Come summer in the Hudson Valley, festivals and food trucks are inseparable. When it comes down to it, the combination makes perfect sense. Why bother leaving the party when food trucks can deliver gourmet eats onsite?
Since the Hudson Valley plays host to an ever-growing list of four-wheeling vendors, expect to see more than a few of the roaming vehicles as you hop from one fest to the next. If you’re a true food truck devotee, however, you’ll be sure to bookmark these events for guaranteed truck sightings (and eating) all season long.
Friday Night Food Trucks
Millbrook Winery knows how to do summer right. The vineyard rings in the start of the weekend with its recurring Friday series. Enjoy $5/glass tap wine as you play cornhole and bocce with friends and family. On the food truck front, expect to see a rotating selection until the end of August. Keep an eye out for Frites of NY, Farmers and Chefs, and The Grille Wagon, to name only a few.
Fridays until Aug 31, 5-8 p.m.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
26 Wing Rd, Millbrook
Beer, Bourbon, and Bacon
Head to Barton Orchards at the end of June for the triple B trifecta. A number of reputable trucks will show up to dole out their tastiest dishes. Sample bites from Eddie’s Churro Factory, Farmers and Chefs, El Dazante on Wheels, Spacey Tracy’s, and Handsome Devil BBQ. Yum is an understatement.
June 30, 2-6 p.m.
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag
Warwick Food Truck Festival
Warwick’s Food Truck Festival returns for its second year on July 5 and August 2 to bring savory and sweet servings to town. Try empanadas from Middletown’s The Bus, chow down on a hot dog from Dogfellas of Washingtonville, and top it all off with a fingerlicking treat from Whipped Cupcakes of Newburgh. Did we mention that there will be a beer and wine garden too?
July 5, Aug 2, 4-9 p.m.
100 Saint Stephens Pl, Warwick
Empire State Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Dutchess County balloon hoopla welcomes a sizeable number of four-wheeled visitors to Barton Orchards in July. Try barbequed creations at Handsome Devil BBQ, dare your friends to order a deep-fried pickle at Spacey Tracey’s, and snack on dumplings at Thailicious Catering. Are your taste buds ready for it?
July 6-8
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag
Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
Ringing in its 27th year in the Hudson Valley, the Hot Air Balloon Festival heads to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds over the course of the first weekend in July to showcase the colorful highflying contraptions. What’s truly exciting, however, is the sheer number of food trucks in attendance. Order up a hot dog from Fanelli’s Devil Dogs, savor a lobster roll from Off The Hook, or get an icy treat from Kona Ice. No matter what you’re craving, a food truck for it will probably be there.
July 6-8
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
6550 Springbook Ave, Rhinebeck
Dutchess Dragon Boat Race & Festival
As one of the Hudson Valley’s more unique events, the Dragon Boat Race attracts a serious crowd. Watch the competition on the water while you sway to the music and catch dance performances on the land. With so much to do, it only makes sense that local food trucks show up to feed hungry attendees. The full line-up of vendors has not been announced yet, but expect top regional trucks to make an appearance.
July 21, 9 a.m.
Hudson River Rowing Association
270 N Water St, Poughkeepsie
Burger & Beer Bash
It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t include our iconic Burger & Beer Bash. Hudson Valley Magazine’s annual hamburger showdown may be all about the beef, but our food trucks are the secret shining stars of the occasion. Do yourself a favor and make a beeline for Eddie’s Churro Factory, which serves up mouthwatering versions of its namesake confection. It’s the perfect way to balance out the savory flavors that define the day.
August 9, 6-10 p.m.
Dutchess Stadium,
1500 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls
Hudson Valley Ribfest
The 14th annual Hudson Valley Ribfest takes over the Ulster County Fairgrounds in mid-August for a full weekend of ribs, ribs, and more ribs. Expect to see a number of local food trucks serving up their best barbeque bites over the course of the event. If you love meat and summertime eats, you need to score a ticket to this event.
Aug 17-19
Ulster County Fairgrounds
249 Libertyville Rd, New Paltz
Putnam County Wine and Food Fest
For its eighth annual Wine and Food Fest, Putnam Country rounds up the best wine, sprits, and food makers in the Hudson Valley for an epic culinary celebration. Keep an eye out for new vendor announcements on the event’s Facebook page. As of press time, Pag’s, a Paglia Hospitality food truck, is confirmed for a spot at the fest.
Patterson Fire Department
August 25-26, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Patterson Fire Department
13 Burdick Rd, Patterson
Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest
If ever there were a place for food trucks to camp out, this would be it. In addition to the dozens of distilleries and wineries in attendance, top name food trucks and vendors will also make an appearance. Treat yourself to ice cream from Cooley’s, barbeque from Three Little Pigs, and pad Thai from Thailicious Catering. Talk about foodie nirvana.
September 8-9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
6550 Springbook Ave, Rhinebeck
