Credit: Hats Off Day
Get ready to step into a world of magic and wonder as Hastings Street in Burnaby Heights transforms into a fairy tale wonderland for Hats Off Day 2024! Mark your calendar this June and prepare to be enchanted by this year’s theme, “Once Upon a Time.” This beloved community festival promises a day filled with joy, entertainment, and celebration for the entire family.
WHERE & WHEN IS IT?
Heights Merchant Associations brings its long-standing celebration of Hats Off Day to Hastings Street in Burnaby. Spanning from Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue, this highly anticipated event will take place on June 1, 2024 from 9:30pm to 4:00pm.
Planning your visit to Hats Off Day is easy, whether you’re driving or using public transportation. If you’re arriving by car, you’ll find parking options along Hastings Street before Boundary Road or after Gamma Avenue. Be careful of where you park, there may be no parking spots as it’s around residential areas. For those preferring public transit, Hats Off Day is accessible by various bus routes. To find the most convenient transit options and plan your journey, check out the TransLink website, which provides comprehensive travel advice and updates.
Credit: Hats Off Day
Why You Can’t Miss Hats Off Day:
A Celebration for Everyone
Hats Off Day has something for everyone, from the young to the young at heart. The festivities kick off with the Family Fun Dash, a thrilling kids’ race that spans three to four blocks. Watch as children don their favorite costumes and dash through the streets in a spirited race. Following the dash, the main-street-style parade will showcase the best of Burnaby Heights, featuring floats, performers, and community groups. This vibrant parade is a highlight of the day, celebrating the rich culture and community spirit of Burnaby.
Street Party Extravaganza
At 11 a.m., the Street Party begins in earnest, with live music and entertainment on every block. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure, as Heights eateries offer delicious international foods, satisfying every craving. Car enthusiasts can take a trip down memory lane at the Show & Shine car exhibit, showcasing vintage and classic cars that evoke nostalgia and admiration. Additionally, local merchants will be offering special sales and giveaways, providing plenty of opportunities for shopping and discovering unique treasures.
Embrace the Theme
This year’s theme, “Once Upon a Time,” invites everyone to embrace their inner fairy tale characters. Whether you fancy yourself a folklore hero, a mischievous fairy, a noble dragon, or a charming princess, costumes are highly encouraged.
“While we’re embracing a fairytale theme this year, the true magic of Hats Off Day lies in bringing our neighbourhood and all of Burnaby together,” says Isabel Kolic, Executive Director of the Heights Merchants Association.
A Community Tradition
Since the 1980s, Hats Off Day has been a cherished tradition in Burnaby Heights. The festival embodies the spirit of community appreciation, with businesses symbolically “taking their hats off” to thank the community. Organized by the Heights Merchants Association and Hats Off Day committee, in collaboration with local community groups and the City of Burnaby, this event is a testament to the collective effort and support that brings the neighbourhood together.
Street entertainment – Credit: Hats Off Day
The legendary Cioffi’s – Credit: Hats Off Day
Dogs at Hats Off Day 2023 – Credit: Hats Off Day
Come for the Celebration
Don’t miss out on the magic of Hats Off Day 2024! Mark your calendars on June 1, 2024 at 9:30am and join your neighbours and friends in Burnaby Heights as Hastings Street closes to traffic and opens to a day of enchantment and community celebration. Whether you’re there for the food, the entertainment, the parade, or simply to soak in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
More information here!