Table of Contents
The Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest is an annual event that takes place in downtown New Westminster during the summer. It is a free event that showcases a wide variety of food trucks and live music.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the New Westminster food truck festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021. However, it made a comeback in 2022 under the new name, Car Free Day New West.
If you want to learn more about the event in New Westminster, keep reading. For information about similar events in other communities, check out our article on Lower Mainland Car Free Day Events.
Car Free Day New West: A New Take on the Food Truck Festival
In 2022, the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest returned with a twist. The new event, Car Free Day New West, was presented by TransLink and organized by the Downtown New West BIA and the City of New Westminster.
Car Free Day New West took place from 12:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday, August 6th, 2022. The festival transformed Columbia Street into an entertainment hub with four stages featuring live performances, exhibitors, activities, and, of course, food trucks.
Here is the schedule of events for Car Free Day New West in 2022:
On the Main Stage
- 1:00 pm – Hotel Decor
- 2:00 pm – Later Days
- 3:00 pm – DACEY
- 3:45 pm – Opening Ceremony
- 4:00 pm – Bo Henrick & The Supermarket Social
- 5:00 pm – Dakota Bear
- 6:00 pm – Teon Gibbs
- 7:00 pm – K!MMORTAL
On the Family Stage
- 12:30 pm – Mike Battie
- 1:00 pm – Yuki Ueda
- 1:30 pm – Penny PomPom
- 2:00 pm – Mike Battie
- 2:30 pm – Yuki Ueda
- 3:00 pm – Penny PomPom
- 3:30 pm – Mike Battie
- 4:00 pm – Drag Storytime
In the DJ & Dance Zone
- 12:00 pm – DJ Bobby James
- 2:00 pm – DJ Goodspin
- 4:15 pm – Diamonds in the Rough
- 4:45 pm – Dance Battle 1
- 5:30 pm – Diamonds in the Rough
- 6:00 pm – Dance Battle 2
- 6:40 pm – Higher Ground
- 7:00 pm – Dance Battle Finale
On the Acoustic Stage
- 1:30 pm – Kylie V
- 2:30 pm – David Beckingham
- 3:30 pm – Moving City
- 4:30 pm – Ahsia
- 5:30 pm – Madison Olds
- 6:30 pm – Marylou Villegas
Are you excited about attending Car Free Day New West? Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
TIP #1: Consider taking public transit to the event. Not only will parking be challenging, but you’ll also have the freedom to enjoy a drink without worrying about driving. After all, it’s a “car free day” event!
TIP #2: Conveniently, the festival venue is located between the New Westminster SkyTrain Station and the Columbia Station. You won’t have to retrace your steps if you plan your journey accordingly.
TIP #3: If you want to escape the crowds or arrive early, take a stroll along the waterfront. Within a 5-minute walk from Columbia Street, you’ll find a beautiful walking and cycling area along the Fraser River.
TIP #4: Families with young children should visit the Fraser River Discovery Centre, located close to the waterfront. They offer guided tours on Saturdays and provide an educational experience about the Fraser River and its ecosystems.
TIP #5: If you’re not a fan of crowds, try attending the festival earlier in the day. The event tends to get busier as the evening progresses. Alternatively, a rainy day might offer a less crowded experience.
TIP #6: Bring your friends and come hungry! The food trucks offer a diverse range of cuisines, from Chinese dim sum to Japanese teriyaki, East European pierogis, German schnitzel, Thai noodles, and gourmet ice cream. With such a variety, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
For more information about Car Free Day New West, visit the Car Free Day website.
To explore more about New Westminster, including places of interest and other events in the region, check out our page on New Westminster.
Here are some other articles that you might find interesting:
- Lower Mainland Car Free Day Events
- August Calendar of Events
- Free Vancouver Events in August
- Festivals & Events in Vancouver
- Vancouver Summer Activities