Only in OEV Fridays Are Back Starting This August!

Do you love live music, local vendors, delicious food, and community fun? Find it all in one place with Only in OEV Fridays: a series of FREE community celebrations highlighting all that Old East Village has to offer! Last year, Only in OEV Fridays were such a success that we couldn’t wait to bring them back in 2023.

Our first event is on August 18th from 4-8pm on Rectory Street next to Aeolian Hall (795 Dundas Street). It will kick off a monthly event series that will run until November.

Attendees enjoying an Only in OEV Fridays event last September. Photo by Carefree Photography.

This month, we’re partnering with the Aeolian Jazz & Musical Arts Festival, which is taking place from August 13-19. The festival is in its second year and draws award-winning jazz artists from across Canada while also shining a light on local talent. Two dozen artists will be performing throughout the week and tickets for each show are available on Aeolian’s website.

Only in OEV Fridays - August falls near the end of the festival and runs from 4-8pm. We’ll be enjoying free outdoor jazz performances from Diegra Kambamba, Josh Hung Trio, and Juice Joint throughout the evening. If you’re looking for more jazz, Juno-winning artist Laila Biali will take the stage at Aeolian after our event ends at 8pm. Stick around Old East Village and extend your evening out by getting tickets for her concert here!

The New Cats performing at our August event in 2023. Photo by Carefree Photography.

We’re also excited to host a variety of local artists and vendors at our street market! Shop Old East Village favourites like Mystic Bookshop, Wisdom Teashop, Odyssey Records & Cinema, and The Cat's Bark. At the same time as our event, Strings Guitar Shop will be hosting an evening of jazz just down the street in their 755 Dundas storefront, expanding the musical offerings to a second venue.

For those interested in living more sustainably in London, See the Worth makes end-of-use textiles into new clothes to combat fast fashion and London Environmental Network can connect you with many local programs. For your kids, you can pick up vintage items from Re-Petit or baby items from Terracotta Bebe. Don’t forget self-care for your body with Sisters Earth Blends and soul with The Great Cosmic Trust. You’ll also be able to support local creators like Bloodworth Studios or the ceramic artists at Clayworx, who will be running wheel throwing demonstrations with the public for free. More vendors to be announced on our social media as the list grows!

Clayworx's wheel throwing demo at August's event last year. Photo by Carefree Photography.

No street festival is complete without delicious food and beverages! Momos at the Market will be cooking up Nepalese dumplings and more, while Lady J’s Pies and Patties will be serving street goodies. London Brewing will also be running a beer garden where you can enjoy locally brewed beverages from them and other Old East Village favourites.

A beer tent at our September event last year. Photo by Carefree Photography.

More vendors to be announced as the event approaches! Space is limited and filling up fast, but the registration form is still open for local artists and vendors who are interested in joining.

There will be lots more to enjoy at the event, including construction dollar giveaways… but you don’t have to wait to get in on the giveaways! Enter our event launch giveaway on Facebook or Instagram before August 8th for the chance to win $500 construction dollars!

Enter on our social media @digoevldn for the chance to win $500 in construction dollars!

This year, Only in OEV Fridays will be happening once a month from August until November. Follow us @digoevldn to get updates about all of our upcoming events. RSVP to the Facebook event for the latest news. We can’t wait to see you there!