Food Truck Wars expands for year five
Organizers with the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival say this edition will be their “most exciting” yet. Food Truck Wars set to return to Cloverdale Fairgrounds in April runs April 10-12, once again transforming the site at 176 Street and 60 Avenue into B.C.’s largest mobile food showdown.
More than 40 trucks are expected, topping last year’s 38. In 2025, over 22,000 visitors streamed through the gates during the three‑day event. This year, planners expect even more hungry guests as the festival continues to grow.
New eating challenges and family fun
The weekend lineup includes a second annual hot dog eating contest on Saturday, April 11. New this year is the Donut Dash on Friday, April 10, where competitors race to eat the most mini‑donuts in five minutes.
Beyond food, the site will feature a rock‑climbing wall, roaming kids’ entertainers and games for “big and small.” Visitors can browse a local artisan marketplace, sample craft beer, and enjoy live music between bites. The goal, organizers say, is to offer something for every age and appetite.
Nine categories decide the champs
Food Truck Wars isn’t just about grazing—it’s a judged competition. A panel will taste and score entries across nine categories: Best in Show, Best Meat Sweats, Best Sweet Treats, Best Plant‑Based, Best Between Buns, Best International/Fusion, Best Classic, People’s Choice and the Creative Food Award.
Festival organizers try to curate a diverse lineup of operators. They look for “good people who sell good food and are easy to work with,” aiming to showcase unique, memorable trucks rather than repeat menus. Food Truck Wars set to return to Cloverdale Fairgrounds in April gives vendors a high‑profile stage to stand out.
From Cloverdale to Langley and back again
The festival has had a winding journey. It launched in Cloverdale, later shifted to Langley, and now returns “home” for its fifth year. Organizers joke they have survived red tape, an atmospheric river and even a pandemic, yet the event continues to expand.
Admission remains free, with advanced tickets available online or by donation at the gate. The philosophy is simple: highlight “the best food on four wheels” while keeping the experience accessible to families.
Supporting Titans minor football
This year’s charity partner is the White Rock South Surrey Titans Minor Football club. A portion of all ticket proceeds supports programs for kids and teens aged five to 18, including both football and cheerleading.
The club focuses on building skills on and off the field—teamwork, commitment, integrity and sportsmanship. By tying Food Truck Wars to a local youth organization, organizers keep the event rooted in community as well as cuisine.
When to go and how to plan
Food Truck Wars set to return to Cloverdale Fairgrounds in April runs:
- Friday, April 10: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, April 11: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday, April 12: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Cloverdale Fairgrounds sit at 176 Street and 60 Avenue in Surrey, with parking and transit nearby. For advance tickets, truck lists and updates, visit foodtruckwars.co before the first grills fire up.
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