Made to Order

Uptown’s Fall Food Truck Festival serves up the goods, raises funds for vital community programs.

By Frank Etheridge

Over the last couple of decades, Uptown Columbus has transformed from a no-options food desert into a blooming onion of a mecca for foodies. This delicious change comes in large part due to the diligent efforts of the nonprofit entity Uptown, Inc. that not only champions the people and places inside this historic, yet vibrant, downtown corridor but provides vital services for its events, attractions, and beautification.

It’s a fitting community celebration, then, to come out and support Uptown, Inc. at its 12th Annual Fall Food Truck Festival while enjoying a festival atmosphere in crisp fall air and, of course, sampling a diverse array of yummy cuisine representing familiar Deep South favorites as well as global tastes and styles. More than 25 gourmet food trucks will set up shop on the iconic Dillingham Bridge over the Chattahoochee as well as Woodruff Park’s delightful riverfront greenspace. In addition to the food, there’s a variety of (adult and non-adult) beverages sold as well.

Here’s a list (in alphabetical order) of select vendors coming from all over the state and region for the festival:

Annie’s
Art by Mattox
Backwoodz BBQ
Bella’s Cake
Big Ma’s
Frank’s Alley
German Food & Gifts
House of Quarshie Authentic African Food
It’s Simply Divine
Jamaican Jerk Xpress
Kalani’s Mixed Plate
Lisa’s Creperie
Mr. D’s Funnel Cakes
Not as Famous Cookie Co.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Renewal by Anderson
Revive Global
Roc’s Wings & Thangz
Rose’s Caribbean
Saturday Island
Savory Safari
Scrumptious Foods
Shane’s Rib Shack
Small Place, Big Taste
South of Philly
Tacos Sabor a Mexico
Tina Cantina
Toi’s Kitchen
Von’s Lemonade & Tea
Wild Caught Up

DJs will spin good-times tunes throughout the day. Vendors will be accepting both cash and cards. Tables and chairs will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own tailgate style chairs. Gates will close to new arrivals at 5 p.m.

All proceeds from this event help Uptown Columbus host several free events throughout the year for the community, such as Friday Night Concert Series, as well as popular amenities such as the free, public-access splash pad, and a dedicated staff that serves to patrol and clean the area.

For more information, visit alwaysuptown.com or the Uptown Fall Food Truck Festival event page on Facebook or call (706) 596-0111.