Food Truck Season Rolls Into Northern Suburbs

Food truck season is officially underway in the northern suburbs.

From Highland Park to Lincolnshire to Woodstock to McHenry, communities across Lake and McHenry counties are hosting weekly food truck gatherings that combine local eats, live music, outdoor dining and family-friendly entertainment. Many run throughout the summer, making it possible to find a food truck event nearly every weeknight.

Here are some of the best recurring food truck events happening this summer:

Food Truck Thursdays In Highland Park

Jens Jensen Park

When: Thursdays from June 4 through Sept. 3
Time: 4:30 p.m. to dusk
Where: 540 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park

One of the North Shore's most popular summer traditions returns this week as Food Truck Thursdays takes over the Ravinia District. More than a dozen food trucks, local restaurants and vendors will line the area around Jens Jensen Park while live music fills the neighborhood.

Visitors can grab dinner, enjoy outdoor seating and make an evening out of the weekly event just steps from the Ravinia Metra station. Organizers say participating vendors will rotate throughout the summer, giving regular visitors something new to try each week.

More information:
https://www.enjoyhighlandpark.com/food-truck-thursdays

Food Truck Thursdays & Lakeside Concerts In Lincolnshire

Food Truck Thursdays & Lakeside Concerts

When: Select Thursdays throughout the summer
Where: Spring Lake Park, Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire pairs food trucks with free outdoor concerts during its summer Lakeside Concert Series, creating one of Lake County's most popular family-friendly Thursday night outings. Guests can enjoy live music while sampling offerings from rotating food vendors overlooking Spring Lake. Residents often bring lawn chairs and blankets for the community gathering.

More information:
https://www.lincolnshireil.gov/i-want-to/special-events/food-truck-thursdays-lakeside-concerts

Pearl Street Market In McHenry

Pearl Street Market

When: Thursdays through September
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, McHenry

Part farmers market, part food truck festival and part community gathering, Pearl Street Market has become one of McHenry County's signature summer events. Guests can browse local vendors, enjoy live music and choose from a rotating lineup of food trucks while overlooking the Fox River. The event regularly draws families from throughout McHenry County.

More information:
https://www.naturallymchenrycounty.com

Food Truck Fest On The Square In Woodstock

Food Truck Fest On The Square

Where: Historic Woodstock Square

When: 4 to 9 p.m. on June 6

The Woodstock Food Truck Festival is a free, family-friendly community event held in historic downtown Woodstock and centered around the town square. It features more than food trucks offering a wide range of options, from savory meals like tacos and burgers to desserts and vegetarian dishes.

Guests can also enjoy drinks from a beverage station that often includes local beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Don’t forget a blanket or chair so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the music at the event.

More information:
https://mchenrylife.com/events/food-drink-events/woodstock/food-truck-fest-on-the-square

Highwood Evening Gourmet Market

Highwood Evening Gourmet Market

When: 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 26
Where: Everts Park, Highwood

Although technically a gourmet market, the weekly Highwood event often feels like a food truck festival thanks to its mix of prepared foods, outdoor dining, live entertainment and rotating vendors.

More information:
celebratehighwood.org/highwood-evening-gourmet-market/

Did we forget to include your favorite Food Truck festival? Email the editor at amie.schaenzer@patch.com.