One of the brightest annual events on the West Coast returns! The Eastside Culture Crawl is back for its 29th year, bringing together local artists of all media and celebrating their passion for expression. Painters, sculptors, jewellers, photographers; over 500 local creatives will be opening their studios and welcoming curious culture seekers to peruse their workspaces.
Touring through the various locales, it’s all at once intimate and inspiring as you see where creations come together and meet the people behind each piece. As the crawl adds even more points of interest to discover on the official map, you may need a quick primer on some of the different ways to engage with the experience. So here are a handful of routes you can take to make the most of one of Vancouver’s biggest and most attended yearly art events. However, before you do anything, be sure to mark November 20–23 in your calendar!
Go with the flow!
“Still foggy outside” – Agnieszka Szkudlarek, 2025 Eastside Culture Crawl Artist | Credit: culturecrawl.ca
As mentioned above, the Crawl features a handy map that will lead you directly to the doors of all the participating art studios. But if you’re feeling a bit more spontaneous, you could show up at one of the blocks that have a handful of stops close together, and just follow the crowd! It’s a great way to get your bearings and meet your fellow crawlers. Ask for directions or reccos, and take in a bit of the excitement of seeing where the crawl leads you!
Take Flight Benefit
Credit: culturecrawl.ca
Kicking off the month of the Crawl, you can get a first look at pieces from participating artists while supporting area art with the Eastside Arts Society. There will be an online silent auction where you can take home prize packages, such as a 3-night stay at The Ivy on Parker Guest House or a $350 Fluevogs gift certificate.
For Little Artists
Credit: culturecrawl.ca
By supporting the Crawl, you’re also supporting Studio 101, an arts program for Eastside schools that brings kids into participating artist studio spaces for free, hands-on workshops. It’s an inclusive initiative that cultivates the artists of tomorrow and shows them that art is for everybody, not just the stereotypical opening gala crowd.
For Witchy Artists
Credit: @witchwalkyvr
If October wasn’t enough time to indulge in the dark arts, you’ll want to dye your roots and float over to Witch Walk YVR for a coven of artists who pledge their artsy souls (at least sometimes) to magic, tradition, alternative art, anarchy and witchcraft. This is one of the many collectives you may find while exploring the crawl.
Now Screening
Credit: vancouverisawesome.com / Eastside Culture Crawl
Can’t make it to the Crawl? There are plenty of ways to engage remotely! Check in with the official Crawl site for online events throughout the month that tap into the creativity of the participating artists. You can take in preview exhibits from some of the studios, as well as an interview series about creative process and harnessing your artistic inspiration
Keep on Truckin’
Credit: createastir.ca
No need to pack a lunch when you’re art crawling! Some area-favourite food trucks will be on the scene to serve whenever you’re feeling peckish. Spanning all kinds of cuisines, you can expect the likes of Chickpea, Disco Cheetah and Green Coast Coffee, just to name a few!
Feature image credit: thedrive.ca