Food Truck Fridays return May 31

San Diegans will soon have another reason to celebrate the end of the work week. Balboa Park officially announced the return of Food Truck Fridays, the beloved culinary event parked on the plaza every summer.

Every Friday from May 31 through Sept. 27, swing by the El Prado walkway to try a taste from a dozen of rotating food trucks, offering everything from indulgent sugar-filled desserts to healthy plant-based options. Order an appetizer for a fresh take on happy hour, or eat a light lunch that day to fully indulge as the evening falls.

In total, more than 40 food trucks are participating and will alternate weekly. (Available dining options for each week will be posted online ahead of Friday.)

Many mobile eateries who participated last year will return, including four-year veterans Tacos La Mezcla, Pierogi Truck, Bosnian Grill and Currywurst Frankfurt. New additions such as El Hueco (Peruvian), LouZiana Food (Cajon/Creole) and Street Chef California (Mediterranean) join the festivities this summer.

To kick off the fourth annual event, the first Food Truck Friday features a back-to-back entertainment lineup on May 31. Mariachi Victoria de San Diego will perform at 5 p.m., followed by Flavor Dance Company Entertainment at 6 p.m., and the San Diego Youth Symphony Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Strings Ensemble closing the evening at 7 p.m.

Additional concerts will be offered on select Fridays, including Naruwan Taiko Drummers on June 7, and Bayou Brothers on July 5 and Aug. 23.

And if food and tunes aren’t enough, participating museums and attractions will expand their hours to accommodate the influx of satisfied diners seeking another adventure before calling it a night.

For a proper nightcap, enjoy a glass of beer or wine on the San Diego Natural History Museum’s rooftop bar, Fleet Science Center’s Craveology Café, or San Diego History Museum’s Curiousity Cart. A selection of other museums will offer discounts and extended hours for eaters to walk off those extra calories.

Parking is available at the corner of Park Blvd. and President’s Way in the Inspiration Point parking lot, with a free tram to El Prado offered. With thousands of park visitors anticipated to attend, get there early to snag a spot in line for the sought-after vendors.

Food Truck Fridays

When: Fridays, 4-8:30 p.m., May 31 through Sept. 27
Where: Balboa Park, Plaza de Panama and El Prado walkway
Phone: 619.239.0512
Online: balboaparkconservancy.org/foodtrucks