By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Jun 29, 2023 at 11:31 AM Photography: Lori Fredrich

Join us on Saturday, July 22 for some lakeside munchies at the second annual OnMilwaukee Food Truck Fest. Choose from a menu of 20 trucks and enjoy the live music, games and entertainment. It's the biggest gathering of the best food on four wheels.

More than 20 trucks will roll into the OnMilwaukee Food Truck Fest this year when the popular event takes place on Saturday, July 22 at the Henry Maier Festival Park.

After two years of the Food Truck Fest completely selling out, guests have repeatedly remarked that one of the best aspects of the four-wheeled fest is its kid-friendly-ness. We heard this loudly and clearly and this year are pleased to offer even more options that the shortest humans in your lives – and possibly the pickiest – will appreciate.

Here are 5 reasons to bring the kids to the OnMilwaukee Food Truck Festival:

1. FREE admission.

Parents often feel like ATMs with a tote full of snacks, hand sanitizer and dwindling supply of patience, so the word "free" is always a pleasing one.  Thus, a round of applause from all the caregivers because kids 10 and under cost zero dollars to get into the Food Truck Festival.

2. Food they'll eat.

With more than 20 food trucks and vendors in one spot, there’s certainly something for everyone – even for the child who only seems to like three foods these days. The ol' child-approved standbys are for sale, including pizza, popcorn, frozen treats and lemonade. Plus, with so much variety available, it's easy to encourage them to sample new items and possibly broaden their persnickety palates.

3. Games galore.

During Food Truck Fest, the awesome Northwest Mutual Community Park playground will be open for all attendees. Plus, the fest features a Bars & Rec “Let’s Play” Yard with the new Amped Mobile Karaoke Suite, NorthSouth Club Shuffleboard, Bags and more for slightly older kids and kids-at-heart. Best of all? Bed time will be a breeze after all the exercize.

4. Fun music.

The Navy Band Great Lakes Horizon will take the stage inside the Kid’s Area from 1-2 p.m. Their high-energy, patriotic and family-friendly music is entertaining for all ages. Ever seen a toddler shake it to "The Star Spangled Banner?" It's pretty dang cute.

5. Primo view of the Milwaukee Air & Water Show.

The Air & Water Show takes place during Food Truck Fest which means all fest guests automatically have a front-and-center view of the spectacular displays. 

6. Memories made.

Most importantly, the Food Truck Fest will create a fun summer memory for kids and adults alike. And a fun summer memory that includes cheese curds and ice cream cones is even better.

Get tickets for adults here.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.