As the city enters another unseasonably pleasant week of sunshine, Vancouver’s desk jockeys are champing at the bit to get out of the office.

Sounds like you? Maybe it's time to head down to the Waldorf.

July 23 sees the launch of Hiatus festival: one of the summer’s largest lifestyle celebrations. Part big-kid-fun-day, part professional networking event, Hiatus will take over one of Vancouver’s landmark venues for a one-day mini-break.

“Hiatus is about getting away after a week of work,” festival co-founder Jon Campbell explains on the phone to The Straight. “Young professionals need that time off from the real-world. We’re targeting people who work in the Railtown area—people who work super hard. Everybody’s welcome, of course, but we’re hoping to mix individuals from totally different industries into a giant community festival.”

With its sizable roster of Canadian and international artists, the event promises to showcase some of the best experimental live bands. Boasting over five indoor and outdoor stages, Hiatus highlights include the extravagantly named Top Less Gay Love Tekno Party playing alongside Brooklyn producer Bit Funk and local heroes Bear Mountain. Despite its wide range of eclectic performers, though, Campbell is adamant that Hiatus is much more than a music festival.

“It’s more of a lifestyle party, really,” Campbell explains. “There’s going to be amazing installations by artists we’ve commissioned. There’s lots of great things to eat and food trucks there too, and some really interesting interactive experiences.  All these aspects just go hand-in-hand together at the festival.”

Taking full advantage of the Vancouver sunshine, the daytime will see the Waldorf’s substantial outdoor space transformed into various exciting “activations”.  

“The Waldorf is so different and has so much history compared to most locations,” Campbell says. “So we’re going to use what the venue already has, and take that to the next level. We don’t want to go into too much detail because we want things to be a surprise for when people get here, but I can tell you that we’re definitely transforming part of the parking lot into mini-putt course!”

Worried that Campbell didn’t mention drinks? Never fear. Local favourite and festival partner Postmark Brewing will be on hand to make sure the event is well-lubricated with its first-rate craft beer.

Hiatus is a boutique festival offering city-based experiences beyond Vancouver’s traditional nightlife. Encouraging young professionals to unleash their inner child, the summer celebration promises to be a welcome break.

Don’t forget your golf putter.

Limited First Tier General Admission passes start at $54.95, with exclusive, themed Hotel Room Packages also available from $599.00. Further information can be found at www.hiatusmusicfest.com.