Food truck festivals in the suburbs offer tasty options

Food truck season is rolling back into the suburbs, bringing with it a full lineup of outdoor festivals packed with bold flavors and local favorites in 2026.

From taco trucks and BBQ pits to gourmet desserts and global street food, these events turn parks and downtown streets into open-air dining destinations. With live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of chances to try something new, food truck festivals are one of the easiest — and most delicious — ways to make the most of spring weekends across the region.

Des Plaines Food Truck Round Up

Listen to live music, shop from local artisans and enjoy dinner from a variety of food trucks during monthly Food Truck Round Up events, hosted by the city of Des Plaines.

The events will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Rosemary S. Argus Friendship Park and Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road; Tuesday, July 21, at Metropolitan Square, Metropolitan Way and Market Street; and Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Library Plaza, 1501 Ellinwood Ave. Limited picnic table seating is available, and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.

• On May 19, enjoy music by Whiskey Mil, bubble activities and more. Additional seating is available in the conservatory courtyard. Portable restrooms and indoor facilities will be available. Get handmade goods, treats, and more at the artisan and community booths from Always Love Being, Galactic Crafters, Hot Otter Sauce, The Pretzel Place, and SPEAK Des Plaines.

The food truck lineup includes: Culinary Gangster, Churros Y Chocolate, The Hawaiian Food Truck by Tiki Terrace, Frozen Dreamz, Kori’s Koop, Panzi’z and Pinoy Grill. Most trucks will accept cash and card, but please note that Panzi’z only accepts cash (no debit or credit cards).

The parking lot entrance is on Kolpin Drive off Algonquin Road; overflow parking will be available at Friendship Junior High.

The food truck lineups for the next two events will be coming soon. On July 21, draw on the chalk wall while enjoying live music by Griffin Crowder beginning at 5:30 p.m. On Aug. 18, play yard games and listen to the 28 Days Duo beginning at 5:30 p.m.

For information, visit desplainesil.gov/events.

Lake County Food Truck Festival, May 22

The Lake County Food Truck Festival returns to the Lake County Fairgrounds Friday, May 22. It will feature a wide variety of food trucks serving up everything from savory meals to sweet treats, as well as live music and entertainment. At least 30 trucks are expected to participate.

The event runs from noon to 9 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road in Grayslake. Parking is $10 per vehicle (save $2 when you buy online). Admission gives you access to the food trucks, beer garden, and music from Acousticatz and the Dixon Bandits.

Retail vendors will sell a variety of products. For information, visit lcfairgrounds.com/foodtruckfestival.

North Aurora’s Cuisine at the Crossroads, May 22

Enjoy street eats from some of the area’s best food trucks and enjoy live DJ entertainment, with a view of the Fox River during the fourth annual North Aurora's Cuisine at the Crossroads from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Riverfront Park, 25 E. State St. in North Aurora. Some on-site seating will be available.

The food truck lineup includes: Burrito Xpress (Mexican), Chopsticks (Asian), Happy Lobster Chi (lobster rolls), My Funnel Truck (lemonade shakeups, funnel cakes), Pizza Delle Api (deep dish pizza), The Hawaiian Truck and The Polish Shack.

General admission is free with ample free parking. Cash and credit available at most vendors. This event is outdoors with large grassy areas for guest seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. RSVP via EventBrite.com so they have a headcount to plan accordingly for enough trucks.

For information, visit the event Facebook page.

Woodstock Food Truck Festival on the Square, June 6

The Woodstock Food Truck Festival rolls into the historic square Saturday, June 6. At least a dozen food trucks will line the square serving everything from gourmet street eats to hometown favorites.

It will be 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 6, on the historic square on West Van Buren. There will be live entertainment and a beer tent.

Admission is free for this family-friendly event. For more information, visit realwoodstock.com.

Montgomery Street Eats Festival, June 12

The food trucks return for the fifth annual Montgomery Street Eats Festival on Friday, June 12. It will be 5 to 9 p.m. in Montgomery Park, along River Street in downtown Montgomery, with views of the Fox River. There will be plenty of shade, open space, and a playground.

Sample food and beverages from more than 10 of the area’s best food trucks and enjoy live DJ entertainment and a vendor village featuring local businesses.

General admission is free, with ample free parking. Cash and credit available at most vendors. This event is outdoors with large grassy areas for guest seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. RSVP via EventBrite.com so they have a headcount to plan accordingly for enough trucks. For information, visit the event Facebook page.

Huntley Food Truck Frenzy, July 18

Huntley’s Food Truck Frenzy returns for its third year from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Park District REC Center, 12015 Mill St. in Huntley.

The annual event will feature 30 food trucks, vendors, a kids’ zone and more. Jam along to live music from Industrial Drive and this year’s headliner, 7th heaven.

Food truck offerings will include barbecue, wood-fired pizza, Hawaiian dishes and creamy mac ’n’ cheese. Also: specialty coffee, Filipino and Mexican fare, poutine and crispy fries, lobster rolls, ice cream and funnel cakes.

New this year, purchase a Food Truck Frenzy cup and receive $1 off each drink at the Huntley Park District bar throughout the event (pop and alcoholic beverages). RSVP via EventBrite.com. Visit the Huntley Park District Facebook event page for information.

Other food truck events around the suburbs:

Lisle Food Truck Socials: 4:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3-24, in Commuter Lot B, 1001 Burlington Ave., Lisle. Food trucks and live music. bensidounusa.com/lislefoodtruck/.

Food Truck Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. to dusk Thursdays, June 4 through Sept. 3, at Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park. Food trucks and live music in the Ravinia District. Free. enjoyhighlandpark.com.

Groovin’ in the Grove Food Truck Fridays: 4-10 p.m. Fridays, June 12, July 17 and Aug. 14, at Sugar Grove Public Library, 125 S. Municipal Drive, Sugar Grove. Food trucks. Bring a lawn chair. sugargrovechamber.org.

Hanover Township Fall Food Truck Festival: Times TBA, Thursday, Sept. 17, at the township, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett. fallfoodtruckfest.com.

• With additional reporting from Daily Herald staff.