Boomtown’s block party is back Aug. 16 – where skateboards fly, beers flow, and dogs show up dressed better than most of us.
The third annual event in Harris Green runs from noon to 10 p.m. and promises a day packed with food, drinks, entertainment, and community spirit.
Christian Barnard, Boomtown’s owner and chief vision officer, said the block party started as a way to bring people together in a neighbourhood where many live in towers but don’t always connect.
“We just sort of felt that there wasn't a lot of community up in our neighbourhood,” Barnard said. “Everyone’s in their towers, and we wanted to create a Harris Green party, basically – get people outside, in the garden, hanging out with their dogs and neighbours.”
Boomtown (950 Yates St.) officially opened in 2021 with the idea of creating a lively atmosphere where people could gather. The outdoor space was designed with tiered decking that acts like amphitheatre seating and a parking lot meant for events.
Since then, the venue has been steadily bringing back live events, including this summer’s 3x3 basketball tournament, which Barnard called “super successful” and part of the ongoing effort to build community.
On the day of the block party, the barbecue will be fired up from noon until the skateboarding contest kicks off at 5 p.m.
Local tattoo artists 'D-boy' and 'Vic' will be tattooing from noon till dark, while Victoria Vintage will offer their curated vintage finds throughout the day.
Two events stand out: the best dressed dog contest at 2 p.m. and the skateboarding competition starting at 5 p.m.
The dog contest features pups strutting on a bright orange stage, with last year’s winner – a Chihuahua in a full leather biker outfit – setting a high bar.
“Every year it just kind of gets better and better,” Barnard said. "People love their dogs, and we love people and their dogs."
The skate contest begins with a wedge ramp competition open to all skill levels, followed by the mini 'Hubba Hideout' skate contest for about a dozen top skaters competing for a $500 cash prize for best trick.
Barnard said the tricks are “incredible” and always draw a lot of excitement with kegs providing obstacles.
The event wraps up at 10 p.m., but for many, the highlight is simply being part of a neighbourhood that’s slowly coming together – one skateboard trick and leather-clad Chihuahua at a time.
