Food truck festivals are like the ultimate outdoor party. If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with a vibrant food truck scene, then you know how these events bring together the best of both worlds: delicious food and a good time.
For those not in the know, a food truck festival is basically a gathering of food trucks in one location, often with live music and other entertainment. It’s the perfect way to sample a bunch of different cuisines in one go, and it’s also a great opportunity to support local businesses.
If you’re looking for a food truck festival to get excited about, here are 10 that should definitely be on your radar:
1. Chicago Food Truck Festival
Chicago is the culinary capital of the world, so it’s no surprise that it also hosts one of the best food truck festivals in the U.S. The Chicago Food Truck Festival takes place every summer, and it features over 50 different food trucks serving all kinds of cuisines. There’s also live music, games, and other entertainment to enjoy.
Held in Chicago’s historic Grant Park, this food truck festival is one of the biggest and best in the country. It’s a foodies’ paradise: there’s something for everyone at this event. And we do mean everyone – there are even vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options at this festival.
2. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally
Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally is a record-breaking food truck festival. In 2014, they set the Guinness World Record for the largest food truck rally in the world, with over 121 trucks in attendance.
This festival takes place several times throughout the year, so there’s always an opportunity to sample some of Tampa Bay’s best food truck cuisine. Be sure to try the famous Cuban sandwiches from El Cubano Food Truck. They’re the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy.
3. California SoulFood Cookout and Festival
The Cali Soul Food Fest is a two-day event, combined with some of the greatest soul foods from across the Nation. This event is family-oriented and includes a Kid Zone, where the little ones can play while the adults enjoy good music and great food. This festival celebrates diversity through food and culture, with over 25 different food trucks in attendance.
Attendees will be able to enjoy hand-picked vendors from a different variety of mouth-watering soul foods, American foods, Hispanic foods, and other special order foods and beverages. More importantly enjoy the aroma of a good ole fashion cookout, bringing families and friends together to kick up and enjoy live music, delicious foods, and shopping.
4. Tacos’N’Taps
Tacos’N’Taps is a food truck festival that celebrates two of the best things in life: tacos and beer. This event takes place several times throughout the year in different cities across the country.
At Tacos’N’Taps, you’ll find all kinds of delicious tacos, from traditional to innovative. And of course, there’s plenty of beer to wash it all down. This festival is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best tacos and craft beer from around the country. The festival will feature over 10 Taco Trucks, Taquerias, and Mexican Restaurants with Over 30 different types of tacos. Each taco vendor will offer a wide variety of tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes available.
Spicing up the atmosphere, mariachi bands and live music will set the tone for a fiesta you won’t want to miss! And if you’re feeling extra bold, you can enter the Hot Pepper Eating Contest.
5. Columbus Food Truck Fest
The Columbus Food Truck Fest, the Midwest’s Premier Food Truck Festival, returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds for three days of food, music, and fun! Named Best Foodie Event in the state by Ohio Magazine in 2017, this festival features the best mobile food vendors from throughout the region as well as arts and crafts vendors, and dozens of bands on two stages.
While the festival’s mission is to support food tourism in the Central Ohio area and support small businesses, another very essential component of the festival is to help build awareness and support local non-profit organizations that serve the Central Ohio community.
6. Stockton Flavor Fest
The Stockton Flavor Fest is a food truck extravaganza that takes place every year in California’s Central Valley. This event features over 40 different food trucks, as well as live music, pop-up cultural performances, and many other forms of entertainment.
Returning for its third year in Downtown Stockton, the Collide Arts Festival will happen at Stockton Flavor Fest. The visitors can enjoy hands-on art workshops for all ages, local artwork from area artists from throughout the region, live art demonstrations, and sculptures.
This festival is the perfect celebration of Stockton’s Culture, Community & Cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the delicious food and the inspiring art performances overlooking the beautiful Stockton Waterfront!
7. Del Mar Gourmet Food Truck Festival
The Del Mar Gourmet Food Truck Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that offers attendees the chance to sample the best gourmet food from around the world, all in one place. This event features over 20 different food trucks, as well as DJs, full bars and a selection of beers for purchase.
The Del Mar Gourmet Food Truck Festival is the perfect place to sample a wide variety of different cuisines from all over the world. From traditional Mexican to Korean fusion, there’s something for everyone at this festival.
8. Food Truck Carnival, Northglenn, CO
The Food Truck Carnival is a family-friendly event that takes place every Saturday from June through September in Northglenn, Colorado. This event features over 30 different food trucks, as well as carnival games, face painting, and live entertainment. Wright’s Amusements will bring about 15-20 rides for your riding pleasure. The rides are good for kids and kids at heart and we will have midway games too.
When it comes to food, it would be easier to list the types of foods NOT represented at this festival. From ice cream to pizza, comfort food to gourmet cajun grill, you will not leave the E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park hungry.
9. Interstate Food Truck Fest, Hagerstown, MD
This year, Maryland’s beloved Interstate BBQ Festival has been reimagined into the Interstate Food Truck Festival. But just like previous years, it will feature many BBQ vendors and BBQ competition, car truck and bike show, a huge kid’s zone, and live music.
Over 20 food trucks and 40 vendors will gather to celebrate their rise in the communities. There are plenty of activities you can enjoy in, like karaoke, axe throwing or cornhole.
10. Food-O-Rama, Atlanta, GA
In 2022, Food-O-Rama returns to Grant Park. This food truck extravaganza will include 50 of the best food trucks from all over the region. This is one of Atlanta’s best food truck festivals, and it’s not to be missed. Make sure to come hungry, because there will be plenty of delicious food to choose from. And if you’re looking for something different, the Vegan Alley will feature a variety of plant-based options.
You can also enjoy craft beers, specialty cocktails, local arts and crafts vendors, and live music. The event is free to attend — just bring your wallet and a valid ID if you want to eat and drink.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a fun festival to attend, these 10 food truck festivals are sure to excite and tantalize your taste buds. So mark your calendars and make your plans – it’s time to get out and sample some of the best cuisines the food truck world has to offer. If you know of a food truck festival that you think should be on our list, don’t hesitate to let us know!
