Fridays on Front is back!

“It was the worst kept secret!” Kendra Johnston says with a laugh.

In all her time with the Downtown New West Business Improvement Association (BIA), the executive director says she’s constantly being asked about the return of Fridays on Front – especially after COVID took the summer street fair away.

“[Fridays on Front is] just one of my favourite events – and a favourite of many others – and I think the reason why is because it connects the community,” she explains.

The last couple of years have been a challenge for the BIA and its members; while everyone suffered the wrath of COVID-19, struggles were amplified for the association when the Metro Vancouver sewer construction project came to town.

“I really think it helps to show downtown is bouncing back this summer,” explains Johnston, making reference to the BIA’s #bounceback campaign. “We’ve had [construction] work, we’ve had business closures, and the level of those challenges have been extremely challenging. This gives people a lot of hope, gives us something to look forward to.”

The event will make use of both scenic Pier Park and cinematic Front Street to host food trucks, activities for kids, and an assortment of artisan craft vendors. The event will also be licensed, so New West favourites Steel and Oak and Pacific Breeze Winery will be around to quench your thirst. You’ll be able to enjoy music in the background; performers this year were chosen through a jury spearheaded by the United Creative Artists Studio Society and Bully’s.

Johnston says there are a couple of changes attendees can expect to see over the summer.

“Years past, we’d have eight Fridays on Front events. Eight consecutive Fridays in July and August, but we found that the Friday night of a long weekend generally had much lower attendance.” Johnston said they decided to return with six dates for this year, and take a look at the performance once the summer run is done.

“There are also staffing challenges,” Johnston notes, which is why the BIA is appealing for volunteers to help make the event a success.

On the vendor side, Johnston is excited for the BIA to partner with Shop First Nations, a group that will also be hosting an Indigenous Craft Market with the Arts Council of New West.

While Johnston is looking forward to the entire experience, there’s one thing she just can’t stop thinking about.

“My favourite food truck of all time is Frying Pan,” she gushes, “I can’t tell you, I’ve just been dreaming about it for three years.” Johnston says there will be a wide variety of food options to choose from, whether it’s vegan, local, or a little bit of everything.

“But yes, after the wait, Frying Pan is a crowd favourite, and it’s mine, too.”

What you need to know:

• Fridays on Front dates: every Friday from July 8 to July 22, then every Friday from August 5 to 19

• Admission is 100% FREE

• The event runs from 5-9 pm

• Confirmed appearances by Donuteria, Gastronomia, Steel & Oak and Pacific Breeze Winery!