Charleston-area cultural food truck festival returning this spring

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A cultural food truck festival that debuted last year in the Charleston area and will return this spring.

The Black Food Truck Festival will celebrate black-owned businesses and culture with food, music, family friendly activities and entertainment April 22-23. Tickets are on sale now for the two-day festival at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson.

The inaugural springtime festival drew more than 15,000 people from around the Carolinas last year and generated more than $1 million for black-owned businesses in the Charleston region, according to a news release. View the full economic impact report online here.

In addition to highlighting the region’s food truck cuisine, the annual Black Food Truck Festival has a greater mission of making an economic and social impact on the community by showcasing and investing in black-owned businesses, the release said.

Festival founder Marcus Hammond said there are some new things to expect for the returning festival.

“We will be using more venue space at the fairgrounds for more food, entertainment and fun,” he said. “We'll also be adding VIP tickets, more games for both kids and adults, and an extra entrance for parking and access to the grounds.”

Food trucks returning to this year’s festival are Fab Sliders, Keoni’s and Nothin’ But Chicken.

Food trucks making their debut at the festival are 1 Love Jerk Hut, Seol Ah's and Curt Got Crabs.

The entertainment lineup includes nationally syndicated radio host Headkrack as the host, Trap Jazz All Stars, The Red Sample, Stout and Mike Stone. From 6 to 7 p.m., a DJ battle will take place on the main stage. More activities and performances are to be announced, according to the news release.

Festival times are from noon to 7 p.m. for general admission and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for VIP. The Exchange Park Fairgrounds is located at 9850 Highway 78 in Ladson. Early-bird admission is $15 or you can purchase a two-day ticket for $25. Early-bird prices increase on March 1. Tickets do not include food. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. No pets allowed. Visit www.blackfoodtruckfestival.com to purchase tickets.