Your guide to annual festivals fueled by food trucks

One of the best parts of any good festival experience is the small, joyful act of wandering among the food trucks, waiting to see what locally made delicacy catches one’s eye (or nose). The most difficult part? Choosing what to order. And if the universe tilts in your favor, flavors from a not-yet-tried part of the world might be just around the corner. Here, we’ve highlighted 10 can’t-miss yearly fests—complete with food trucks—to add to your calendar. Although the month and locale stay the same year-to-year, exact dates change.

→ Boulevardia | Crown Center

This June marked 10 years of Boulevardia, and as usual, the party stretched down Grand Boulevard, threaading through a makers market and past fancy cocktail stands, live music stages and, of course, plenty of food. Although food trucks have always been a major part of this particular fest, it’s the diversity among them that really sets it off. Craving Vietnamese street food? Dragon Wagon had pho this year. Festival favorite Smoke ‘n’ Seoul rolled in with Korean fried chicken and pork belly tacos. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Grand Boulevard and Pershing Road, KCMO, boulevardia.com.

→ Fiesta Hispana | West Bottoms

Dreamed up to honor Kansas Citians hailing from all parts of Latin America—from Puerto Rico to Colombia—Fiesta Hispana is a colorful educational celebration that attracts more than 40,000 people every September. It’s as much about the history of these cultures as it is about the food here, and that’s what makes it so memorable. This year’s event featured a bustling vendor area and food court, plus an entire section devoted to food trucks, with popular spots like Sugar Skull Grill and Taqueria La India on the roster. 1701 American Royal Court, KCMO, kcfiestahispana.com.

→ First Fridays | Crossroads

In a world of First Fridays, the one in KC’s Crossroads neighborhood stands out for its art—and its food trucks, most of which congregate near the old red brick KC Star building at 18th and McGee streets. This is how you introduce your out-of-town friends and fam to KC; after all, we’re a city of artists and foodies, so you might as well show it all off in this highly walkable part of town, alleyways included. It’s a chance to pop into galleries and also treat yourself to a leisurely al fresco dining experience. Crossroads around Southwest Boulevard and Baltimore avenues, KCMO, kccrossroads.org.

→ Food Truck Frenzy | 18th & Vine

As if you needed another reason to visit 18th & Vine, Kansas City’s historic jazz and blues district home to excellent Black-owned businesses of all kinds, the Food Truck Frenzy Festival gives you another. Each September, the neighborhood hosts the festival, bringing together vendors to not only feed the community but also compete for best desserts, drinks, meals and a “best overall” award, all with a chance to win cash prizes. Think of it as a close-up glimpse into KC’s culinary future. Perhaps you’ll be one of the first to try a dish here that will end up at a brick and mortar in the months to come. 2000 Vine St., KCMO, kcjazzdistrict.org.

→ Food Truck Frenzy | Lenexa, KS

Only in (or near) Kansas City could there be two food festivals sharing the same name. Lenexa’s Food Truck Frenzy takes over both the city’s Old Town region and its civic campus in September. Guests can do more than just sample fare from some of the area’s best food trucks; they can also bike through the historic part of town and stop by the Public Market for drinks. From Taste of Aloha to The Mad Greek Traveling Taverna, this event is a hard one to beat. Old Town Lenexa and Lenexa civic campus, KS,        lenexa.com.

→ Garment District Grooves Concert Series | Garment District

On the third Wednesday from May through October, this hidden pocket park shines with live music and a rotating food truck for each date. (Just look for the giant red button near Eighth and Bank streets; it’ll point you in the right direction.) Although not as large as other fests on this list, this series is still worth mentioning because let’s be honest: How often do you get to listen to jazzy tunes, try new food and enjoy the fresh air, all on your lunch break? Check out the KC Parks and Recreation website for dates, bands and names of trucks. Eighth and Bank streets, KCMO, kcparks.org.

→ Kansas City’s Lawn Party | Southmoreland

Name a more iconic lawn in Kansas City. Each summer, the swath of green grass outside the Nelson-Atkins Museum comes alive for a festival of epic proportions. Grab a blanket and your shades, and post up beneath one of the shuttlecocks to take in the day with food from local food trucks, music from some of KC’s hottest bands and yard games. This family-friendly event is free and takes place in July. Your museum admission includes entry to the lawn party, so why not spend some time exploring its holdings before cutting up on the lawn with friends? 4525 Oak St., KCMO, nelson-atkins.org.

→ Meadowbrook Park Festival | Prairie Village

In its third year, the Meadowbrook Park Festival in Prairie Village combines live music, children’s activities, the chance to peruse lots of art from local makers and, naturally, a mess of food trucks just waiting to be discovered. You’ll get the chance to try the Pretzelly Truck (Kansas’ first-ever soft-pretzel food truck), Ai Tasty Delights (whose waffles—and more—on a stick have gleaned a large following) and others. Best of all, when attending this June fest, you’re supporting a good cause: Johnson County Parks and Recreation’s public art program. 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, farfallaeventco.com.

→ Taste of Kansas City | Ivanhoe Southwest

The Taste of Kansas City food festival is now in its third year, and it’s only gotten better with time. Taking place just east of The Paseo at Harris Park, it offers a diverse selection of vendors, walking paths, lots of shade trees, tents and food trucks. From fresh-squeezed lemonade and generous portions of soul food to tacos al pastor, this one brings variety and a truly welcoming atmosphere. Also on deck are creatives selling their wares. The party usually kicks off around Labor Day weekend, beginning at noon. 4029 Wayne Ave., KCMO, thetasteofkc.com.

→ WeekEnder | Crown Center

The WeekEnder series at Crown Center Square is exactly what it sounds like: the perfect top-off to the weekday hustle. It’s also an opportunity to get outside with friends, family or a first date in summertime, as these casual Friday nights include live music from local bands, dinner from one of the lined-up food trucks and a free showing of a classic movie like Twister or Clueless. Even better, you can bring in blankets, lawn chairs and glass-free booze or NA bevies. WeekEnder runs each July and August starting at 6 pm. And guess what? Parking is free, too. 2405 Grand Blvd. Ste. 200, KCMO, crowncenter.com/weekender.

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