Granville Street ready to party for the Junos

The Junos are Vancouver’s chance to show the world (or more accurately, some of the rest of Canada) that it’s everything a proper Olympic host city should be. The city tries its best at fun this weekend with the WestJet Street Party–taking place until Sunday over a stretch of two blocks nestled between construction ditches on Granville Street.

The event kicked off last night with free performances by Hot Hot Heat, Hey Rosetta!, and Said the Whale.

In addition to the usual Granville Street stagger, expect vendors, information booths, a beer garden, DJ sets, Olympic love-ins, and both free and ticketed concerts.

For those not wanting to commit to a JunoFest wristband, the WestJet Street Party is the best–and cheapest–way to catch Juno-nominated bands in concert. Tonight (March 27), the Trews, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Daniel Wesley, and 2008 Vancouver Seeds winners Incura take to the stage at 8 p.m. State of Shock, Faber Drive, Midway State, and the Latency will rock the performance tent tomorrow night. For ticket information and full lineup details visit Juno Fest’s Web site.

Granville Street will also host Juno Fan Fare on Saturday (March 28) between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The event is a chance for fans to fawn over 20 artists, including City and Colour, the Sam Roberts Band, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Faber Drive, the Stills, and the Trews. Musicians will be on-site to meet and greet fans. The event is free to attend but operates on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to arrive early to get your best Canadiana autographed.