Spring/Summer 2023 Food Truck Rodeos at Public Market Soon Draw to a Close

There are only two Food Truck Rodeo events remaining to be held this summer.

A Food Truck Rodeo will take place on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union Street.

The event will feature more of the food, drinks and fun which have characterized this spring/summer activity since it began nearly a decade ago.

The Food Truck Rodeos run from 5 to 9 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month (spring / summer). Each Rodeo showcases live music from a wide range of musical genres, including rock, blues, indie, pop, and reggae.

Entertainment for the event on Wednesday is expected to include indie music group Junkyard Field Trip.

If you have never attended the Public Market’s Food Truck Rodeo and find yourself interested in doing so, plan to be there on Wednesday; otherwise, your only other opportunity for the 2023 season will be on Wednesday, September, 27 from 5 – 9 p.m. Entertainment for the Sep. event is anticipated to include folk rock and blues band Big Blue House.

Quick history of the Food Truck Rodeo at Rochester’s Public Market –

Jim Farr, director of the Public Market, attended something similar to our local Rodeo 12 years ago while visiting fairgrounds outside of Orlando, Florida. Upon his return to Rochester, he spoke to [Public Market] staff and John Urlab, owner of Rohrbach’s Brewery located adjacent to the Market, and together they developed the Food Truck Rodeo model “that has become so popular over the years,” according to sources at the city of Rochester’s offices.

The activity is “basically a family-themed ‘eat-a-thon’ with music and often over 45 unique and different carts and trucks,” the city says. During the Rodeo season, “over 5000 hungry patrons from throughout the Rochester region” engage in the festivities.

According to event organizers, here are a few tips to help you plan for an enjoyable evening of food and festivities –

Bringing your own chair and even table is highly recommended, as picnic tables at the event are limited. It is also recommended that you carpool, bike, walk, or take public transit to this event due to potential traffic congestion surrounding the Public Market. No outside food or beverages may be brought in, except one sealed bottle of water. Bags will be subject to search.