Car Free Days 2023

The Car Free Vancouver Society acknowledges that our work takes place on the stolen ancestral and traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples. We recognize their sovereignty, as there are no treaties on these lands. It is important to understand the history of the spaces we occupy and the ongoing effects of our presence.

Since 2008, Car Free Vancouver Society has hosted Car Free Days along various main streets to nurture and grow the car free culture. By blocking off major thoroughfares, Car Free Days gave people the chance to experience what cities could be like with more space for pedestrians, not cars.

In 2023, Car Free Vancouver Society is committed to car free spaces that grow inclusivity and diversity, making our communities healthier and more vibrant. Our mission is to nurture and grow car-free spaces and culture in collaboration with local communities. We are excited to announce our dates for Car Free Days Vancouver 2023:

Car Free Days 2023

Commercial Drive (North Grandview Highway to 1st Avenue) - September 9, 2023

Main Street (10th Avenue to King Edward Avenue) - September 16, 2023

West End- Denman (Davie Street to Robson Street) - September 23, 2023

*all festivals will be from NOON to 7PM

This year we're reaffirming our position as a community-led and created festival that showcases diversity, sustainability, localization and car-free culture. We'll be focusing on locally-based vendors in each of the neighbourhood precincts, seeking variety in programming, and encouraging broad community participation. 

Vendor? Applications are now OPEN! We'll be focusing on locally-based vendors in each of the neighbourhood precincts, seeking variety in programming, and encouraging broad community participation. Stall priority will be given to local artisans, nonprofits and businesses owned by people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, having a disability or as a woman, and community organizations that actively serve underrepresented people in our community. Vendor fees have also been updated to reflect these changes, with a greater number of categories, and a pay-as-you-can sliding scale for artisans. Click here to discover our vendor opportunities.

If you have any vendor questions, email: [email protected].

Activation proposal? Creating memorable engagement opportunities is a pillar of the Car Free Day festival experience. Share your story with us and what you're wanting to create for our community. Please email: [email protected]

Entertainment? Applications are now OPEN! Our Entertainment Coordinator is collaborating with hosts for each of our stages. We are accepting applications for buskers, performers, and other entertainment. Please email: [email protected]. All applications will be considered. 

Sponsorship opportunities? Do you want to help us host the best festivals yet while we help you grow your brand? We are looking for sponsorships that align with our mission and want to contribute to a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible festival season. We have many different sponsorship opportunities available for small and large businesses and organizations! The generosity of our sponsors allows us to nurture and grow car-free spaces and culture in collaboration with local communities. Please email: [email protected]

Volunteer opportunities? Calling all Car Free Vancouver volunteers, past and future! We're looking for more enthusiastic and fun individuals to join our growing volunteer team this season to help us put on the best Car Free Day Vancouver festivals yet. Are you passionate about community spirit, car free lifestyles, and sustainability? Join us! Sign up to become a volunteer! Please email: [email protected] or click here 

Thanks to our sponsors 

We are grateful for the support of all our donors and sponsors. Special thanks to the Government of Canada, the West End BIA, Main Street BIA, City of Vancouver, and TransLink. 

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