Daley_PlazaCHICAGO, IL – Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced a new event: the City of Chicago Food Truck Rally on Friday, October 11 at Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn) – the first Food Truck Rally of its kind presented by the City of Chicago, Goose Island Beer Company and Illinois Lottery. Eight food trucks will participate in the event, which runs 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

“We are excited to launch this new event that promotes the thriving food truck industry,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “We remain committed to creating the conditions and opportunities that will allow this industry to thrive, create jobs and support a vibrant food culture across Chicago.”

The City of Chicago Food Truck Rally will provide both lunchtime and after work dining options as well as a designated area for beer and wine to be purchased and enjoyed, plus musical entertainment.

The City has been working with food truck owners to identify opportunities to bolster food truck operations throughout the city and streamline licensing for new trucks entering the market. Since February of this year, 20 new cook-on-board trucks have hit the streets in Chicago joining the approximately 100 existing mobile food dispensers already operating. The City continues to work with owners to encourage industry growth.

The October 11 Food Truck Rally is just one of several opportunities the City of Chicago is offering to the food truck industry this fall. The City of Chicago recently accepted applications for food truck participation at the inaugural Chicago Music Summit sponsored by Google and its free Music Showcases on September 20 at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) – as well as the opening night of Chicago Artists Month (CAM) on September 27 in the Uptown neighborhood (parking lot east of 1050 W. Wilson Ave.).

Other October 2013 events that will incorporate food trucks include:

  • A two-day shopping event at Millennium Park during Fashion Focus: Chicago’s Fashion Week, October 19–20;
  • Franken Plaza, the City’s Halloween celebration on Daley Plaza, October 25–27; and
  • Two additional Chicago Artists Month events, including an event in the Pilsen neighborhood on October 19 and the CAM finale at the Chicago Cultural Center on October 31.

The Food Truck Vendor Application deadline for October 2013 events was yesterday. We’ll share the vendor list as soon as it is released.