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The VPD recently issued a statement warning that they will go after the organizers of “unlawful” events to cover policing costs. Thousands of dollars are required to secure a permit for any public event in this city, and applicants are routinely waitlisted for years on end—if not downright denied.

So far the VPD have pepper sprayed people at 2 separate events, Vancouver Mayday 2015, Cannabis Day as well as arrested several people. Followed by harassment and intimidation of other political and non-political events. These organizers were forced to cancel their events or pay upwards to $90,000 in policing costs.

We do not want to live somewhere where we can’t use public space. We do not need a license to dance, to listen to music, to gather freely. Our hope is that those in attendance will be inspired to organize their own events, and will begin to conceptualize the potential of an act as simple as being in the street.

We heard from many people that they had never experienced such a joyful, communal atmosphere in all of their time spent in Vancouver, a city notorious for the isolation experienced by its residents. The thousands of people in attendance at the first Commercial Drive Street Party proved that events like this are wanted by a huge amount of Vancouver residents. It is apparent that there is a desire to foster a sense of community in the public spaces of this city.

We are announcing a DIY Commercial Drive Street Festival. Complete with a free BBQ, open mike, and a street party to protest the need and repression of organizers.

Police banned unpermitted events after May Day 2015. View video here:

More info:

Do It Yourself Commercial Drive Street Festival

BBQ, Drum Circle & Open Mic 7 PM

Commercial Drive Street Party Part 2 8 PM

Fuck The Permits Street Party & March 7:30 PM

Help support us by promoting these events, participating in the festival or donating here.