Eat + Drink

Seattle’s Mobile Food Rodeo Guide

“Gai” means chicken in Chinese and outside in Japanese. It’s also one of the food trucks you might find at Seattle’s Mobile Food Rodeo events. (Photo: Clare Barboza)

A caravan of trucks packed with yum-worthy bites rolls into a Seattle parking lot to feed thousands of hungry foodies with foodporn on their minds. The Mobile Food Rodeo has rolled into town. Since its beginning in 2013, this series of food truck fests has become the largest of its kind in the United States, supporting over 500 small businesses throughout its existence. With culinary roundups taking place spring through fall, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to fill your belly. Hungry in Seattle? Put these events on the calendar:

Taco Libre Truck Showdown: The first of the food truck events kicks off in early May, when over 40 food trucks and booths stretch out over two blocks in Freemont to celebrate Cinco De Mayo and the return of summer. Sure, expect to see plenty of variations of the ubiquitous taco, but a massive beer and margarita garden serenaded by roving Mariachi musicians makes this party more than just about food. Even better, admission is free.

seattle mobile food rodeo spicy papaya
You might find the Spicy Papaya food truck at a Mobile Food Rodeo festival. If so, try the papaya salad. (Photo: Quito Keutla)
seattle mobile food rodeo BeanFish
Made-to-order, stuffed fish-shaped waffle by BeanFish. (Photo: Brady Woo)

Seattle Street Food Festival: As the summer winds down in late August, over 75 food booths, trucks and restaurants converge on South Lake Union, representing the Pacific Northwest at its most indigenous. 100% locally focused, the culinary fare is complemented by an artisan craft fair with Urban Craft Uprising, Seattle’s premiere hand crafts show, showcasing over 100 booths of original hand-made offerings. Entry is free for the 4-block edible extravaganza.

seattle mobile food rodeo Maggie May's
Maggie May’s outfits you with all your espresso and sandwich needs. (Photo: Maggie Parks)

Trucktoberfest: Great beer, meet fabulous food. Fabulous food, meet great beer. Whoever thought of pairing these two palatable pleasures was a gastronome genius. In mid-September, over 30 gourmet food trucks pull up to Marymoor Park, ready to meet their perfect mate from a selection of over 30 different craft breweries. Food and beer? It’s a match made in heaven.

seattle mobile food rodeo my lil sweet cakes
My Lil Sweet Cakes serves up savory and sweet stuffed hotcakes on a stick. (Photo: Courtesy Jesse Lee)
seattle mobile food rodeo Biscuit Box
Buttery buttermilk biscuits in a box. (Photo: Clare Barboza)

Monthly Roundups: Can’t wait for the Mobile Food Rodeo’s special events? They’ve got you covered. Every second Sunday of the month, fans of the local food scene can sample the fare from over 20 trucks that rotate through the Freemont Sunday Market. Explore the one-of-a-kind offerings in this European-style street market while the smells of tantalizing street food whet your appetite for all that’s good. The Freemont Sunday Market is free, pet friendly and takes place, rain or shine.