Survival Guide: Food Truck Fest

Get prepared, Columbus. The food trucks will be invading The Scioto Mile on Friday and Saturday. It’s time to plan your maneuvers carefully, and we’re here to help you make the most of the madness.

The Basics

Food Truck Festival will be taking place at the aforementioned Scioto Mile with 64 different food vendors lining up over the two-day event. If you’re worried about admission, don’t because it’s free. The festival starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 11 p.m. Getting there early is the cliche thing to say, but it’s true. And if you can’t make it early, I recommend waiting until the evening before heading over because the afternoon is typically the busiest time.

Parking might be a little crazy (who are we kidding, it will definitely be crazy), so snagging an electric scooter is an easy way to arrive without stressing. Park a few blocks away, grab your scooter, and you’ll only be out about $2-$5 on transportation. Oh, and wear a helmet.

Attacking The Lineup

This will be the true test of not putting all your eggs in one basket. There’s so many options to choose from, and it’s best to not fill up at just one spot. That being said, it can get expensive doing it this way. The trick is to bring friends with you and split up. One person can snag tacos from Holy Taco while someone picks up fried pickles at Chicky Chicky Waffle Truck and the other treats everyone to some Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. Not only is this an efficient use of your time, everyone is pitching in for some food truck style tapas.

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Know Your Setlist

The Food Truck Festival isn’t just delicious food and booze in one spot, there’s also musical acts and the lineup is killer. Local favorites like Doc Robinson and Angela Pearly & Howlin Moons take the stage on Friday evening. On Saturday, the best food truck will be crowned followed by performances including Funkworthy, Fo/Mo/Deep, and Rust Belt Rumble Family Band.

Of course non-food vendors will be in attendance, too. Everyone could use some more Ohio-themed swag in their closet, and Ohio Dynasty can hook you up with some well designed digs. Eleventh Candle Company will also be setting up shop for the weekend, and who doesn’t always have more room in the budget for more candles?

For Mom And Dad

The Food Truck Festival is very kid-friendly, and there’s ways to get them enjoying the day at the kids area. While it will be open and operating on Friday, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. is the official time for kids fun day. Expect more activities on Saturday, but don’t discount Friday.

Let’s say you decided to leave the little ones with a sitter for the afternoon. Good for you, you two deserve it. If you’re looking to experience a little more at the festival, there will be kayaks available to rent to float down the Scioto River. Think Bateaux Mouches in France, but make it Ohio.

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