Sidequest New West! Video Game Culture & Play
It’s The Final Boss of the Summer!
Oh what a season to remember, my darlings!
I’m back one last time —not for good, just for the 2025 event series — to spill the tea about this summer’s incredible journey we shared right here on Front Street Mews in Downtown New Westminster.
Last Friday, August 22nd, we wrapped up Fridays On Front with our grand finale: Sidequest New West! Video Game Culture & Play. And honey, did we level up!
From shopping local treasures and munching on food truck delights, to dancing along with live music and performances, the night was a spectacular victory lap. Plus, we had a special guest—a wandering Pikachu that had the crowd squealing with joy!🎮✨
A special thanks to our glamourous photographer for the wonderful pics: Moniza Perim
Our Grand Finale Highlights 🎶🎤🍔
🎤 Hosted by our one and only weekly star, Drag King Justin Abit, who also gave us a jaw-dropping performance each night! He was a superstar, bringing his energy and many laughs to the crowd!
🎧 Video game beats remixed live by DJ Jewel Maiden
🎸 Spectacular performances by The Troopas, rocking game classics and electric hits
🚚 Food truck lineup: Taco Nori, Shameless Buns, S for Skewer, Frying Pan, and Crack On
And let’s not forget — sunshine blessed us all night long, making up for the rainy detour the week before. We partied hard right until the very last minute!
A Look Back at Fridays On Front 2025 🌈🌍
Every Friday this summer, Front Street Mews came alive with food trucks, drinks, performances, local vendors, and community spirit. Together, we created a season filled with laughter, dance, and connection. Let’s rewind the highlight reel:
July 11: Deep Roots: Indigenous Night — celebrating heritage, culture, ancestral stories, and incredible performances led by Indigenous artists.
July 18: Bollywood Night — bursting with colour, music, spices, and dance.
July 25: Car Free Retro Rewind — a throwback street party for the ages.
August 8: Fiesta Latina Night — High energy all night long, breathtaking performances, and delicious food.
August 15: New West Pride Takeover — hosted at Moodswing Coffee + Bar due to heavy rain, but still an unforgettable night of drag, music, and love.
August 22: Sidequest New West — our epic video game finale!
Performances That Lit Up the Stage 🎶💃
This summer, we were blessed with talented performances by: Shawn Bullshields, James Groening, John Spence, Ra (Drag Deity), DJ Raytrix, Big Bone Brass Band, DJ Ceefour, Batucada Abrace, Roots Peruvian Dance, DJ Mixxx, Clicks & Cuts, and of course our fabulous weekly host, Justin Abit.
Food Trucks Galore 🚚🍦
No summer festival is complete without a feast, and this year’s festival featured a rotating lineup of crowd favourites: Taste of Malaysia, Reel Mac And Cheese, Kona Ice, The Taco Tigre, WakWak Burger, Dos Amigos, Indish, Jugal’s, Stackers, Cheez², J’s Disco Dogs, Ay! Mamacita, Rocky Point Ice Cream, Mahshiko, Big Bites, Burgerholic, Crema Ice Cream, BB’s Gourmet Dogs, Taco N’ Todo, Roasted Revolution, Tokyo Katsu-Sand, Namì Vietnamese, and Poncho’s Tacos.
Local Love 💛 Vendors & Business Members
A huge thank-you to all the local businesses who joined us as vendors and activators this season. A special shoutout to Downtown New West BIA’s members:
Serpent Skin Tattoo Collective & Grapevine Tattoo: Both bringing high-end pop-up tattoo artistry
Key West Ford: Lighting up our stage with their powered Ford truck
Dehls Gourmet: Sharing their delicious West African food
Charm & Champagne Beauty Studio: Water tattoos, hair styling, jewellery, and prize wheels
Portside Law Corporation: Connecting with community and free merch
Bosley’s Columbia Square: Adorable pet products, kids' activities, and water station for pups
Churi: Jewellery, home décor, and accessories
The Refill Stop: A special selection of vinyl records
Tre Galli Gelato Caffè: Italian gelato magic
B-Bombshell Salon: Hair beauty goodies to make you fierce all year long
Native Art Renaissance Foundation and Gallery: Curated artwork from local indigenous artists, and the magnetic storytelling by James Groening
Spirit of the Children Society: Bringing awareness about their empowering work by supporting and providing resources to local Indigenous families through their programs
Modern Warrior: Amazing performance of different martial arts modalities
TF Events Company Inc.: Brought our stage to life with top-notch technology and a great professional crew on site
The Stage: Enabling creativity through various programs and classes, including music, theatre, and dance
Thank For Another Unforgettable Summer Season!
Fridays On Front wouldn’t be possible without all of YOU — our amazing attendees, volunteers, vendors, performers, local businesses, and community supporters. A special round of applause for:
Moodswing Coffee + Bar for saving Pride Night from the rain
New West Pride Society for attending Fridays On Front and their continuous support
City of New Westminster for your unwavering support and for helping us put on another incredible year of Fridays On Front
Mayor Patrick Johnstone for celebrating and connecting with our community
I’s on the Street crew for their service and care
Spirit Of The Children Society for spreading awareness about their programs and for continuing empowering Indigenous families everyday
Chief Rhonda Larrabee of Qayqayt First Nation, for honouring us with her presence at our opening, and for sharing her words of wisdom and resilience
And of course, our presenting partner Douglas College, and generous sponsors: Translink, Tourism New Westminster, Port of Vancouver, Key West Ford, and Steel & Oak Brewing Co., with delicious beer served all Summer!
Until Next Year, Darlings 💃✨
And just like that, my loves, our 2025 season has come to a fabulous close. But don’t you worry — Fridays On Front will be back in 2026 to bring even more food, music, community, and joy to the streets of downtown New Westminster.
Mark your calendars, because this street party isn’t going anywhere — and neither are we! See you next summer, sweethearts.
Until then, keep shining and supporting local.
Fridays On Front 💋
