Saving Soles Soiree: The Dayton Boot Factory Fundraiser
Join us at the Rio Theatre for The Saving Soles Soirée: The Dayton Boot Factory Fundraiser to benefit and help support the rebuilding of the Dayton Boot Factory and its East Van Artist community after the recent, devastating fire that knocked them down on April 23, 2025.
This isn’t just about rebuilding a building—it’s about reviving a community. The Dayton Boot Factory has been a proud piece of Canadian history since 1946, and with your help, we’ll keep it a thriving home for East Van’s artists, makers, and musicians. Thank you for standing with us to raise this landmark from the ashes. We can’t wait to see you at the event—let’s make it a night to celebrate our resilience!
Thursday, June 19
Doors 7:30 | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR MATCH! Each dollar spent on tickets to this fundraiser will be MATCHED with a Dayton Boot Gift Card of equal value that can be used at a future date on any regular priced merchandise!
Single Ticket $79.00 + s/c
Additional tickets $46.00 ea + s/c
Add an additional donation before checking out!
Featuring:
SNRK – Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Vancid
Bob Sumner
Elliot C Way
Estelle Honeywell
Cousin Harley
Murfitt & Main
Lonesome Town Painters
Son in Law
Hosted by Charlie Demers
Help Us Rise from the Ashes!
Your ticket purchase is more than just a contribution—it’s a lifeline for the Dayton Boot Factory, a home for the vibrant community of East Van artists, makers, and musicians. Under the glow of our iconic neon boot, this heritage landmark has been a cornerstone of Vancouver’s independent spirit for over 75 years. Your support helps us rebuild and keep that spirit alive.
Why We’re Raising Funds
On April 23rd a fire from a neighboring restaurant spread to the Dayton Boot Factory’s devastating the roof and second floor and significantly damaging the first floor and basement. The fire, took a heavy toll, leaving many without insurance to cover their losses. We’re fighting to rebuild, not just for us, but for everyone who makes this place special. The Dayton Boot Factory, a Vancouver Heritage Foundation-designated gem, isn’t just a building—it’s a living, breathing hub of East Vancouver’s irreverent heart. For decades, it crafted the best shitkickers in the Pacific Northwest. Since 2023, under new owners Hall and Tom, it’s also become a haven for independent artists, makers, and musicians, filling once-empty spaces with creativity and community.
How Your Support Will Help
Insurance alone isn’t enough to bring us back. Here’s how your contribution will make a difference:
- Rebuilding the Factory: Insurance covers only a fraction of the building’s interior—employees, inventory, and equipment. The owner’s insurance falls short for a full rebuild, and we face multiple five-figure deductibles just to start. Your funds help cover renovation costs, permits, and redevelopment to restore this heritage landmark.
- Supporting Our Artists and Makers: Many of our independent creators lost everything in the fire, with no insurance to fall back on. Your contribution will help them recover financially, so they can keep creating in East Van.
- Preserving Priceless History: The Dayton Boot Factory’s historical value is irreplaceable—insurance can’t cover that. Your support ensures this iconic space, a symbol of our neighbourhood’s independent spirit, lives on for future generations.
- Getting Back to Zero: With city permission, we can rebuild the second floor and return to the saved two floors quickly. Your funds help us secure permits and cover costs beyond insurance to make this happen.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Seating for this event is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure time to find seats, and time for treats at concession. (Coming early also helps us avoid bottle-necking – we have a small lobby!)
*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds, no exchanges.