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Canada’s largest street food festival returns with 40+ food trucks—and free admission

Held the first weekend of every month, Les Premiers Vendredis brings together cuisine, live entertainment and cultural celebrations from around the world.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Premiers Vendredis
Photograph: Alexis Monet | Premiers Vendredis
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Over 40 food trucks? Free live music and cultural programming? A family zone?

One of Montreal’s favourite summer festivals is back and better than ever.

Check out: Best festivals and events in Montreal for 2026

Les Premiers Vendredis
Photograph: Audrey FogacaLes Premiers Vendredis

What is Les Premiers Vendredis (First Fridays)?

Canada’s largest recurring street food gathering is held monthly from June through the summer, bringing together over 40 food trucks, live music, and cultural programming in Montreal.

Kicking things off with a celebratory 15th anniversary edition, the next four themes are the Olympic Edition in July, Fiesta Latina in August and Asia Gone Wild in early September.

Drawing an average of 18,000 visitors per edition, the event is considered the largest annual gathering of its kind in Canada.

Premiers Vendredis
Photograph: Alison Slattery - Two Food Photographers - Tourisme MontréalPremiers Vendredis

Each month features food and artistic programming dedicated to different parts of the globe, with over 40 food trucks and kiosks this year offering international cuisines.

The best part? Admission is free.

Come for Palépops’ handcrafted paletas, La Reine des Empanadas, Le Roi du Taco, Cuisine de Manille, Fratelliz Pizza and stay for the sounds of DJ Blast, Floraison tardive and Coco Rose.

Check out: It’s official: One of the world’s best burgers is in Montreal

Les Premiers Vendredis
Photograph: Frédéric GirardLes Premiers Vendredis

What vendors will be at Les Premiers Vendredis in June 2026?

Banana Plantain
A Canadian–Colombian fusion centered around plantain in all its forms. A guaranteed escape in every bite.

Boom J’s Cuisine
A Montreal reference for jerk chicken since 2013. Caribbean-spiced marinated chicken, rice and peas, and sweet plantain.

Don Nopal
Pork tacos, cheesy chorizo, tequila-caramelized cactus. A direct culinary journey from Mexico.

El Rey del Taco MTL
House-made tortillas and generous toppings. Authentic Mexican cuisine with no compromise on tradition.

La Reine des Empanadas
Golden empanadas that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Generous, flavourful recipes.

La Estancia MTL
Argentinian-style grilled meats with bold flavours from the Southern Cone. Where BBQ becomes an art form.

Grillades Argentines
Authentic Argentinian open-fire grilling: slow-marinated meats, high-heat cooking, deep flavours.

BBQ Patagonia
Slow BBQ, smoked meats and fresh herbs—a tribute to wide-open landscapes brought to Montreal.

Paella Marisol
Freshly cooked paella with saffron, loaded with seafood and chorizo. A taste of Spain at the Esplanade.

Mi Barrio MTL
Flavours of the Latin barrio: generous cooking, bold spices and festive vibes. The neighbourhood comes to you.

Tostadito MTL
Topped tostadas, house-made salsas, fresh and spicy bites—perfect for snacking on the go.

Poutine Los Gringos
A reinvented poutine with a Latin twist: house sauce and Mexican or Caribbean toppings on classic cheese curds.

Chungchun QC
The cult Korean rice dog: fermented rice batter, stretchy mozzarella and a crispy ramen coating.

Cuisine de Manille
Adobo, lumpia and fried rice with Manila-inspired flavours. Family recipes passed down with pride and generosity.

Maquis Ya Solo
Attiéké, grilled chicken and sauce graine—a warm, authentic taste of Côte d’Ivoire in Montreal.

Kamio Food Trucks
Canada’s largest food truck fleet: Texas BBQ, creative poutines and slow-smoked ribs.

Le Smoking BBQ
Montreal’s Texas BBQ pioneer: pulled pork, brisket and ribs smoked for hours over wood. A true institution.

Les Artisans Fumeurs
Smoking elevated to an art form: slow-crafted meats, carefully selected wood and deep, artisanal flavours.

Jerry Food Truck
Since 2013, comforting and creative street food across Greater Montreal. Quality, generosity and 100% Quebec-made.

Sapré Charles Traiteur
Creative Quebec-inspired catering. Elevated local recipes with artisanal craftsmanship.

HNGRY MTL
No-nonsense street food: creative burgers, bold snacks and punchy flavours for those craving something different.

Hot Dog du Monde
The hot dog reimagined with global flavours: international-inspired toppings and creative condiments.

La Chips Originale
Hand-cut chips, freshly fried and generously seasoned. Impossible to stop at just one.

Saveurs de Belgique
Crispy waffles and golden fries cooked in beef fat. Authentic Belgian comfort food without the flight.

La Frite Rit
Belgian fries at their best: golden, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with a range of house-made sauces.

Fratelliz Pizza
Neapolitan-style pizza: light airy dough, generous toppings and wood-fired cooking. Naples spirit at the Esplanade.

La Cuisine d’Aimée
Slow-cooked dishes, warm spices and generational recipes. Comfort food just like home.

Sista Vibes MTL
Colourful Afro-Caribbean cuisine, fresh ingredients and a warm atmosphere. Good food that makes you feel good.

Chef Dudu
Grilled asparagus cones and tender Valleyfield-style grillades. A creative mix of vegetal freshness and hearty meats.

Bonheur Café JP
Specialty coffee served with a smile and homemade treats. A recharge stop between food stands.

L2 Bubble Tea
Fresh, colourful and indulgent bubble tea. Generous tapioca and fruity or creamy flavours.

Alice and Theo
Artisanal desserts blending creativity and indulgence. The stand you hesitate at before ordering everything.

Icy Cream
Artisanal ice cream with original flavours and elegant presentation. The sweet reward after a full tasting tour.

Le Churros
Fresh-made churros, crispy, hot and dusted with sugar, served with chocolate sauce.

Mignon Churros & Nougat
Indulgent churros and artisanal nougat—a perfect sweet duo to end the night.

Pale Pops
Artisanal fruit paletas inspired by Mexican tradition. Fresh, colourful and natural—the Esplanade’s frozen treat.

For all the programming details, click here.

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