2023 Food Truck Season Starts In MA With 'Showdown' In Spencer

SPENCER, MA — Food truck season will get into gear this week with the return of a major food truck showdown — an event that marks the start of a season of festivals and fairs featuring mobile treats.

WooTrucks, the local food truck commissary based in Boylston, will host the annual Worcester County Food Truck Showdown this on Saturday at the Spencer Fairgrounds. The event will feature 30 trucks with celebrity judges handing out awards for the best fare. There will also be music, games and a craft fair with more than 50 vendors.

Here's a rundown of upcoming food truck events coming to central Massachusetts as the weather gets warmer:

Worcester County Food Truck Showdown — May 6, noon to 5 p.m., $5 admission (under 12 free). Spencer Fairgrounds, 48 Smithville Road.

• The 2023 Worcester County Food Truck Showdown is an annual Food Truck Festival and Craft Fair. Celebrity judges and event attendees cast votes for their favorite food truck to be honored with the prestigious “Best of Worcester County Food Trucks” and “People’s Choice” awards. Along with great food from over 30 food trucks, customers may browse among the over 50 artisanal craft vendors, listen to music and performances, participate in an array of yard games such as corn hole, horseshoes and ladder toss or simply relax in our large picnic area. Guests may participate at chances for free food, prizes, discounts and giveaways throughout the day. It’s a great way to spend a spring afternoon outdoors in a scenic setting.

Fitchburg Food Truck Fest — May 20, noon to 7 p.m., Free. 166 Boulder Drive, Fitchburg.

• The Food Truck Fest returns to the city of Fitchburg bigger, better and more exciting than ever. Enjoy 20 of your favorite food trucks and take time to browse among the dozens of local artisans and vendors on site. Pay a visit to River Styx Brewing or relax and enjoy live performances from the Out of the Blue Band or Bruce Andrews and the No Street Band. It’s a great way to spend the day exploring what’s new downtown.

Future food truck festivals:

• Sturbridge Food Truck Festival — Noon to 5 p.m., Hamilton Rod and Gun Club.
• Rutland Food Truck Festival, Craft Fair — July 29, noon to 5 p.m. Naquag School, Rutland.
• Marlborough Food Truck & Arts Festival — Sept. 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main and Weed streets.
• Celebrate Hudson — Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Main Street, Hudson.
• stART on the Street — Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park Avenue, Worcester.