Vancouver Mural Festival returns bigger and better this August, but this Saturday (June 24), the festival kicks off early with a Strathcona Street Party unveiling two entire buildings wrapped in murals.

East Cordova between Campbell and Hawks Street will be taken over by the work of local artists, live DJs, food trucks, a market, and a craft beer garden in a celebration that’s set to last from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

One noteworthy mural comes from local street art legends AA Crew (Virus, Tars, and Dedos) in the festival’s first effort to include more graffiti artists and destigmatize the art form within Vancouver.

Another piece by Nlakapamux artist Andrew Dexel is set to be unveiled, painted with the help of indigenous youth participating in the Young Artist Warriors workshops. This initiative was created and facilitated by Cree artist Jeska Slater to use art to share traditional teachings and culture.

Last but not least, Saturday’s event will showcase a first large scale mural by Tristesse Seeliger, an art teacher at Eric Hamber Secondary. Seelinger has taken two weeks off from school to participate in the festival, and is excited to premiere her work and use the opportunity to continue teaching her students the value of art in a healthy lifestyle.

Other artists include Forand, Lauren Brevner, Spanish artist MUR0NE, and the Capilano IDEA Design Program.

The free all-ages event promises a day of outdoor fun and a celebration of public art in Vancouver that’s not to be missed.