Over the last few years, Food Truck Friday has become a favorite Friday night hangout in Reno. Locals and out-of-towners gather to sample fixings from dozens of local food vendors.
Northern Nevada’s summer weather ranges from perfectly warm and dry to stiflingly hot with rolling thunderstorms, but even on those super-hot and possibly thundery evenings, the food truck location is in the shady, wind-protected Idlewild Park. The site is next to the rushing Truckee River, which provides a misty coolness to the surrounding areas. Idlewild Park is also right next to downtown, within walking distance of many major casinos and just a short drive from anywhere else in Reno proper.
Shady Idlewild Park is the perfect setting for a summer evening outside.
Without fail, Food Truck Friday is jampacked. People of all ages stand in line for their favorite foods, beer stands pour out barrels’ worth of local brews into plastic drinking cups, families set up on blankets on the grassy areas surrounding the paved paths, and the smell of grilled meat fills the air. There is even live music, with local bands setting up on the grassy areas and sharing their tunes with the crowd (tip: bring chairs if you plan to stay a while). If you’ve lived in Reno for some time, you’re bound to run into someone you know.
The food selections run the gamut of Reno’s broad food scene. S’mores, Hibachi-style steak, gyros, Boba tea, margaritas to-go, savory waffles and fusion egg rolls are just a small sampling of the offerings on the table — or rather, off the table — at this event. Foodies and folks who like offbeat or eclectic foods are sure to be impressed. Not that there is any shortage of more standard fare like burgers, fries, sausages, beer, Mexican food and Chinese food.
Offerings range from beverages to a wide variety of foods to desserts.
Food Truck Friday is the perfect opportunity to taste some of Reno’s finest dining without the formality and fuss of going to the restaurant. Suffice it to say, there’s nothing like enjoying unique local foods outside in downtown Reno during the long, warm days of summer.
Food Truck Friday
Fridays through August 30 from 4 to 9 p.m.
Idlewild Park is at 1800 Idlewild Drive in Reno.
Photos from Food Truck Friday - Reno Street Food Facebook
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
