First Fridays: Montréal’s premier Food Truck Festival

Summer in Montréal officially starts when the food trucks start rolling out. Every First Fridays of the month, from June 2 to October 6, the biggest food truck rally in Canada takes place at Montréal’s Olympic Stadium. Starting at 4 p.m. and continuing until 11 p.m. foodies with a taste for delicious and original offerings can gather together in one spot and purchase food and alcohol from over 50 food trucks spread out on the premises of the Sun Life Financial Esplanade at Montréal’s Olympic Park. Admission to the event is free.

Known as “Les Premiers Vendredis” in French, the monthly culinary festival is the ideal way to enjoy a fun summer night out and sample some of the best dishes Montréal’s restaurant scene has to offer. Lobster rolls, gourmet burgers, pulled pork tacos, steamed buns, decadent grilled cheese sandwiches, mouth-watering traditional Quebecois fare like poutine, crepes and artisanal ice cream, and of course vegetarian and vegan dishes, salads, and so much more. With so many options available, the hardest part of your evening will be narrowing it down!

Looking at the massive army of colourful food trucks lining the premises of the Olympic Park, it might be hard to believe that only a few years ago food trucks were illegal in Montréal. But all that changed five years ago and since the city joined the food truck craze it has made up for lost time. Montréal’s food trucks can be seen all around the city in various open-air venues and festivals, supplying the requisite summer flavour to the myriad of events taking place day and night in this town.

This year’s edition is promising to be even more amazing and varied than the summers before. On top of the usual mouth-watering offerings like Grumman ’78 (the food truck that started it all), Camion Au Pied du Cochon, Das Bacon Truck, Europea Mobile, Le Cheese Truck, Lucille’s Oyster, Landry Filles, etc., a bunch of brand new trucks selling savoury and sweet dishes are joining the fun for the very first time. A variety of beers and wines, as well as cocktails will be available to wash it all down.

Une publication partagée par Parc olympique (@parcolympique) le 3 Juin 2016 à 13h59 PDT

Thanks to evenko, expect to see some of Montréal’s hottest DJs and bands performing on the premises, making it indeed a party not to be missed. The outdoor venue has seating for over 2,000 people, as well as intimate bars and booths spread out around the terrace so you’re bound to find your spot. This year, the organizers at the Québec Food Truck Association have worked extra hard to add extra pizazz to the outdoor space, adding brand new décor and even an Asian theme to some of the outdoor furniture. Whether you’re planning a boisterous evening out with friends, a romantic date with that special someone, or a family-friendly activity where the kids can run around freely, First Fridays has you covered.

Une publication partagée par Parc olympique (@parcolympique) le 6 Mai 2016 à 16h42 PDT

Starting June 2, and barring any unexpected cancellations or changes, the next First Fridays for the summer are slated for July 7, August 4, September 1, and October 6. The list of food trucks on the premises is subject to change. Admission is free and the event takes place from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. No animals (with the exception of seeing eye dogs) are allowed on the premises.

Montréal’s Olympic Park is located at 4545 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave., right next to Pie-IX metro on the Green Line.

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