If you’re looking for new flavours without having to travel or shell out big bucks at a fancy restaurant, food trucks are where it’s at. Over the years we’ve seen the industry swell into a booming business, with all kinds of food trucks hitting the pavement to offer up creative fare.
If you’re hungry to sample some of what the best food trucks are offering, you need to hit up a food truck festival this summer. They’re the perfect opportunity to try out delicious new eats, plus there’s something for everyone. That makes them ideal for families, groups, or even date nights with a special someone.
Ready to get noshing? Here are some of the best food truck festivals to check out this summer across Canada. Hungry for more? Be sure to watch The Great Food Truck Race on Sundays at 9PM ET/PT on Food Network Canada. Stream Food Network Canada with a STACKTV subscription. Try it free today.
Les Premiers Vendredis
Dates and locations: July 5-7 at Olympic Stadium and August 2-4 at Old Port of Montreal, Montreal, QC
The best food truck festivals in Montreal go down every first weekend of the summer at the annual First Fridays food truck gathering. The shindig is inspired by similar gatherings at Los Angeles’ Venice Beach and is a celebration of food and art. The 2024 edition features more than 40 vendors offering their favourite fare at themed events, including the Mediterranean weekend in July and the Latin America weekend in August. Come for the food, but stay for the art, ambiance and family-friendly fun.
Related: 10 Canadian Food Trucks That’ll Satisfy Your Street Food Cravings
Hamilton Food Truck Festival
Dates and location: July 12-14, Gage Park, Hamilton, ON.
More than 30 food trucks are pounding the pavement at this annual festival with free admission. The pet and kid-friendly event features all of the big draws you’d expect from a food truck festival, including a great selection of international cuisines, tribute bands and eating competitions. However, its park location also sets it apart: once you’ve had your fill, check out the Children’s Museum, cool off at the spray pad, or check out nature via the extensive walkway system.
Burlington Food Truck Festival
Dates and location: July 19-21, Burloak Waterfront Park, Burlington, ON
The Burlington Food Truck Festival is back for another year, this time with a brand new location. Burloak Waterfront Park hosts more than 30 food trucks from a variety of cuisines and promises to serve some of the best food in the country. Once again, admission is free, and there are games and local performers to look forward to. Or, enter an eating contest, walk the Lake Ontario border and set up a picnic under the stars.
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Curt’s 2-Day Summer Food Truck & Market Event
Date and location: July 20-21, Riverview Lions Club, Riverview, NB
In Riverview, Curt’s General Market is all about supporting small businesses with local events. So this year it’s offering a giant market and food truck festival to really draw in a crowd. There are a handful of food trucks scheduled to attend as well as more than 70 vendors. Admission to the family-friendly event is free.
Related: The Very Canadian History of the Acadian Fricot
Food Truck Wars
Date and location: July 26-27, Porter Street, Saskatoon, SK
This two-day festival is family and pet-friendly and features food trucks, trailers and booths offering all kinds of food and beverages. This year’s Food Truck Wars also features cultural entertainment, market vendors, food competitions and even karaoke, so plan on spending the entire day there if you want to take advantage of it all.
Toronto Food Truck Festival
Date and location: Aug 2-5, Woodbine Park, Toronto, ON
This year’s Toronto Food Truck Festival returns to Woodbine Park, where more than 30 food trucks will serve a slew of handhelds and plates. In addition to all of the good food, there are eating competitions, cold beer, and live bands to look forward to. Admission is free and includes a variety of kids’ games, and the park has a water play area, playground and climbing wall. Be sure to walk off all of that food afterward on the boardwalk, where you can check out the local wildlife and foliage.
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Pickering Food Truck Festival
Date and location: August 9-12, The Esplanade Park, Pickering, ON
This year the city of Pickering is transforming The Esplanade Park into a food-lovers haven with an array of food trucks taking over the space. Due to a city regulation pets aren’t able to attend, but there will still be plenty of family-friendly fun to check out, like a children’s village. Elsewhere, live entertainment takes the stage, there will be plenty of cold beer available, and admission is free.
Dished Food Truck Festival
Date and location: August 11, Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza, Vancouver, BC
This one-day food truck activation is free to attend, which is good because you’ll want to invest in at least one of the 18 food trucks rolling into the festival. There will also be a BC Shop Local marketplace to check out and live music to enjoy.
Related: 11 Stands You Have to Try at Granville Island Public Market
Brampton Food Truck Festival
Date and location: August 30 to September 1, Chinguacousy Park, Brampton, ON
This annual festival is gearing up to host 40 food trucks at its 100-acre park location. Guests can also check out beach volleyball courts, a mini-putt, gorgeous gardens, a greenhouse, and a petting zoo. Listen to some live music, hop in a paddle boat, or take the kids to the splash pad or the BMX/skateboard park for a little extra family fun.
The Station Food Truck and & Music Festival
Date and location: September 20-21, The Langford Station, Langley, BC
What better way to celebrate the last official weekend of summer than with this city-run food truck festival? Last year, the first annual event took over the street with a slew of trucks representing all kinds of cuisines, and this year, the festival is only expected to grow. Add in some good tunes and this festival is guaranteed to be a deliciously good time.