The food truck craze is alive and well in the Triangle area giving new meaning to meals on wheels. Faithful foodies follow their favorite trucks near and far to enjoy dishes served up by creative chefs in mobile kitchens.
Are you a self-proclaimed food truck fanatic? Perhaps you’ve been wondering what all of your friends have been dishing about and are ready to conduct your own mobile meal taste tests? Our Triangle cities and towns are serving up some fantastic food truck rodeo events this spring and summer that you’ll want to attend.
Cary
Chatham Street Chowdown
Sunday, April 23; Sunday, June 25; Sunday, July 30; Sunday, Oct. 1
12:30 to 5 p.m.
East and West Chatham Street
Food trucks and brewery and wine vendors are ready to tempt your taste buds on Chatham Street this spring and summer. This yummy affair takes over downtown Cary with some of the Triangle’s favorite rolling restaurants and live performances by local musicians. Join in this relaxed gathering with your favorite foodies—it’s sure to be a good time!
Chapel Hill
Rodeo on Rosemary
Saturday, March 26
Noon to 5 p.m.
Rosemary Street—between Henderson and North Columbia Streets, Chapel Hill
Take part in the first-ever Rodeo on Rosemary food truck event with some of the Triangle’s most favorite mobile eateries including Cousins Maine Lobster, Banditos, Chirba Chirba, and Morfa Empanadas. Guests of all ages will enjoy tasty food, giant yard games, and an onsite DJ. Tables and chairs will be provided atop the Wallace Parking Deck offering event goers a view of downtown Chapel Hill.
Durham
Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo
Sunday, June 18; Sunday, Sept. 3; Sunday, Nov. 5
Noon to 4 p.m.
501 Foster Street in Durham
The original event that ignited the food truck craze in the Triangle, the Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo kicked off its 2017 season last weekend. Welcoming guests of all ages and palate preferences, this foodie favorite typically features a line-up of more than 50 trucks with everything from beignets and dumplings to ribs and local brews. Live bands and kiddie attractions like bounce houses and inflatable slides add to the fun.
Garner
April Food’s Day Food Truck Rodeo
Sunday, April 2
Noon to 5 p.m.
Main Street—from Griffin to Purvis Streets, Garner
Don’t be fooled; it’s all about the food in Garner this April! The town is getting ready to host its first downtown food truck rodeo on Main Street. Featuring 14 food trucks and three local craft breweries, guests will enjoy good eats as they listen to live music by acoustic duo My Skinny Cousin and performances by local youth. Your little ones will also enjoy taking part in the Kids’ Zone organized by the Garner Police Athletic/Activities League.
Knightdale
Food Truck Thursdays
Every Thursday from April through June and in September
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 6 to 8 p.m.
Knightdale Station Park, 810 North First Avenue, Knightdale
Plan to do lunch or dinner outdoors on Thursdays in Knightdale as the warm weather returns to the Triangle. Food truck participants will rotate based on the week and include well-followed vendors like Chirba Chirba, Oak City Fish & Chips, Baguettaboutit and Cousins Maine Lobster. On the third Thursday of the month, guests will delight in live concerts at the park amphitheater during the dinner hours.
Mebane
Mebane Merchants Saturday Food Trucks
Saturdays
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clay Street, Mebane
Meet up on Clay Street in historic downtown Mebane every Saturday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to try out a new food truck. Flirting With Fire will be in town this weekend serving up gourmet wood-fired pizzas followed by Bulkogi Korean BBQ and its Asian fusion dishes next Saturday. Make sure to check the Mebane Merchants’ Facebook page to get details about the upcoming food truck schedule each week.
Morrisville
Fidelity Food Truck Rodeo
Every Friday
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Frontier in RTP, 800 Park Offices Drive, Morrisville
This weekly food truck rodeo is the perfect treat for a Friday lunch out. With seven different food trucks at each event, you’ll always have something new to try. Take a folding chair or blanket for a place to sit and plan to enjoy the sunny, warm weather that will soon be back in town.
Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
Sunday, May 7; Sunday, June 11; Sunday, Aug. 6; Sunday, Oct. 8
Times TBA
Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
Hit the road to downtown Raleigh to enjoy a food truck and restaurant rodeo over a 1/2 mile long. More than 50 trucks from throughout the state will be spread out over 11 city blocks to serve up tasty eats and treats for guests young and old. Seating will be provided along city sidewalks, and many downtown restaurants will be serving up specials as well.
Wake Forest
Wake Forest Food Truck Rodeo
Sunday, April 2
Noon to 4 p.m.
The Renaissance Center, 405 South Brooks Street in Wake Forest
Food truck fun is rolling back into town in a new location in historic downtown Wake Forest. Located at the Renaissance Center this year, the town’s Food Truck Rodeo will host an assortment of delicious delights, both savory and sweet. Brooks Street Bowl will provide a beer tent, and there will be local arts and crafts vendors as well. Children will also enjoy the Kid’s Zone area with face painting, a bounce house and more. Bring a lawn chair or large blanket to claim a spot and stay awhile.