Car Free Day
Spend the last days of summer enjoying community, friends, and fun activities at Car Free Day on Sunday, August 31 along Edmonds (between Kingsway and Mary Avenue)! This exciting new Burnaby event is part of a nationwide initiative to encourage everyone to leave their cars at home and connect with each other. Admission is free!
Enjoy a fantastic street festival featuring live entertainment, fun activities and games for the whole family, delicious local food and drinks, community booths, and much more. There's something for everyone!
Check out how to get here and parking and road restrictions.
Learn more about the other Car Free Days happening around the Lower Mainland at CarFree.ca.
Event details
Public safety is our top priority. The City of Burnaby has implemented numerous safety measures to ensure the well-being of everyone during the event, including some new protocols for 2025. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation with these practices. If you have any questions about these measures, please feel free to email us at [email protected].
We are dedicated to creating an event that brings our community together, setting aside our differences and celebrating our shared identity as neighbours. Rest assured, as we gather for Car Free Day, all organizing bodies have taken extensive steps to secure both the public and the event site.
Portable washrooms (including accessible washrooms) and hand sanitization stations are available throughout the site.
For first aid and medical services, please visit the first aid tent. Lost and found items will be held at the Car Free Day information tent.
- Tacosaurus
- Reel Mac & Cheese
- Peace Sweetz
- Cravings Kettle Corn
- Croffle
- Crema Ice Cream
- Lemon Heaven
| Performance | Time |
|---|---|
| Sara Magal | 12:15-1 pm |
| What We Embrace | 1:15-2 pm |
| Olin Brix | 2:15-3 pm |
| R&S Duo | 3:15-4 pm |
| Glisha | 4:15-5 pm |
Frankie Hidalgo performing near Fulton Ave at 1-1:45 pm, 2-2:45 pm and 3-3:45 pm.
| Performance | Time |
|---|---|
| Maple Melodies | Noon-12:45 pm |
| Storyteller Russell Hirsch | 1-1:45 pm |
| Cosmo's Clown Circus* | 2-2:30 pm |
| Yuki the Juggler: All the way from Japan! | 3-3:45 pm |
| "ORIGINZ" Family Hip Hop Show | 4:15-5 pm |
*Cosmo's Clown Circus will be roving the event prior to their performance from 1:45-2 pm
| Performance | Time |
|---|---|
| Event begins | noon |
| Las Divinas (Afro-Caribbean Folklore) | 12:10 pm |
| Red Filos (Filipino Hip Hop) | 12:20 pm |
| Sonia Medel (Dance) | 12:30 pm |
| Pasion Venezuela (Venezuelan Dance) | 12:35 pm |
| Sonia Medel (Dance) | 12:45 pm |
| Marlo Browne (Poet) | 12:50 pm |
| Lili Flamenco (Dance) | 12:55 pm |
| Alma Raiz (Columbian Folklore) | 1:15 pm |
| Nico Rana (Dance) | 1:30 pm |
| Anahaw Filipino (Filipino Culture) | 1:40 pm |
| PT Dance (Bollywood Bhangra) | 1:45 pm |
| CUMBALE (Columbian Folklore) | 1:55 pm |
| Giordano Duberger (Latin American Dance) | 2:05 pm |
| FARA (R&B Music) | 2:35 pm |
| Wasakaka All-Stars (Latin music) | 3:25 pm |
| Official Ceremony | 4 pm |
| Wasakaka All-Stars (Latin music) | 4:25 pm |
Main stage performers
Wasakaka All-Stars (Latin music)
Wasakaka All-Stars is a high-energy Latin music band from Vancouver delivering an electrifying mix of salsa, merengue and other Caribbean rhythms. Known for their versatility, their performance will be sure to delight any crowd.
FARA (R&B Music)
FARA is a Vancouver-based R&B artist weaving her Malay heritage into a sound that’s soulful, magnetic, and globally resonant. Born in Singapore and raised in Vancouver’s music scene, her captivating live performances, striking visuals and fearless storytelling make her a rising star pushing Vancouver’s R&B onto the global stage.
Giordano Duberger (Latin American Dance)
Giordano has taught Latin American social dances for over 15 years. Driven by a deep passion for dance, Giordano pursued professional training at the University of the Arts in Havana. Over a decade, Giordano toured and competed internationally in Spain, France, Thailand, Venezuela and Russia. Dance is Giordano’s world and sharing expertise and knowledge brings immense joy with the goal of inspiring a love for dance and Latin American culture in everyone.
CUMBALE (Columbian Folklore)
CUMBALE is a vibrant dance group that celebrates Colombian folklore through music and dance, connecting communities and inspiring pride in cultural roots. The group aims to create inclusive spaces for everyone to enjoy Colombian dance, performing and teaching with unity and heart.
PT Dance (Bollywood Bhangra)
Preeti Singh, founder of PTdance Company, is a professional dance instructor with over 5 years of experience in after-school programs, event choreography and fitness dance classes. Her high-energy dance group has been performing across the Lower Mainland since 2023. Each dancer brings unique talent, making the team vibrant, united and full of spirit. Together, they create powerful performances and unforgettable moments.
Anahaw Filipino (Filipino Culture)
The Anahaw Filipino Canadian Performing Arts Society in BC is dedicated to celebrating and sharing Filipino traditions through dance. Their performances serve as a living narrative, connecting audiences to the history, stories and artistry of Filipino culture. Through captivating movement, music and storytelling, Anahaw preserves heritage and fosters appreciation for diversity with performances, workshops and educational programs.
Nico Rana (Dance)
Nico Rana is a seasoned professional dancer with over 20 years of experience. He has trained alongside world-renowned artists and performed at major dance congresses in Europe, Canada and the United States. Known for a dynamic teaching style and innovative performance, Nico shares his passion for dance with audiences everywhere.
Alma Raiz (Columbian Folklore)
Alma Raiz has a deep passion for folk dance and cultural education. She trained at Fundación Escuela Ritmo Caleño and performed nationally and internationally for seven years. Alma does community outreach with 'Soñar con los Pies,' working with children, seniors and mothers to use dance for well-being, expression and intergenerational connection.
Lili Flamenco (Dance)
Lili Flamenco is a dancer, performer, choreographer and teacher. She has been actively performing and teaching Flamenco for the community, cultural and Flamenco festivals, as well as private events and small theatre venues across the Lower Mainland. The expressive, rhythmical and challenging nature of Flamenco inspires Lili to research, create, perform and teach it. She takes pride in collaborating with local dance artists and musicians and strives to continuously create new works. She is an expressive dancer, a storyteller and believes that dance is an embodied language that exists to tell stories, teach, and inspire.
Marlo Browne (Poet)
Marlo Browne is a versatile Barbadian poet, spoken word artist, host, filmmaker and self-published author of four poetry books. He has performed at various events across BC and his books, which have received 5-star reviews on Amazon, are available in several bookstores and libraries. Marlo is also involved in community outreach, collaborating with non-profit organizations and hosting events to give a platform to BIPOC artists.
Sonia Medel
Sonia Medel is an interdisciplinary artist, curator and researcher completing a PhD in Educational Studies. Her work explores Vancouver’s arts and culture scenes through a decolonial, intersectional feminist lens, centering the socio-political power of Latin American dancers. She has recently returned to performing on national and international stages while juggling publication and film projects. Sonia draws from her complex lived reality as an Indigenous-descendant Latina, the daughter of a Chilean exile and a Peruvian immigrant.
Pasion Venezuela (Venezuelan Dance)
Pasión Venezuela Dancing Group, created in 2024, shares Venezuela's diverse dance styles and rhythms at cultural festivals and special events.
Red Filos (Filipino Hip Hop)
Red Filos is a collective of young Filipino-Canadian dancers in Vancouver, blending Filipino cultural dance with hip hop to preserve their roots while embracing modern expression. They aim to reconnect Filipino youth in diaspora communities with their heritage through inclusive, youth-led cultural spaces. The group started as a school talent show and has grown into a space where identity, heritage and creativity intersect.
Las Divinas (Afro-Caribbean Folklore)
Alegria Soy Cultural & Community Society, based in Edmonds, Burnaby—one of BC’s most diverse community—unites neighbors through arts and culture to advance social justice. In 2023, they established Las Divinas Dance Group, an Afro-Caribbean ensemble that advocates for social justice via dance. The group performs Mangulina and Palos, celebrating Dominican, Caribbean, and African heritage, with choreography by Yula Vostretsova of Elegancia Cubana.
Getting here
To ensure the safety of both residents and event participants and to accommodate some of the planned activities, traffic will not be permitted on the following streets from 5 am on August 31 to 10 pm on August 31.
- Edmonds Street: from Kingsway to Mary Avenue
- Humphries Avenue: from 19th Ave to Vista Crescent
- Linden Ave: from 7216 Linden to Edmonds Street, which includes no access at Edmonds and Linden to PriceSmart Food underground parking (Edmonds access)
- Access to King's Crossing residential towers will be maintained off Noble Lane
- Noble Lane: from the driveway 7303 Noble to Edmonds Street
- Fulton Ave: from mid-block of Fulton Ave to Edmonds Street
Parking on the street as noted above will be restricted to “No Parking” or “Special Event Parking” between 11:59 pm on August 30 to 12:01 pm on September 1. In addition to the road closure area above, there will be no parking for Car Free Day on the north side of 19th Ave between Kingsway and Mary Ave from 6 am August 31 to 10 pm August 31.
If you live in the area of the parking restrictions, please ensure that your vehicle is moved from the street by 11:59 pm on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Any vehicles that are not moved will be towed. If your vehicle has been towed, please call 604-526-9677.
Please consider using public transit, carpool, bicycles, ridesharing, taxis or an offsite parking lot.
If you take transit, please be advised that bus services will also be impacted in the area:
- 106 Edmonds: Regular route to Edmonds & Canada Way then via Canada Way, onto 10 Ave, Kingsway, and back onto Edmonds for the regular route
- 106 New West: Regular route to Edmonds & Kingsway then via Kingsway, onto 10 Ave, Canada Way, and back onto Edmonds for the regular route
Please check TransLink or Google Maps for directions.
Please note that Edmonds SkyTrain Station is about a 10 minute bus ride or a 25 minute walk from the event.
A complimentary shuttle will run between Edmonds SkyTrain Station and the Car Free Day event on Edmonds Street from 11:30 am-6 pm. Look for signs that say “SkyTrain Shuttle – Board Here” to line up.
Consider riding your mobility device to the site or combining transit with a bike ride. If you are coming from Vancouver, ride the BC Parkway and the Highland Park Line Trail all the way to the event site. For all route options, click the Google Maps cycling icon.
A free bike valet will be available on site on Noble Lane for secure bicycle storage. you are welcome to leave your helmet or paniers attached to your bike. The bike valet is also equipped to receive e-bikes, scooters and strollers. The bike valet will be open from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Questions and answers
The event will take place on the road along Edmonds. Portable toilets with a 32” wide self-closing door, flat entrance, reinforced grab bar and extra room for turning. While there is no SPARC parking available on site, there is a pick up and drop off area located behind Edmonds Community Centre.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages within the following guidelines:
- No outside alcohol is permitted on site.
- No knives are permitted on site (please prepare your food in advance).
No, there is no limit for Car Free Day.
The main stage will be located near Kingsway and Edmonds St. There will also be a community stage near Mary Ave and Edmonds St and a family stage on Humphries south of Edmonds.
We're excited to keep this event car-free and encourage everyone to explore other ways to get here. While there's no public parking available on site, you can easily use public transit, taxis, bicycles, ridesharing, or nearby offsite parking lots. There will be a drop-off and pick-up zone for those with SPARC passes at the surface lot of Edmonds Community Centre off Vista Cres and Fulton Ave.
Yes! Everyone is welcome to attend, and there will be plenty of activities and treats at Edmonds geared specifically for kids and adults.
Yes. Portable toilets will be available throughout the event site on Linden Ave, Fulton Ave and Humphries Ave. In addition, the restrooms in Edmonds Community Centre will be open during the event.
Yes.
Yes! There will be two locations to refill your water bottle on site. One will be located near on Linden Ave and Edmonds St and the other will be near the information tent located outside of the Edmonds Community Centre.
Lawn chairs are permitted. Please leave all tents, tarps or umbrellas at home.
For the safety of all guests, please leave the following at home:
- tents, tarps or umbrellas
- weapons or anything that could be considered to be an offensive weapon (including knives of any kind)
- frisbees or balls
- animals (working service dogs are permitted)
- flags, signs on sticks or banners
- barbeques or fires
- musical instruments
- laser pointers
- fireworks
- alcohol and drugs all smoking and vaping products
Yes, If you've misplaced an item, or if you you've found something, please visit the info tent located outside of the Edmonds Community Centre.
Car Free Day at Edmonds is a non-smoking event, and there is no smoking allowed in Burnaby parks. There will be no designated smoking areas within the area. Learn more about smoke-free Burnaby.
With so much going on, visitors are encouraged to leave their pets at home, but service animals with proper identification are permitted.
The Edmonds Community Centre is open to the public to cool down if hot temperatures are forecasted for August 31. The City will continue to review its Extreme Heat Management Plan should extreme temperatures persist, and alter the event as needed to ensure the health and safety of all visitors. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Yes, first aid staff will be roving throughout the site or available at the Info Tent at the front entrance of the Edmonds Community Centre.
A bicycle valet service will be on Noble Lane, just east of Kingsway. Just like a coat-check, they will tag your bike and provide you with a claim stub. Enjoy the event and then bring back the claim stub when you want your bike returned. You can also leave your helmet or panniers on your bike. They accept bikes of all shapes & sizes – even strollers and scooters! The space will be attended at all times. For more info visit the Bicycle Valet FAQ.
Road closures are in effect along Edmonds St (between Kingsway and Mary Ave), as well as a portion of Linden Ave, Fulton Ave, Humphries Ave and Noble Lane to ensure maximum space for residents and visitors to explore everything at the event. The closures will go into effect at 5 am on August 31 will continue throughout the entire day. Roads will reopen at 10 pm.
The event is designed to happen rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
