2025 Great Bay Food Truck Festival at Stratham Hill Park: What to know before you go
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival is rolling back into Stratham Hill Park, bringing more than 25 food trucks and a feast of fun for all ages.
This family-friendly event, hosted by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and Stratham Parks and Recreation Department, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.
Jennifer Wheeler, president of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce, shared her excitement for this year's festival.
"Our food trucks are preparing some really great food," Wheeler said. "Our bands have some great playlists. We have some great local vendors that are going to be there selling some artisan crafts."
She noted that tickets are selling fast and encouraged attendees to purchase them in advance. Last year, the event sold out before the gates even opened.
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival is returning to Stratham Hill Park with more than 30 food trucks on Saturday, May 10.
"Get your tickets before they sell out," Wheeler said. "Rain or shine… it's just a fun day to get out and have a good time."
Where can I get tickets to the Great Bay Food Festival?
Secure your tickets in advance on the festival's website. Early-bird tickets are $10, while tickets purchased on the day of the event are $15. Children under 4 can attend for free. Please note that festival admission does not include reserved parking or picnic tables (which are sold out). Reserved parking is available for an additional fee.
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.
This year's festival includes a special partnership with Service Credit Union to honor local first responders. Complimentary tickets and Hero Lanyards have been distributed to area departments in recognition of their service.
Which food trucks are on the menu?
Attendees can enjoy food from more than 25 food trucks, offering a wide range of cuisines, including seafood, tacos, wings, burgers, crepes, ice cream, and more.
"I think it's safe to say with the lineup that we have, there is a little bit of something for everybody," Wheeler said. "We have some that are returning and some that are new. It's pretty diverse and comprehensive. There are also, as always, yummy treats."
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.
Seacoast Street Eats will be serving up Korean steak burritos, crispy coconut shrimp, and a fresh black bean burger bowl, while Kimberly's Gluten Free Kitchen will feature a selection of tacos and tater tots.
According to Wheeler, full menus for each food truck are available on their respective websites.
Other trucks participating include North Shore Beefy Boys, Teenie Wienies, Little Ipoh, One Happy Clam, Big Red Food Truck, Wing-itz, Unlawful Waffles, Chill Catering, Wicket Tasty, Tin Can Crepe Station, A Mazie Q BBQ, Lakeside Thai On Wheels, Lexie's Burger Bus, Point Brasil and Dom's Food Truck.
There will also be several dessert trucks, including The Burstin' Kernel, Clyde's Cupcakes, Chubba Wubba's Sweets & Refreshments, Butter Belly and Just Chillin' Cool Treats.
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Who will be selling their wares?
The Mobile Marketplace will be set up next to the Kid's Zone and will sell unique artisan crafts.
Vendors include Cousin Dean's Hot Sauce, CBD American Shaman, Mama Shugs Freeze Dried Candy, Sisu Jewelry, Joy & James, Celestial Sisters, Art by Alyssa, Miles of Maple and 603 Perfect Blend.
What's the Kid's Zone?
The Kid's Zone will be set up next to the playground.
"We have some face painters as well as kid-friendly food," Wheeler said. "The face painters are always a popular spot."
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What's being sold at the Beer Garden?
Muddy River Smokehouse is sponsoring the Beer Garden for the event, and they will also be selling pulled pork sandwiches.
The beer garden will feature Mighty Glad Double IPA, Deciduous Lager, Stoneface IPA, Bud Light, and Nutrl vodka seltzer.
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.
Visitors will need to show ID to gain a wristband to enter the Beer Garden. Only those 21 and up will be served.
Who will be performing at the festival?
Two acts will be playing simultaneously but at different parts of the festival.
Mugshot will play at the upper pavilion, and Dan Morgan will play in the beer garden. Mugshot is known as "one of the region's most fun bar bands," and Morgan plays a unique blend of traditional and contemporary music.
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Where do we park?
There are 70 reserved premium parking spots located in the main parking lot at Stratham Hill Park available to purchase for $40.
Premium parking may only be purchased as an add-on to admission. It cannot be purchased separately.Handicapped parking is available at the main lot at Stratham Hill Park. Proper signage will need to be displayed to park in the handicapped lot.
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.
Free onsite parking is offered at the end of Jack Rabbit Lane in the open field behind Stratham Hill Park (Gordon Barker Town Forest). This parking area is the closest to the event but on grassy and uneven surfaces. Parking will not be allowed on Jack Rabbit Lane.
Parking will be allowed on Route 33 eastbound only in designated spots. Please note Sandy Point Road will be closed to through traffic, and parking will not be allowed.
If you know the trails at Stratham Hill Park, you will find it best to park at Stratham Memorial School, 39 Gifford Farm Road. This lot will have access to the event via the Tote Road trail. This lot is less than a half mile from the entrance gate.
Are pets allowed?
There are no pets allowed inside the festival.
What to bring to the festival?
The festival will be held outside. Feel free to bring folding chairs, a cooler, and blankets to sit and enjoy the food and Stratham Hill Park.
Is there a rain date?
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival will take place rain or shine.
Great Bay Food Truck Festival gives back to the community
The Great Bay Food Truck Festival is marking its fifth anniversary, and organizers say the event has grown and evolved each year.
"We have learned a lot every year that we do it," Wheeler said. "Every year, we try and introduce something else."
The festival was originally conceived through discussions between Wheeler and the Stratham Parks and Recreation Department, who wanted to bring a vibrant community event to Stratham Hill Park.
"I think the reason why it continues to grow and get bigger every year is because of the support of the community, the support of our vendors who want to keep coming back, and the support of our sponsors and volunteers," Wheeler said. "You can't have a festival without all those pieces and parts."
Proceeds for the event go back to the community.
"It goes to the Parks and Rec and the chamber to support programs and services that are offered," said Wheeler. "I know Parks and Rec last year used the proceeds to help purchase a van to transport seniors and young people to different events. The festival is locally grown and supports the community in all sorts of ways."
The 5th annual Great Bay Food Truck Festival is underwritten by Service Credit Union withadditional support from Muddy River Smokehouse and Holy Rosary Credit Union, ExeterPediatric Dentistry and Eastern Bank.
More information: greatbayfoodtruckfestival.com.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Great Bay Food Truck Festival 2025: What to know before you go
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