Kings Road is about to erupt in colour, music, and kid-powered chaos as Quadra Village Day takes over the block Saturday (May 10) with its signature blend of fun, food, and community spirit.
Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Quadra and Dowler, the 22nd edition of the street festival promises a packed lineup of all-ages activities – think carnival games, inflatable bouncers, henna and face painting, interactive art, community booths, and a hands-on plant-potting station.
The event is free to attend – a priority that Kelly Greenwell, executive director of the Quadra Village Community Centre and a lead organizer, says they’re committed to maintaining.
“We don’t allow anybody to sell anything inside the event,” Greenwell said. “It’s 100 per cent free and inclusive. That really sets the tone – everyone’s at ease, there’s no pressure.”
Greenwell, who’s been at the helm for more than13 years, says Quadra Village Day is about more than just entertainment – it’s a celebration of connection.
“It’s a chance for neighbours to bump into each other again – or for the first time – and have those simple conversations that make a neighbourhood feel like home,” he said.
While the framework stays familiar, each year brings something new. This time, a community-funded comic-making workshop joins the lineup, and the stage is shifting closer to the corner of Kings and Wark Park to put music and dance front and centre.
Early birds can snag pancakes before they run out, while latecomers can cool off with free ice cream. Kids aged 12 and under can even get a fresh haircut on site – no strings attached.
It takes a village – literally – with about 100 volunteers helping make the day happen. Greenwell says many are local residents who attend the event for the first time and return inspired to join the planning team.
“It’s really built by the community, for the community,” he said. “And every year, we see more of the neighbourhood reflected in the volunteers, the performers, the people who show up.”
