Columbus Food Truck Festival Returns to Hilliard Aug. 14-15 With 45-Plus Trucks

The Columbus Food Truck Festival returns to Hilliard on Aug. 14 and 15 for its 15th year. The festival runs Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It takes place at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard.

More than 45 food trucks from around the Midwest will serve up food both days. Organizers expect more than 25,000 people to attend over the weekend. The festival also features live music on a main stage, a marketplace with local artisans and crafters, and a Kids Zone on Saturday with family activities.

Festival organizer Chas Kaplan said the event has grown into something bigger than food. "The Columbus Food Truck Festival has grown into a signature event for the region, uniting foodies, families, and music lovers for unforgettable flavors and vibrant entertainment," Kaplan said.

Jordan Faeth, who appeared on Netflix's "Love Is Blind," will make a special appearance Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The festival started at Columbus Commons in 2011. It moved to the Scioto Mile in 2017. It paused in 2020, then reopened at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard in 2021, where it has stayed since. Over the years, the festival has given more than $115,000 to local charities.

What this means for Hilliard and the west side: a 25,000-person festival brings a wave of visitors to Hilliard for one weekend. That is good news for nearby restaurants, hotels, and shops that see a bump in business. It is also a reminder that Hilliard has become a go-to spot for big regional events, not just a bedroom suburb.

Plan your visit: parking is free on-site with a ticket, though spots are limited and handed out first come, first served. Free street parking is also available near the fairgrounds. The event runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Tickets and full details are at the festival's website.

What to watch next: with the festival now settled at the fairgrounds for its fifth year there, expect Hilliard to keep courting similar large events. Watch for how the city and county market the fairgrounds for future festivals. For more on what is happening around the metro this month, see our events and lifestyle page.

The takeaway: mark Aug. 14-15 on your calendar. The Columbus Food Truck Festival brings 45-plus trucks, live music, and a Netflix reality star to the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, with free parking and a rain-or-shine schedule both days.

Sources: Columbus Food Truck Festival, Experience Columbus