This summer on Granville Island, along with such festival icons as the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Indian Summer Festival, dozens of free and ticketed events, Me & the Forest, a summer long spectacular connection to nature performance, and “Oh Canada Day!”, we invite you to join us for the Granville Island Watch Party.
Granville Island Watch Party, June 11 – July 19
A once-in-a-lifetime free event over five weeks! With outdoor seating for a thousand people, a 24-foot giant screen will show 94 matches sandwiched with performances, rotating local food trucks, a craft beer garden and family play zones, all in the centre of Vancouver’s most dynamic arts and culture hub, Granville Island. With increasing levels of activities, gates open one hour before matches June 11-July 3; two hours before matches July 4-11, and 3 hours before matches July 14-19. The site will be open on match days only (closed July 8, 12, 13, 16, 17)
Kick-off Party – June 11 and 12
You’re invited to not one, but two kick-off parties as we celebrate all three host cities with Mexico’s first opening game on June 11, and both Canada and the US openers June 12. All day programming includes high-energy, family friendly, globally inspired sets from local DJs; Nina Mendoza, HUSH Party Music, Floetic, Icytouch, Datguyry and Des; on site roving performers from Bloco Energia, children’s games activities and free facepainting. The day’s festivities will be hosted by The Improv Centre, Zara Durrani and the Squamish Nations’ Khelsilem.
June 11
11AM – gates open for all day activities & programming
12 – 2PM – Mexico vs South Africa
7PM – 9PM – South Korea vs Czechia
June 12
11AM – gates open for all day activities & programming
12PM – 2PM – Canada vs Bosnia
6PM-8PM – USA vs Paraguay
Additional special days include:
July 1, Canada Day
8AM gates open with group A matches at 9AM, 1PM and 5PM.
8:30AM False Creek Ferries annual Canada Day water ballet. View from around False Creek and off the Granville Island Ferry Docks
12PM -12:50PM Canada Day ceremony in the Watch Party site, hosted by Khelsilem Tl’akwasikan & Zara Durrani includes welcome speeches by dignitaries, the Canadian anthem performed by Granville Island busker Shawn Bullshields and a giant cake cutting, baked by Granville Island Hotel’s pastry chef (while portions last). Island wide programming includes live music, free Vancouver International Jazz Festival performances, live artisan displays, and merchant activities.
JULY 18 & 19
Not one, but two closing parties as we celebrate both the bronze medal matches on July 18 and the World Cup final match July 19 with DJ’s and special musical appearances from the Indian Summer Festival (on Granville Island from July 9-19). The two day finale will feature high-energy, family friendly sets from local DJs Nina Mendoza, Lil India HUSH Party Music, and roving circus arts by Soaring Stilt dance. Festivities will be hosted by The Improv Centre. and Zara Durrani
Merchandise
Find official FIFA World Cup™ merch at Granville Island retailer MAKE
Getting there
The free Granville Island Bike Valet (May 16 – Oct 4) will be open extended hours on match days, welcoming bikes, e-bikes, strollers, scooters, and bike trailers in a secure, no lock required enclosure. Shared transportation options include multiple Mobi Bike and Lime Scooter stations and dedicated and complimentary car share parking. TransLink has announced increased service on the #50 Waterfront-False Creek, stopping at the mouth of Granville Island, and both False Creek Ferries and Aquabus have extended hours and sailings. Across the water, close to the False Creek Ferries Yaletown dock, the City of Vancouver and Yaletown BIA have added a tour bus zone for quick, car free access to both sides of False Creek.
Summer Hours in the Public Market
June 4 – September 7
Monday – Wednesday 9am – 6pm
Thursday – Sunday + Stat Holidays 9am – 7pm
