Warmer weather means that a number of our favorite things are on the horizon: Open windows, blooming flowers, farmers markets, and festivals. More specifically, food truck festivals. While they once might have seemed like a foodie trend, it is clear that food trucks are here to stay – and North Carolina is home to some of the best. From the usual barbecue, taco, or cupcake truck to the less familiar Asian-fusion, vegan, or French crêpe truck, there’s something out there guaranteed to strike your fancy. We’ve rounded up all of the scheduled food truck festivals, or “rodeos” as many like to call them, so that you can plan your weekends accordingly – just make sure to bring your appetite.
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Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo • Raleigh • May 7
The first of four food truck rodeos in downtown Raleigh features more than 50 food trucks from all over North Carolina and sidewalk seating for more than 1,000 visitors. Festivities are from 12-7 p.m. You can show your support by purchasing a VIP pass for $26, which will grant you a 30-minute head start at each of the four rodeos throughout the year.
Greensboro Food Truck Festival • Greensboro • May 7
Now located downtown at Greene and Market streets, the Greensboro Food Truck Festival will include 50 trucks, craft beer, music, kids’ activities, and craft vendors. Admission is free, and festivities will be from 4-9 p.m. This is the first of two downtown food truck festivals in Greensboro this summer.
NC Food Rodeo at Grove Winery & Vineyards • Gibsonville • May 14
The NC Food Rodeo is held one Sunday each month through the summer, and kicks off on March 12 from noon-4 p.m. Located at Grove Winery & Vineyards, enjoy the scenery while you eat and mingle with friends. If you can’t make this one don’t fret; they’ll be back June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, and November 12. Make sure to check NC Food Rodeo’s Facebook page for more information on future events.
Rocky Mount Mills 5K, Concert, & Food Truck Rodeo • Rocky Mount • June 3
After the Rocky Mount Mills 5K, runners and nonrunners alike can enjoy live music, cold beer, and an assortment of culinary creations from the many food trucks that will be participating. Music will begin at 9 a.m. to kick off the race, and will continue until noon.
Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo • Raleigh • June 11
The second of four food truck rodeos in downtown Raleigh features more than 50 food trucks from all over North Carolina and sidewalk seating for more than 1,000 visitors. Festivities are from 12-7 p.m.
NC Food Rodeo at Grove Winery & Vineyards • Gibsonville • June 11
The NC Food Rodeo is held one Sunday each month through the summer, and kicks off on March 12 from noon-4 p.m. Located at Grove Winery & Vineyards, enjoy the scenery while you eat and mingle with friends. If you can’t make this one don’t fret; they’ll be back July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, and November 12. Make sure to check NC Food Rodeo’s Facebook page for more information on future events.
North Carolina Food Truck State Championship • Randleman • June 17-18
This third annual food truck competition includes entertainment, family activities, and delicious cuisine from Randolph County. Join the fun and celebrate local flavor as you prepare for a great day of eating, music, crafts, and fellowship. Food trucks begin serving up orders at 11 a.m.
Father’s Day Food Truck Rodeo • Durham • June 18
Celebrate Father’s Day with your family or friends at Durham Central Park. Enjoy more than 50 different food trucks and local craft beer from noon-4 p.m. Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba will perform.
NC Food Rodeo at Grove Winery & Vineyards • Gibsonville • July 9
The NC Food Rodeo is held one Sunday each month through the summer, and kicks off on March 12 from noon-4 p.m. Located at Grove Winery & Vineyards, enjoy the scenery while you eat and mingle with friends. If you can’t make this one don’t fret; they’ll be back August 13, September 10, October 8, and November 12. Make sure to check NC Food Rodeo’s Facebook page for more information on future events.
Wake Forest Food Truck Rodeo • Wake Forest • July 23
From noon-4 p.m., an array of food trucks from Wake Forest’s community will come together at The Renaissance/Over the Falls Shopping Center in historic downtown Wake Forest. This is the second of three scheduled events throughout the year.
Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Evening Rodeo • Raleigh • August 6
The third of four food truck rodeos in downtown Raleigh features more than 50 food trucks from all over North Carolina and sidewalk seating for more than 1,000 visitors. This is an evening rodeo, so festivities are from 3-9 p.m.
NC Food Rodeo at Grove Winery & Vineyards • Gibsonville • August 13
The NC Food Rodeo is held one Sunday each month through the summer, and kicks off on March 12 from noon-4 p.m. Located at Grove Winery & Vineyards, enjoy the scenery while you eat and mingle with friends. If you can’t make this one don’t fret; they’ll be back September 10, October 8, and November 12. Make sure to check NC Food Rodeo’s Facebook page for more information on future events.
Greensboro Food Truck Festival • Greensboro • August 27
Now located downtown at Greene and Market streets, the Greensboro Food Truck Festival will include 50 trucks, craft beer, music, kids’ activities, and craft vendors. Admission is free, and festivities will be from 4-9 p.m. This is the second of two downtown food truck festivals in Greensboro this summer.
Labor Day Weekend Food Truck Rodeo • Durham • September 3
Enjoy your long holiday weekend with good friends and great food at Durham Central Park from noon-4 p.m.
NC Food Rodeo at Grove Winery & Vineyards • Gibsonville • September 10
The NC Food Rodeo is held one Sunday each month through the summer, and kicks off on March 12 from noon-4 p.m. Located at Grove Winery & Vineyards, enjoy the scenery while you eat and mingle with friends. If you can’t make this one don’t fret; they’ll be back October 8 and November 12. Make sure to check NC Food Rodeo’s Facebook page for more information on future events.
Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo • Raleigh • October 8
The last of four food truck rodeos in downtown Raleigh features more than 50 food trucks from all over North Carolina and sidewalk seating for more than 1,000 visitors. Festivities are from 12-7 p.m.
NC Food Rodeo at Grove Winery & Vineyards • Gibsonville • October 8
The NC Food Rodeo is held one Sunday each month through the summer, and kicks off on March 12 from noon-4 p.m. Located at Grove Winery & Vineyards, enjoy the scenery while you eat and mingle with friends. If you can’t make this one don’t fret; they’ll be back November 12. Make sure to check NC Food Rodeo’s Facebook page for more information on future events.
5th Annual QuintilesIMS Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo • Durham • October 22
You are welcome to race, go the distance, or casually run with family and friends. All races start next to the American Tobacco Campus (between 6:45-8:30 a.m.) with a post-race festival on the lawn at the Durham Performing Arts Center ending at noon. There will be entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, “carb crawl” through local restaurants, and activities for kids.
Durham Food Truck Rodeo • Durham • November 5
Food, live music and craft beer are all in abundance at the “original” Triangle food truck rally, held in Central Park several times a year. Festivities are from noon-4 p.m and feature over 50 local food trucks.
Wake Forest Food Truck Rodeo • Wake Forest • November 7
From noon-4 p.m., an array of food trucks from Wake Forest’s community will come together at The Renaissance/Over the Falls Shopping Center in historic downtown Wake Forest. This is the last of three scheduled events throughout the year.
NC Food Rodeo at Grove Winery & Vineyards • Gibsonville • November 12
The NC Food Rodeo is held one Sunday each month through the summer, and kicks off on March 12 from noon-4 p.m. Located at Grove Winery & Vineyards, enjoy the scenery while you eat and mingle with friends
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