Columbia Street Food Truck Festival

The Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest is a free annual event that features live music and dozens of food trucks in the summer in downtown New Westminster.

New Westminster’s annual food truck festival was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It returned in 2022, but as Car Free Day New West.

Continue reading for details about the event in New Westminster, or see our article about Lower Mainland Car Free Day Events for information about similar events in other communities.

This article includes the following information:

Event Schedule | Tips & Advice | Other Information

New Westminster Car Free Day

In 2022 the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest returned under a different name. Car Free Day New West is a new take on the former food truck festival. The new event is presented by TransLink and put together by the Downtown New West BIA and City of New Westminster.

Car Free Day New West ran from 12:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday, August 6th, in 2022. During the event, New Westminster’s Columbia Street had four stages with live entertainment, exhibitors, activities and food trucks.

Bo Henrik at Car Free Day — Bo Henrik at New West Car Free Day

New West Car Free Day Schedule

Below is the schedule of events for New West Car Free Day 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

View from the Car Free Day Main Stage — New West Car Free Day in 2022

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

Tips and Advice

Below are tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your experience at the Columbia Street Food Truck Fest.

TIP #1: Take public transit if you can because 1) parking in the area will be challenging and 2) you’ll be able to wash your food down with beer and not have to worry about driving home. It’s also supposed to be a “car free day” event!

TIP #2: New Westminster SkyTrain Station is conveniently located at one end of the festival venue, and Columbia Station is at the other (so you don’t have to retrace your steps if you don’t want to).

TIP #3: While you’re in the area, especially if you arrive early or want to escape the crowds, go for a stroll along the waterfront. Columbia Street is only about a 5-minute walk from a beautiful walking (and cycling) area along the Fraser River.

TIP #4: If you have young children, then also check out the Fraser River Discovery Centre. It’s on the waterfront right close by. They also offer guided tours on Saturdays. It’s a great place for kids! They’ll learn lots there about the Fraser River, its ecosystems and the environment.

TIP #5: If the weather is good, then the street will be packed! If you hate crowds, then this event isn’t for you (unless you go on a rainy day!). The least busy time, however, is likely near the start. It’ll be busiest towards the end of the evening.

TIP #6: Go for the food and take your friends and an appetite! Vendors sell everything from Chinese dim sum to Japanese teriyaki, East European pierogis, German schnitzel, Thai noodles and gourmet ice cream! There’s something for everyone!