Food Truck Battle 2025: Syracuse’s culinary annual showdown aims to be biggest yet

Geddes, N.Y. — Central New York’s largest food truck festival is returning for its fifth year, and aims to be the biggest yet.

The 2025 Food Truck Battle will once again take over Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds on Friday, May 16, from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This year’s festival will feature more than 55 food trucks from across the region, competing for Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards.

“Our goal is to make it the biggest and best food truck event this area has ever seen,” said organizer Nick Sanford, the owner of Toss ‘n Fire Pizza. “It’s been getting bigger every year, and the momentum is continuing.”

In addition to the wide variety of food options, attendees can enjoy live entertainment both days, culminating in a Saturday night performance by the nationally-recognized alternative rock band lovelytheband.

The festival’s Friday music lineup includes local and regional acts such as DJ Washburn, Stroke, Letizia and Cruel Summer, a Taylor Swift tribute band.

Saturday’s performances will feature Northern Attitude (a Noah Kahan tribute), Akuma Roots, Chris Eves Trio, Brass Inc. and When We Were Thirty, leading up to the headlining act, lovelytheband.

Beyond food and music, the event will include a KidZone with live characters, games and activities for families, as well as an Artisan Village with more than 50 local artists and crafters inside the Science & Industry Building.

Details

Pre-sale general admission: $5

Week-of general admission: $10

“Music Lovers VIP” ticket: $30 pre-sale, $40 week-of (includes access to VIP areas and a standing section near the stage)

Children 12 and under: Free general admission

Parking: Free in the brown lot, with handicap parking available near the main gate

For more information, visit syrfoodtrucks.com or email [email protected].