Overview:
The annual Winchendon Food Truck Festival and Battle of the Bands is set to return to G.A.R. Park on June 27, with free admission and a range of food vendors, local musicians, and new carnival-style midway game trailers. The event will feature 16 food trucks, artisan vendors, and a beer garden. The Battle of the Bands will also return, with musicians competing for audience support and bragging rights.
WINCHENDON – The annual Winchendon Food Truck Festival and Battle of the Bands returns to G.A.R. Park on Saturday, featuring food vendors, local musicians and new carnival-style midway game trailers.
Admission to the June 27 event is free. It will run from noon to 7 p.m. at G.A.R. Park, 52 Murdock Ave. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the festivities.
Approximately 4,500 people attended last year’s festival, according to Winchendon Parks and Recreation Director Shaina Cunningham.
“Events like this are free opportunities for residents to gather, connect and celebrate community,” Cunningham said. “We want to continue to create experiences that support the local community.”
The festival will feature 16 food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden.
“People can expect to enjoy delicious foods from around the world conveniently in one place,” said Robert Ziedelis, events coordinator for WooTrucks. “There is something for everyone from savory to sweet and everything in between.”
Among the returning vendors are Mac Daddy, Potato Potato, The Dogfather, Easy Street Tacos, Bird’s Nest Italian Street Food, Travelin’ Bones BBQ, Nom Nom Hut, BerrySweets and Uncle Joey’s Cannoli.
New to the festival this year are Pizza Diavolo, Williams Southern Soul, SIP’N POUR and the Stein & Vine mobile bar and beer garden. Organizers are also introducing carnival-style midway game trailers through a partnership with Bay State Amusements.
“Attendees can test their skill and win prizes,” Ziedelis said.
The annual Battle of the Bands will also return this year, which Cunningham described as “a showcase of talent” featuring musicians competing for audience support and bragging rights. She said two flatbed trailers will be used as performance stages, allowing for continuous music throughout the day.
The lineup includes Down Daizy from noon to 1 p.m., Wylie & The Boogiemen from 1 to 2 p.m., Ron’s Car from 2 to 3 p.m., Faceless Hobos and Maggie Neff from 3 to 4 p.m., Plunge Pool from 4 to 5 p.m., Paint by Number from 5 to 6 p.m. and Mr. Strickland from 6 to 7 p.m.
“I think it’s a great way for us to watch families really kind of enjoy an affordable day together,” Cunningham said. “Especially in today’s world, finding quality entertainment that’s free to the community is something that we’re passionate about.”