TFTS History
In 2015, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce introduced the very first state-wide food truck competition, The Texas Food Truck Showdown, an experience that would become one of Waco’s signature events.
The Chamber's special events team anticipated around 5,000 people to be in attendance for the inaugural event and hoped to secure 20 food trucks from around the state to compete. The first Showdown blew the team's goals out of the water, boasting an impressive 35 food trucks traveling to Waco from all over the state to compete while serving upwards of 15,000 people who attended.
After an outpouring of support from the community, the City of Waco, sponsors and food trucks alike, the Greater Waco Chamber knew The Texas Food Truck Showdown was here to stay. After a successful second, third, fourth and fifth year, The Texas Food Truck Showdown is returning to downtown Waco annually in March welcoming up to 40 food trucks from around the country and over 25,000 people each year!
Get your belly ready for some good eats, we'll see you in Heritage Square on Saturday, April 13 for The Texas Food Truck Showdown 2024!
We are excited to announce that The Texas Food Truck Showdown will be back on April 13, 2024. Below is the Schedule of Events, but please check back regularly as we will be adding information as we get closer to the event. Follow us on Facebook for the latest information!
- Celebrity Judging | 8 - 10 a.m.
- Food trucks will begin selling their signature dishes to the public at 10 a.m.
- Competition & Public Voting | 10 a.m - 4 p.m.
- Only Tasty Tickets are accepted during this time. Tickets will not be available for purchase after 3 p.m.*
- Pop Up Market | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Featuring local artists with unique pieces and products.
- Beer and Wine Garden | 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Tasty Tickets will not be accepted at the Beer and Wine Garden. Cash or card only.
- Live Music | 12 - 8 p.m.
- KidsZone | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- To include children’s activities throughout the day.
- Awards | 4:30 p.m.
- Stick around to see who becomes the Grand Champion!
- Full Menu Sales | 5 - 8 p.m.
- Trucks will offer their full menu for cash/card purchases. *No Tasty Tickets will be accepted after 4 p.m.*
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.
The key to happiness at The Texas Food Truck Showdown is Tasty Tickets.
To get food from ANY of the trucks at The Texas Food Truck Showdown you’ll need to purchase Tasty Tickets. During the competition, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tasty Tickets are required to purchase a signature dish. Only signature dishes will be served during the competition and trucks will not accept cash or cards. Tasty Tickets must be purchased at the ticket booths located near the event entrance using cash or card. Once you have Tasty Tickets, you are free to use them at any truck you want!
One Tasty Ticket costs $6 and will buy you one 4-ounce signature dish from any truck.
*Please Note: Tasty Tickets will not be sold after 3 p.m. and they become invalid after 4 p.m.; no refunds for unused tickets. The food trucks will open their full menu at 4 p.m. for cash/card purchases.
Bottled water and soda will also be available for purchase directly from the drink trailer with cash or card from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (drinks cannot be purchased from food truck vendors). Beer and Wine Garden will be available from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
NO tasty tickets will be taken for drinks, beer or wine.
We're excited to have live music for The Texas Food Truck Showdown 2024!
Our 2024 lineup is still being confirmed. Below is our 2023 lineup.
Live music will begin at noon and end at 8 p.m.
12-1 p.m. | MCC Jazz Band
1:15-2:15 p.m. | MCC Country Band
2:30-3:30 p.m. | MCC Rock Band
3:45-4:45 p.m. | Distinguished Soundz
5-6 p.m. | Sundae Drivers
6:30-8 p.m. | Sloppy Joe Band
Stay tuned for information about the 2024 Celebrity Judges.
The 2024 Texas Food Truck Showdown Champion will feature five celebrity judges.
The judges will sample each truck’s signature dish and determine the overall champion and category winners. Once the celebrity judging is complete, the public is invited to taste each truck’s signature dish and vote on the People’s Choice Award winner from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
NOTE: By attending the event, you consent to be filmed/recorded as part of the audience for security and broadcast without payments.
Still have questions? Use the contact form below.
A special thank you to The Texas Food Truck Showdown 2023 sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Additional Sponsors
Volunteer registration for The Texas Food Truck Showdown 2024 is not open yet!
Please check back soon for updates!
There are multiple volunteer positions for this event. The jobs are broken down into shifts of 2-3 hours and volunteers can sign up for just one shift or multiple shifts (any help is appreciated). Each of these positions will play a huge role in helping attendees with questions, greeting them as they enter the venue, assisting them with directions and making sure that each guest is having a great time. Volunteers will receive an event shirt.