True fact: Labour Day was created to celebrate the endeavours of working people. Which means that the government set aside September’s long weekend for you—yes, you—to treat yo’ self.

This is your holiday, folks—so what better way to celebrate your gainful employment than watching a whole host of local bands (who also definitely have regular day jobs) playing shows in a park?

Taking place on the first Sunday in September, the annual Victory Square Block Party boasts a characteristically eclectic lineup of Vancouver artists. Organized by radio station CiTR and the team behind the popular Music Waste festival, the all-day event will feature performances from Sonic Youth-alikes Swim Team, scrappy indie outfit TOUGH CUSTOMER, the polished electronic soundscapes of Morning Coup, and many more.  

The day will include a raffle with a whole range of prizes from the event’s sponsors, including Selectors Records, Neptoon Records, and Audiopile Records and CDs.

Trust us. If you’re into discovering the best of the city’s underground local groups, there's no better way to spend the long weekend.

Victory Square Block Party is at the Downtown Eastside’s Victory Square on Sunday (September 4)