ARMOUR SQUARE — The Chicago Food Truck Fest is coming back for its second run on the South Side — but organizers are bringing a different game plan to the table.
Admission is now free, according to the event’s Facebook page, and there will be double the number of food trucks serving food in a new location: South Loop Green Space, 2400 S. Dearborn St.
Last year, festival bosses charged guests $10 admission and $15 to park for the debut fest in the parking lot outside U.S. Cellular Field. That’s where 15 food trucks were quickly overwhelmed with lines of hungry foodies.
The fest later drew criticism on neighborhood websites like EveryBlock, where disappointed guests called it a “fiasco.” Some even left before eating any food, complaining that they had spent $25 for nothing.
Though admission is free, you need to order a ticket here.
Set for noon-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the fest will take over the Green Space, putting guests on a 4.7-acre plot of land that includes a ball field, man-made hills, walking paths, drinking fountains and a playground.
A free shuttle service will be available in the parking lot outside U.S. Cellular Field every 15 minutes
Other improvements and additions include outside bathrooms with baby-changing stations, outdoor games (including corn hole, Jenga and volleyball), more beer and wine selections, doubled event staffing and smaller taste portions from food trucks.
Like last year, there will be live entertainment and vendors serving beer and wine, but there will be a greater variety.
Event chief Alex Blackshire did not return messages from DNAinfo Chicago asking for a comment on the festival’s improvements.
Blackshire is also the guy behind the Third Rail Music Festival, an event slammed for low attendance and its promotional campaign, which seemed to rip off another festival’s posters.
Here’s a look at some of food trucks scheduled to participate:
The Fat Shallot
Gino Steak
Model Chef Food truck
Toasty Food Truck
Tanquero Fusion
Pilsen Hotdogs
Crave Bar
Fido to Go
La Cocinita
Pork Chop
Pierogi Wagon
Chicago Lunchbox
Jack's Fork In The Road
Tamale Spaceship
Daniel's Raw Paleo Cuisine
La Mexicana
Da Lobster
Brughes Brothers
Ms. Tittles Cupcakes
Corner Farmacy
Blues Street
King Kona
Chicago Cupcake
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
