/vCkzatsEG0s
Not really sure what else we can say other than it’s time to get your a** to Gastown. The patios are calling and your friends are waiting.
