‘It’s grown immensely’: Organizers see crowd of 200K for annual Khatsahlano Street Party

Organizers estimate 200,000 people hit the streets to enjoy the annual music and art festival.

More than 200,000 people were expected on Vancouver’s West 4th Avenue Saturday for the 13th Khatsahlano Street Party.

Named for the Squamish Nation chief who inspired the Kitsilano neighbourhood’s name, the annual street festival brings more than 60 musical acts, eight beer gardens, dozens of artisan vendors and food trucks to the 10 blocks between Burrard and MacDonald streets.

Since its first edition in 2011, Khatsahlano has been a music festival first and foremost, according to Jane McFadden, executive director of the Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Association, which organizes the event.

McFadden attributed the festival’s founding to Grant McDonagh of Zulu Records.

“He wanted a music festival on this street, and here we are,” she said.

Since its debut, the event has been embraced by the neighbourhood and the city at large, growing from just half a block to its current, multi-stage setup.

“It’s grown immensely, and it’s one of the loved events of Vancouver,” McFadden said.

The theme for this year’s event is “Camp Khatsahlano,” which McFadden said is an invitation to learn more about the local community.

“Camp is all about connecting with strangers, connecting with, perhaps, something you haven’t done before. That’s what we’re really supporting today,” she said.