The Columbus Food Truck Festival takes place in July and August at the Scioto Peninsula and Bicentennial Park in Columbus, Ohio, while the August event is hosted at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Being one of the most awaited food events, the Columbus Food Truck Festival features over 60 food trucks offering hundreds of delicious meals. Entertainment includes dozens of bands on two stages, kids' activities, and an arts and crafts fair.
Festival in Downtown Columbus (July 12-13, 2024)
The beloved Food Truck Festival finally makes its long-awaited return to Downtown Columbus in 2024. The two-day fest stretches along the river banks, the Rich Street Bridge, part of Washington Boulevard, and Genoa Park. Attracting around 100,000 visitors, the venue promises to be filled to the brim with food vendors, offering all kinds of delicious delights, a music lineup consisting of local musicians, and a plethora of activities for children, including face painting and games. This year, The Bittertones, Jared Mahone, The Winnie Cooper Project, MojoFlo, Sarah Cowan, Jocef Michael Band, and many other artists will take the stage of the Downtown Columbus Festival.
Schedule & Admission
The Food Truck Festival in Downtown Columbus is scheduled to take place from 11 am until 10 pm on both days. Admission is completely free and no tickets are required for entry.
Festival at Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard (August 17, 2024)
Home to the Columbus Food Truck Festival since 2021, Hilliard gives a warm welcome to all attendees of the event. The celebration features just as much fun and food as its Downtown counterpart. You'll have a chance to try plenty of tasty dishes, interact with like-minded people, and enjoy groovy music performed on two stages of the festival. The festival market is offering a variety of souvenirs you can purchase as well.
Location
Hilliard is located approximately 14 miles (22 km) from Columbus, Ohio. The event itself is held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, near Hilliard Historic Village and Hamilton Park.
Schedule & Admission
The Hilliard Edition runs from 11 am until 10 pm. Presale tickets cost $5, while on-site tickets are $10 per person. Children aged 12 and under can enter for free with adult supervision. Parking is included in the ticket but is limited.
Food Selection
Every year, the Columbus Food Truck Festival impresses its attendees with a spectacular menu. It features every meal imaginable, including BBQ, pretzels, gelato, noodles, bratwurst, and more. Even the most picky eaters are sure to find something to their liking.
History of the Fest
The Columbus Food Truck Festival, organized by Mike Gallicchio and Chas Kaplan, was first held in 2010. In 2017 it was named the Best Foodie Event in the state by Ohio Magazine. Between 2021 and 2023, the event was relocated to the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. However, in 2024 it finally returned to its previous venue in Downtown Columbus, while still continuing the event in Hilliard.
