Celebrate local creativity at Artist Fiesta, an evening featuring performances, artistic expression, and opportunities to connect with talented artists from our community. Enjoy live music, interactive activities, and inspiring performances that shows the diversity of our Collingwood
About the artists (More info coming soon)!
Francis Arevalo: is an East Vancouver-born-and-based emcee who is equal parts hype and heart. He started his 2026 by opening for revered rapper Shad at a sold-out Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver, and continues into the release of his long-awaited album, 8 years in the making, “Home, Grown”. From the intersection of his Filipino heritage, knack for language, and lifelong love for hip-hop, each song is both fuel and fire to keep you going and keep you company, day in and day out. He is also a passionate mental health advocate living with Bipolar Type 1 Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, whose journey sharing his experiences through music was the subject of an award-winning documentary “The Lion” and of his 2024 album, “The Sound of Healing”. Francis is currently the Artist-In-Residence at CNH Annex, using the time to rehearse and record, while connecting with his neighbours using the space. Check out his work here: TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Gold Kid is a Peruvian-Canadian hip-hop artist based in Vancouver, blending English and Spanish to tell stories of resilience, ambition, and personal growth. His energetic performances combine hip-hop, Latin influences, and melodic rap, creating an uplifting experience that connects with diverse audiences. Gold Kid recently released his new album, Remain Strong, a project centered on perseverance, overcoming adversity, and chasing your dreams.
Thistle Hart: Thistle Hart is a folk artist whose melodies explore themes of identity, nature, and self-discovery. He writes from his life and experiences as someone who grew up in the unique biome of the Lower Mainland, and as a trans person. With a deep focus on lyrical storytelling, Thistle’s songs capture the raw beauty of the natural world, while reflecting a personal journey of transformation.
Soca Xperience CollectiveS:Vancouver [SXC-Van] is a dance troupe that aims to highlight the strength, resilience and sensuous expression of Caribbean movement through different rhythms of Soca and Calypso with a focus on femininity and grace. Under the Artistic Direction of Eliana McFarlane, you can expect to Xperience both traditional and current movement: slow wines, fast wines, Pata Pata, and a good palance to di left, in an exhilarating performance that honours past generations and holds space for the generations to come.We are honoured to share the space with you all! This workshop serves as an introduction to soca movement, rhythm, and culture. Members of Soca Xperience Collective - Vancouver will facilitate a warm-up and movement to popular soca songs in an inclusive and digestible manner. To follow, SXC-Van will guide you through the process of performing a short and fun combination of steps that you can do whenever and wherever you catch a Caribbean vibe. Check out their work here: Instagram