The food truck scene is becoming increasingly popular each year and this summer, New Jersey is joining the trend. Food trucks offer a diverse and convenient selection of various flavors and cuisine, providing a fresh and exciting alternative to a traditional restaurant dining experience. They are perfectly paired with live events and celebrations for attendees of all ages to participate in. From the fields of North Jersey to the shores of the South, let’s take a look at 10 of the best NJ food truck festivals happening this summer.
1. United For Impact Food Truck Festival
Freehold, NJ
Partnering with Downtown Freehold, United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is hosting the United For Impact Food Truck Festival on Sunday, June 25 from 12-6:00 p.m. Located on West Main Street of Downtown Freehold, this event promises great food, beer, live music, and plenty of vendors for guests to enjoy. Food trucks in attendance include Big John’s Gourmet Burgers, Cousins Maine Lobster, House of Cupcakes, and many more. Guests can enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card to use on dining at the festival. Additionally, donations are collected to help advance United Way’s mission to bridge the gaps between education, financial stability, and health for the members of their community.
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2. School’s Out Food Truck Festival
New Egypt, NJ
Teachers, educators, and contributing members of the education community alike are invited to celebrate the start of summer at the School’s Out Food Truck Festival on Saturday, June 24 & Sunday, June 25 at the Laurita Winery. Free admission is offered with proof of school ID to thank school employees for their dedication and hard work in serving students during the school year. Featured food and drink options include delectable house-made wines paired with numerous food offerings available from on-site food trucks. Guests are encouraged to wine and dine while also listening to live music all weekend long.
3. Wild Fest 2023
Pittstown, NJ
Wild Fest 2023 is a benefit for Woodlands Wildlife Refuge featuring delicious food trucks, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. Located at Clinton Elks Lodge in Pittstown NJ, this festival runs from 12-6:00 p.m. on June 25 to help raise funds for the organization to support and rehabilitate native wildlife. Attendees can look forward to a variety of delicious offerings from vendors such as Cas’ Pierogi & Kielbasa, Cubano X-press, Eat My Balls, Ice Cream Creations, Summer Daze, Joanie’s Diner, and Ms. Fu’s Yummy Food Truck.
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4. Freedom Fest Food Truck Friday
Garfield, NJ
Kick off Independence Day Weekend on June 30 at 20th Century Field in Garfield, NJ. A delicious evening awaits with a various selection of 17 gourmet food trucks and vendors from 4-10 p.m. Involve the whole family with a selection of children’s activities such as pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, and more. An assortment of drinks including beer, sangria, and margaritas are available for guests to enjoy while a DJ entertains throughout the night. Participating food trucks include The Brew Crew, Kona Ice, The Lomo Truck, Senor Tacos, Sandwich Freak, and many more.
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5. Red White & Blue Food Truck & Music Fest
Teaneck, NJ
Celebrate freedom on Saturday, July 1 at Red White & Blue Food Truck & Music Fest on the Teaneck Armory Lawn. From 11-7 p.m., guests can enjoy gourmet offerings from 20 food trucks, live music, and various activities such as pony rides, a petting zoo, axe throwing, face painting, and more. Additionally, alcoholic beverages are offered through beer, margaritas, & sangria bars. This pet-friendly event welcomes the whole family to try delicious fare from vendors like The Mexi Boys, Rolling Pita, Angry Archies, and many more.
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6. Cherry Hill Mall Food Truck Festival
Cherry Hill, NJ
This shopping mall turns into a family celebration on Saturday, July 15 at the 4th Annual Food Truck Festival at the Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, NJ. A plethora of food trucks, vendors, music, carnival games, and raffle prizes are provided from 12-6 p.m. Hosted by Kamp For Kids, 100% of the proceeds from the event go to organizations benefiting children with autism.
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7. Verona Summer Food Truck & Music Festival
Verona, NJ
Our Lady of the Lake Parish is honoring 100 Years in operation with the food truck event of the summer at their church in Verona, NJ. On Saturday, July 22 from 11-7 p.m., guests are invited to a fun-filled celebration packed with 15 food trucks, a selection of craft beer and other drinks, live music, and children’s activities. On-site food trucks include Angry Archies, The Brownie Bar, Chick Wings & Things, The Lomo Truck, and many more.
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8. Chester Food Truck & Music Festival
Chester, NJ
This cozy town shows up in a big way at their annual Chester Food Truck & Music Festival on August 12 benefiting the Chester First Aid Squad. Located on Municipal Field, 20 diverse food trucks are present alongside live bands and a delicious beer and sangria garden from 11-7 p.m. Participating food trucks include Angry Archies, Benito’s Jersey Curbside Eats, Dans Waffles, The Empanada Truck, and plenty more mouth-watering options.
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9. Ogdensburg/Franklin PBA Local 404 Food Truck Festival
Ogdensburg, NJ
The PBA Local #404 association is hosting a fundraiser event at the historic Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, NJ on Saturday, July 29. From 11-6 p.m., come out to enjoy delicious fare at assorted food trucks, live music by the Radio Flyers and the Geuther Girls, beer and wine selections, and an array of vendors from all over New Jersey. Food trucks in attendance include Homer’s Girls, Angelo’s Brick Oven Pizza, Venti, Coffee Company, Mozzarella God, and more.
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10. 5th Annual South Toms River Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Toms River, NJ
Close out the summer right by attending South Tom River’s 5th Annual Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival at the Mathis Plaza on September 30 from 12-5 p.m. The festival features various food trucks, vendors, a selection of craft beers, and family-friendly live entertainment. Check out their Facebook to receive live updates on the festival as the date gets closer.
What NJ food truck festivals will you be attending this summer? Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Laura DeSiena is a certified Jersey Girl with a passion for music, playing the guitar, and binge-watching 90’s sitcoms. As an aspiring writer and author, she hopes to publish a book someday. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her browsing the shelves of Barnes & Noble in search of her next read.
