Stir Cheat Sheet: 5 things to check out at Khatsahlano Street Party 2024
Jane McFadden, executive director of the Kitsilano West 4th Avenue BIA, shares her picks of can’t-miss moments
Khatsahlano Street Party.
Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association presents West 4th Avenue’s Khatsahlano Street Party on July 6 from 11 am to 9 pm
KHATSAHLANO STREET PARTY is back for 2024, with a slew of fresh offerings and the return of favourite events along 10 blocks of West 4th Avenue from Macdonald Street to Burrard Street. Stir connected with Jane McFadden, executive director of the Kitsilano West 4th Avenue BIA, to find out more.
New this year, she notes, are the Active Zone, which features a climbing wall by Arc'teryx and a mini golf course with Peak Performance; a cake-eating contest with Purebread Bakery on the Family Stage; the Secret Society of Books, a library truck, at Warby Parker; the Vancouver Folk Music Festival stage at the plaza at Maple Street; and the Family Garden between Cypress and Burrard streets: “Drink an Olé and have my kids with me? Yes, please,” McFadden says.
Over 50 musical acts will be performing across seven different stages. This year’s theme is Sparkle. Shine. Reflect; there will be installations at different locations featuring mirrors, disco balls, and other shimmery things.
Here are five of McFadden’s picks for the day’s can’t-miss moments.
Khatsahlano Street Party, the Happy Photo Bus.
Seeking out disco balls and selfie stations for reels
“There will be plenty of selfie stations along the way, along with the Happy Photo Bus—a funky, sky-blue Westfalia Bus that will be set up for photoshoots—a shiny tent, and of course the KHATS letters,” McFadden says.
Strike a pose at the No Frills photo wall, decked out in its iconic yellow No Name branding. “It's the perfect spot to celebrate Khatsahlano Street Party with a splash of bold, eye-catching colour,” McFadden says.
Visit the Flight Centre photo wall where you can pin your dream destination on a reflective map and snap a photo. By sharing your picture on social media, you'll be entered to win a trip courtesy of Flight Centre and luggage from Monos.
Then there’s the Carter Honda photo wall, where people can hop on a sleek motorcycle to snap a picture.
Looking for Style Khat
Style Khat, the fest’s mirror-cat mascot, will be cruising the 10-block site, handing out $2,500 worth of gift cards for West 4th Avenue businesses to those who are “styled up”. “Who’s kidding who, I just want a photo with that cool Khat,” McFadden says.
Jane McFadden.
Hitting the Khats Kids Stage and other family-friendly activities
“Little music lovers can enjoy performances by Music with Marnie, Matt Henry, and the Madrigal Sisters while having fun at Khats Kids Stage on Trafalgar,” McFadden says. “Kin Juniors will be on-site for youth to learn active movements. Make sure you stick around for the fun and hilarious cake-eating contest at 4 pm, open to kids in three age groups presented by Purebread. Another great family-friendly activity is visiting The Secret Society of Books truck. Check out their collection of new and used children’s books and giveaways provided by Warby Parker.”
Getting adorned with sparkle at a Shimmer Stop
“I will be heading to one of these tents to get decked out in some sparkly makeup and hair,” McFadden says, adding that the hashtag to use when posting fun moments at the tents is #shineyourlight.
Khatsahlano Street Party.
Shopping till you drop
“The whole thing is one of my favourite days on West 4th for so many reasons, but one of the biggest is all the one-day sales I find,” McFadden says. There's also Khats merch to be had: “I’ll be heading to an info booth to pick up one of the coveted Khatsahlano street banners and the new Khats T; I have one from each year and love them,” McFadden says. 
Related Articles
