Food Cart Fest Returns to Feed the Masses

Choose from hundreds of meals on wheels at this summer-long gathering of movable feasts.

Astonishingly, it was only in 2010 that the City of Vancouver finally loosened the antiquated laws that permitted few edibles other than chestnuts and hot dogs from being sold on our streets. Since then, more established restaurateurs and ambitious young entrepreneurs than anyone would have dared imagine have seized upon the opportunity to transform our sidewalks and curbsides into a culinary wonderland. Whatever one’s craving, it seems some four-wheeled kitchen is always nearby to satisfy.Since 2011, Food Cart Fest has been the largest local gathering of the city’s ever-growing roster of mobile eateries. Returning for its fourth year this Sunday (June 28), it pitches camp at its Olympic Village site every Sunday through September 6. In addition to more than 20 carts each week (from upward of 40 rotating participants), the event also features an open-air market (produced by Eastside Flea and Blim), ping-pong and kids’ recreation zones, DJs, and—for the first time this year—the 400-capacity Sunday Local, offering local craft beer and wine alongside live music.Follow the fest on Twitter and Facebook to find out each week’s participating carts, and get the full scoop here.Food Cart FestEvery Sunday from June 28 to Sept. 6, noon-5pm215 W. First Ave. (between the Cambie Bridge and Olympic Village)Admission $2. Free for children 13 and under, seniors 65 and over, Vancity members, and anyone who brings a non-perishable donation for Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society