Six blocks of festivities return to Victoria streets this summer when the sixth annual Cook Street Village Block Party takes over.
Known for going to the dogs, the massive event – hosted by the Cook Street Village Business Association and CCGF Events – celebrates both its namesake and neighbouring Fairfield with more than 150 local artisans, food vendors, and businesses, three vibrant live music stages, family-friendly entertainment, and an all-ages, open-site licensed beverage service.
Visitors, which tend to be in the thousands, can hear performances on the main stage by Jamieson Rhy, Miguelito Valdes y su Son, Loose Bones and Thistle. A second Bluetti Solar Stage at Pendergast offers acoustic sets by artists such as East Coast Pete MacDonald.
Family entertainment at Oxford Street includes all-day magicians.
Resgister for the now traditional, ever-popular Fastest Dog race – presented by Cook Street Liquor and Paws on Cook – with heats set for noon, 2 and 4 p.m.
This year debuts Cruising with Carla, a vintage car rebuild showcase, promoting support for veteran service dogs with friend and veteran Garry Foster. Foster will be selling his book Chrome and Colour to raise funds to pay for transcendental meditation for veterans.
The Cook Street Block Party that spans Oscar Street to Park Boulevard will be held Sunday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This popular grassroots event continues to emphasize safety and accessibility. Free bike lock-up will be available at the activity centre parking lot (north end of the village), and attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle, or take transit as local parking is reserved for residents.
Register for the races and find a full entertainment lineup at thevillageblockparty.com.
