Summer food events in Vancouver: the PNE, night markets and street festivals

When the rain finally stops, Vancouver moves outdoors, and so does its food. From June to early September, the region fills its calendar with street festivals, night markets, fairs and food truck gatherings. Here is a guide to the main summer food events and how to make the most of them. Dates change every year, so always check the official site before you plan.

What is the PNE Fair?

The Pacific National Exhibition, or PNE, is Vancouver's big summer fair, held at Hastings Park in East Vancouver. The fair usually runs for about two weeks, from mid-August to Labour Day, with rides, concerts, shows and agricultural displays. For many Vancouverites, though, it is all about the food: dozens of vendors selling classic fair treats and new creations each year.

What food should you try at the PNE?

Fair food	What it is
Mini doughnuts	Fresh, hot and dusted with cinnamon sugar, the classic PNE treat
Corn dogs	A hot dog in a cornmeal batter, on a stick
Fries and poutine	In many varieties
Candy floss and kettle corn	Sugar in its purest forms
New creations	Each year brings outrageous new items, often deep-fried

Lines for the most hyped new items can be long, especially on weekends. Go on a weekday, or arrive early, to eat more and wait less.

What summer street festivals have food in Vancouver?

• Italian Day on the Drive, usually on the second Sunday in June, closes Commercial Drive for a huge free festival of Italian food, music and patios.
• The Steveston Salmon Festival, on Canada Day, July 1, in Richmond, with a famous salmon barbecue cooked over open fire.
• Car Free Day, held in some summers on Main Street and in other neighbourhoods, turns streets into festivals with food vendors.
• Pride, usually around the start of August, in the West End around Davie Street, with food and drink across the neighbourhood.

When are the Vancouver night markets?

Night markets are a summer tradition in Metro Vancouver. The Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver has run on Friday evenings from about May to September, with food trucks, vendors and live music near Lonsdale Quay. Richmond has had a long night market tradition, with Asian street food under the lights; check what is running this year, since markets come and go.

Where do food trucks gather in summer?

Food trucks are busiest in summer. Look for them at brewery districts on weekends, at festivals and fairs, at farmers markets and at events around the waterfront. Many trucks post their location daily on social media.

How do you plan for a summer food event?

1. Check dates, hours and tickets on the official site.
2. Take transit. Parking is scarce at big events, and many involve alcohol.
3. Go early for shorter lines and cooler temperatures.
4. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
5. Carry a card and a little cash, since most vendors take cards but not all.
6. Share food so you can try more.

How do you get to the PNE?

The PNE Fair takes place at Hastings Park, in the northeast corner of Vancouver near the Burnaby border. Buses run along Hastings Street directly to the grounds, and that is usually the easiest way in from downtown or Burnaby. Parking on site and in the surrounding neighbourhood is limited and fills up on weekends and evenings, so transit, cycling or a drop-off are often less stressful.

A few planning tips:

• Go on a weekday if you can, when lines for the famous food stands are shorter.
• Buy tickets online in advance, which can be cheaper than at the gate.
• Budget for the food. The fair's novelty snacks are part of the fun, but they add up across a family.
• Check the daily schedule for concerts and shows, which affect how busy the grounds are.

Are summer food events good for kids?

Most are. The PNE is a family classic, Italian Day and the Salmon Festival are family-friendly, and night markets are busy and fun. Beer gardens and licensed areas are adults-only; in BC, the drinking age is 19. Crowds can be heavy, so agree on a meeting point with children.

How much does a summer food festival cost?

Many street festivals are free to enter, with food bought from vendors. The PNE charges admission, often cheaper in advance online. Festival food is not always cheap, so sharing is a good strategy. Prepared food in BC carries 5 percent GST, and alcohol also carries 10 percent PST. Tipping at food trucks and festival stalls is optional.

What about the Celebration of Light?

The Celebration of Light is a fireworks competition held over several summer nights over English Bay. It draws huge crowds to the West End and Kitsilano beaches. Restaurants with views fill up well in advance, and many people bring takeout and blankets to the beach. Expect road closures and heavy transit use.

On Mosey you can rate the trucks, stalls and restaurants you tried at summer events, with photos of what you ordered, and keep a list of favourites to find again next year.

More guides to read next:

• Holiday dining in Vancouver: the Christmas Market, festive menus and booking tips
• What to eat in Vancouver on a rainy day: comfort food and indoor food trips
• Keeping a restaurant list in Vancouver: how to never forget a recommendation

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.