July 17 2025: Having so matcha fun

Plus: Folk Fest, Eastside Arts Festival, and new season announcements

July 17, 2025

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Hey there. I hope you’re doing well.

Summer continues to be hot. Maybe too hot to read a newsletter, actually. It’s okay, I won’t burden you with a long introduction today. Browse the latest news about arts, music, and food in the city, and have a lovely weekend.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

Margaret Glaspy is in her collaboration era at Folk Fest

Despite not being on tour at the moment, Glaspy has penned in two sets at Vancouver Folk Music Festival this year. She’s both performing her own work and taking the stage as part of the Neil Young Reimagined collaboration—a perfect fit, as she’s been exploring more musical partnerships this year. “Sometimes, I think, as a songwriter, you can kind of feel a little bit lonely,” Glaspy tells us, “like just in my room making music, you know? I’ve been on the road for a little while, and I’ve made a lot of relationships with a lot of sweet people.”

— ARTS —

How Eastside Arts Festival turned slow and steady into success

Eastside Arts Festival is something of an anomaly: a cultural celebration launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that has, against all odds, continued to grow. We ask Esther Rausenberg, the festival’s artistic director, what the secret sauce is.

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Global sounds, homegrown stars, and three days of music by the sea

Celebrate the best of contemporary folk music from around the world at the 48th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, July 18-20, at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park.  

Take in renowned international artists such as Bab L’ Bluz, Ruthie Foster, Margaret Glaspy, The Heavy Heavy, The Milk Carton Kids, and Watchhouse. Plus, check out Canadian artists from coast to coast with Lenny Gallant, Elisapie, Jane Siberry, Meredith Moon, and Ocie Elliott.

Experience over 40 performances on four stages, enjoy collaborative artist workshops, family-friendly activities, food trucks, artisan markets, and more. 

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is the perfect summer escape in the city — where musical borders dissolve and the beach becomes the backdrop for for an incredible weekend of discovery.

— MUSIC —

Vancouver’s la lune has broken up

One of Vancouver’s hottest indie bands has issued a statement calling it quits.

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
PHS Community Services Society

Run for community

Help PHS Community Services Society reach their $25,000 goal in the Under Armour Eastside 10K on September 21.

Use 25PHS for 10% off registration. Join or donate to Team PHS here.

PHS provides supportive housing, meals, healthcare and harm reduction to thousands of marginalized people in Vancouver every day. Please help! 

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

This week’s perks for Straight Insiders:

Free tickets:

  • EDM duo Icarus at The Biltmore (July 17)–free tickets available (limited allocation for all Straight subscribers)

  • Vancouver Folk Music Festival (July 18–20)–limited tickets

Member raffles

  • Win 2 GA tickets to Brewery & The Beast (July 27–SOLD OUT!)

  • Win a $50 gift card to Sequoia Group (The Teahouse, Seasons in the Park, Cardero’s, The Sandbar) and House of Dawn

Food & drink deals

  • Loam Bistro–10% off food & drinks

  • Desi Indian Lounge–Free dessert

To unlock these perks, become a Straight Insider.

You are a verified Straight Insider.

Your weekly perks have arrived:

Free tickets:

  • Icarus at The Biltmore (July 17)–free tickets available

  • Vancouver Folk Music Festival (July 18–20)–limited tickets

Member raffles

  • Win 2 GA tickets to Brewery & The Beast (July 27–SOLD OUT!)

  • Win a $50 gift card to Sequoia Group (The Teahouse, Seasons in the Park, Cardero’s, The Sandbar) and House of Dawn

Food & drink deals

  • Loam Bistro–10% off food & drinks

  • Desi Indian Lounge–Free dessert

Access all these rewards in the Insider Perks Library.

— FOOD & DRINK —

We Tried It: Emeri explores the wonderful world of matcha

For Emeri co-founders Josephine Au and Justin Ng, matcha should be appreciated like red wine. The new matcha bar focuses on how cultivar, soil, and environment affects different kinds of tea.

— ICYMI —

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —


SHOPPING: The Secret Plant Show returns for a weekend of green-thumbed goodness. (July 18-20 @ Hastings Room PNE)

FOOD & DRINK: Port Moody RibFest gets sweet and sticky. (July 18-20 @ Rocky Point Park, Port Moody) 

LIVING: The 23rd annual Korean Cultural Heritage Festival is filled with cultural exhibitions, delicious cuisine, and powerful performances. (July 19 @ Swangard Stadium, Burnaby)

MUSIC: Public Disco Block Party takes over a Main Street lot for an outdoor afternoon dance party. (July 19 @ City Centre Artist Lodge)

LIVING: Come hungry: Surrey Fusion Festival celebrates diverse food with this year’s theme, Flavours of the World. (July 19-20 @ Holland Park, Surrey)

DANCE: New Works presents short works outside with the All Over the Map series. (July 20 to August 17 @ Granville Island Picnic Pavilion)

—

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

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