Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What does my entry fee get me?

A: Access to the event with incredible live music all day long, the Artisan Village, lots of free activities for the kids and a fun filled day! A portion of each ticket sale will also benefit our Featured Non-Profit organizations!

Q: Is Parking free?

A: YES! Parking is free in the Brown Lot and entry is through the Main Gate.

Q: Is there seating?

A: Yes! We will have two tented seating areas on the back sides of the grounds, as well as picnic tables scattered throughout the courtyard. There are some grassy areas to make a picnic too!

Q: Can I bring food or drinks from home for our family?

A: Since this is a food and drink festival, security checkpoints will not allow outside food or drinks onsite. We do have several trucks that offer kid friendly food and drinks – and all trucks will have low-cost sample items!

Q: Is the food expensive?

A: Every single food truck will be offering at least one low cost sample item ($3-$5) they will be entering into the competition. Many will also have full menus with various price ranges. Cash and card are accepted, and ATMs will be available on site.

Q: Is there alcohol at this event?

A: Yes! Located in the middle on both sides of Chevy Court, there are two Beer Gardens for patrons 21 and older to enjoy craft beer and Ashley Lynn Winery will be on site selling wine slushies. Please enjoy responsibly. 

Q: What is there to do to keep the kids occupied?

A: What isn’t there to do?! We have an incredible Kid Zone brought to you by CNY’s Finest Kids Entertainers: The Face Paint Lady, Right Mind Syracuse & Marty’s Party Rental.

It will feature free activities such as: Bounce Houses, Balloon Twisting, Character Meet & Greets, Jeff the Magic Man and more! Activities available for purchase: Face Painting, Glitter & Temporary Tattoos, Sand Art, RMS splatter party, Henna, kid-friendly vendors, & more. The KidZone is located in the back of the Courtyard.

Q: What entertainment is scheduled?

A: We have curated 2 nights of incredible music! We kick off Friday with Brass Inc., Chris Eves Trio, DJ Washburn and headlined by Dangerous Type!

Then on Saturday, on the main stage, we have When We Were Thirty, Jess Novak Band, Shawn Smith Band, Jes Sheldon & Stewards of SOL, Akuma Roots, DJ Washburn and we top off the night with Mayday Parade. Check out our Music Lover’s VIP ticket for the best seats in the house!

Q: Where can I find the music schedule?

A: The music schedule will be announced in the days leading up to the event as well as in the festival program.

Q: Can I bring my dog? Are pets allowed?  

A: Qualified and bona fide service animals are welcome at the Food Truck Battle. A ‘service animal’ means “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The work or task performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability.” Pets and non-service animals are NOT permitted on the grounds, with the exception of adoptable animals being showcased through a local non-profit. It is a crime to misrepresent a pet as a service animal. Those who bring their non-service animals to the festival will not be permitted onto the festival grounds.

Q: Is the event rain or shine?

A: Yes! The event will not be canceled due to rain and there will be no weather related refunds.

Q: Is re-entry allowed?

A: Re-entry is permitted through the re-entry line with your wristband throughout the day.

Q: Are lawn chairs allowed?

A: Unfortunately, no, but there will be plenty of seating available. Feel free to bring blankets to spread out on the grass.

Q: Should I expect lines?

A: Yes. We expect a good turnout. Each truck can produce their menu items at different rates. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to enjoy a beverage, chat with your neighbors and groove to the music while waiting. Food trucks have limited space for product and staff and do their best to accommodate everyone as quickly as possible.

Q: Do you have gluten-free and vegan options?

A: Yes! Lots of food trucks offer gluten-free and vegan options when out at events. See individual truck menus for more information. Be sure to stop by the information booth to get your Food Truck Battle Program with a list of trucks and their offerings, a list of the vendors in the Artisan Village, the daily schedule and all our wonderful partners and sponsors!

Q: Are food and drinks cash only?

A: No. While it is quicker and easier to use cash, most if not all trucks accept credit cards.

Q: What is this Competition all about?

A: Every food truck will be entering one sample item into the competition. There will be 5 championship belts in 3 categories. There will be winners for People’s Choice & Judge’s Choice in both SAVORY and NOVELTY as well as a NEW CATEGORY for most unique/creative entry. (Novelty =dessert, drinks, snack trucks). We will have 5 local celebrity judge groups voting on every single truck! And you! 

Q: How do we vote for our favorite sample?

A: We are working to improve our voting engagement. We will update our plan for People’s Choice voting very soon!

Q: Where are the Crafters & Vendors?

A: Find them at the Artisan Village presented by Melo Roofing, inside the Science & Industry building. Some of our sponsors and Non-Profits can also be found along the middle of the courtyard. The Face Paint Lady, Right Mind Syracuse & Marty’s Party Rental have lots going on at the KidZone too!

Q: Where are the restrooms?

A: Restrooms are located in the back pavilion as well as inside the Artisan Village at the Science & Industry building.

Q: Where are the ATMs?

A: ATMs can be found outside the main entrance & rear entrance and inside the festival under the back pavilion near the restrooms or near the main entrance at the (closed) Recess Coffee stand.

Q: What is the Syracuse Food Truck Association?

A: The SFTA is a local event company and food truck membership organization of independent food trucks working together to create a better food truck community in CNY. We collaborate & build events like this to create fun and excitement for our fans! Check out our website for more info: syrfoodtrucks.com.

Q: What is Streetfoodfinder.com?

A: Streetfoodfinder.com is a website and app that local food truckers use to help communicate our whereabouts to our fans! You can check each truck’s schedules as well as ordering online if available! Be sure to check out the hotspots too – these are locations where our food trucks frequent! (Great Northern, 315 Brewing Co, Everson, etc.) Do you suffer from FOMO? Visit the online version to subscribe to a hotspot so you get an emailed list of the trucks every week!

Sponsorship:

The 2026 Food Truck Battle is one of Central New York’s largest and most anticipated food and entertainment festivals. This two-day event will feature 60+ food trucks, live music from local and national acts, craft beer, wine slushies, an Artisan Village, a KidZone, and interactive attractions for attendees of all ages.

Contact us today at to discuss sponsorship opportunities for your business!