BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Everybody deserves a break from home cooking once in a while, and many use the weekend as a perfect opportunity to visit a local restaurant or order delivery as a special reward for surviving yet another grueling week. For those seeking something more interesting, though, there are plenty of options as this weekend's Bismarck Food Truck Festival — where cooks and cuisines have come together in the city's heart for a weekend of good meals, good weather, and good vibes. The festival began in 2015, and has quickly grown to become one of Bismarck's favorite annual events, allowing residents from in and around the city to enjoy food from a variety of different vendors and cuisines. It should be noted, however, that this is far from the only grub-based gathering in North Dakota: the event's organizer Mike Schmitz has a long history of working with food trucks, and the Bismarck get-together is a fairly recent endeavor. "I started the very first food truck event in North and South Dakota in Fargo in 2012," he recalls. "I've lived in Bismarck for most of my life, and wanted to bring the food trucks home to the city. We were a little ahead of the times, but this year is our tenth anniversary. It feels great to have lasted this long." While 2024's gathering is somewhat smaller than previous years, it still offers a bevy of unique options for those seeking a change from their usual lunch or dinner plans — with notable trucks and booths include BBQ, Mexican, and Hawaiian cuisine. This time, the event has even received an unexpected guest from Georgia in the form of Off the Hook Seafood Shack, which serves cajun cooking like alligator meat, etouffee, jambalaya, and seafood boils. Amidst all the new and returning trucks, only one — three-time Best of the Fest champion Sweet Dreams Mini Donuts — has seen the event change from the very beginning. Its owner, Darin Goter, notes that while the vendors themselves change, the festival's selection and reach are always improving. "We've been here for all ten years," he states, "and seen a lot of changes. Originally, we started out in the park by the zoo, but it grew so much that we had to move. Turnouts have always been great... Bismarck loves to really come out and support food trucks. We all take pride in what we do, and people see that." One-Day ND Destinations: Excavating history at the Badlands Dinosaur Museum "Vendors come and go," Schmitz continues. "The scene has changed a lot. Some vendors, like EAT Thai in town, have turned into full-blown restaurants. It's fun to see the elevation of these vendors, and for new ones to come." Typically, the festival takes place in the Northwoods League's Bismarck baseball stadium — but due to ongoing construction, their anniversary show has instead been moved to downtown Bismarck in front of the Depot building. This, appropriately enough, coincides with a recent series of renovations, making this event the first to occur at the upgraded station. "We couldn't be more excited to be here," Schmitz adds. "The footprint is a bit small, but we filled it in very well. With the history of our festival, and the history of the Depot, it's really an honor. "This is an awesome venue," Goter says, "and coming here is absolutely great. They've done a great job on the renovations. We're more centrally located, and there's a lot more foot traffic around downtown. I think this weekend will be great for business." The perfect combination of sunny weather, positioning, and plenty of delicious offerings at the Bismarck Food Truck Festival results in what both exhibitors and organizers consider a fantastic way to bring the community together over a good meal — which they claim is exactly the idea that lies at the heart of food trucking. With this idea on full display, it's no wonder that the three-day celebration draws such large crowds every year... and, presumably, will only grow as the years go by. "I think a mixture of things draw people to these festivals," Goter states. The comradery, the different types of food on display, and getting everybody in one spot to be out together. A lot of these trucks are coming from different parts of the state and country, and that versatility is definitely something people like." "It's a lot of stress," Schmitz concludes. "But this is my town, and nothing makes me happier than making an impact on people's weekends. A lot of people are absolutely adamant about coming to the event every year, because it's a family-friendly opportunity to use downtown, gather for food and fun, and have a great time. It's all about community and great food, together in one place." The Food Truck Festival is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 8. To learn more about or RSVP for the event, visit this page on the Northwoods League's website. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW