Join us for a a free public panel and mixer exploring why parties matter, and what cities lose when underground culture gets pushed out. This event is organized by Public Disco, and is the kick off event for their Public Disco Festival in the Shipyards.

6:30pm — Doors open
7:00pm — Opening remarks: Nickolas Collinet (Founder of Public Disco)
7:15pm — Interactive panel, approximately 1 hour & 15 min
8:30pm — Community mixer, approximately 1 hour
9:30pm — Close

Free with RSVP Here

Underground spaces are facing real pressure: raids, fines, public pushback, while queer and community-oriented venues struggle to exist in a policy landscape that makes space-holding hard and expensive. Yet these communities keep finding ways to gather and grow. This panel sits in that tension, asking what it would take for cities, funders, and communities to treat music and gathering as the civic infrastructure it actually is.

It's an interactive format, facilitated conversation woven through panelist insight, so come ready to engage with your peers, not just listen. We encourage attendees to be present for the full panel. A community mixer with refreshments follows to keep the conversation going. We're especially inviting organizers, aspiring organizers, and community members helping activate Vancouver's cultural life.

Expect a night that's personal and inspiring first, practical second, with real insight grounded in genuine conviction, plus new connections made along the way.

Panelists
• Brendocha - Co-founder, Club Bebé / Guest Curator, Public Disco
• Nancy Lee - Chapel Sound - Artistic Director | VIFF x MUTEK - Co-Producer
• Elsa Sainas - Programming Manager, Public Disco / Executive Assistant, Bass Coast Festival
• Paige Frewer - Co-founder, The Birdhouse & Pony Room Lounge
• Michelle La - Curator, Naga / Resident, Acceleration Radio / Guest Curator, Public Disco

Moderated by: cazimi houdini - Experience Designer & Vibe Connoisseur

Banner image: Timothy Nguyen