There are over 95 food trucks operating in Reno. The local scene is organized into a recurring weekly schedule known as the "WTF" series, which stands for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday events.
Weather at Reno
Wind Advisory in effect — Wind Advisory issued September 12 at 1:47AM PDT until September 13 at 2:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV
- Tonight
- Mostly Clear
- Temperature
- 52°F
- Wind
- 5 to 20 mph
- Zone
- NVZ003
Weekly Food Truck Events
The primary recurring events occur throughout the week at specific locations.
- Wednesdays: The Reno Police Department hosts food trucks in the parking lot at the Public Safety Center, located at 911 Kuenzli Street. Additionally, the "Feed the Camel" event takes place on Wednesday evenings, starting in late May. This event is held under the Keystone Bridge and around the McKinley Arts and Culture Center.
- Thursdays: Food truck events operate in the North Valleys.
- Fridays: Food Truck Friday runs during the summer months from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is categorized as one of the top five largest weekly food truck events in the United States.
The Riverside Farmers Market also hosts various food trucks on Sundays, alongside local vendors selling produce and baked goods.
Travel Considerations
If traveling from the Sierra or surrounding areas to attend these events, plan for potential mountain weather and traffic. Before heading into Reno, verify that mountain passes are clear. Check I-80 road conditions and SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions to confirm there are no closures or chain controls. Travelers approaching from the south should review US-395 road conditions for current status. Once in the city, use Reno city cameras road conditions to monitor local traffic conditions near event sites.
Check I-80 conditions before driving to Reno.
History and Development
The Reno food truck scene began to expand in 2012 when Steve Schroeder, the owner of Reno Street Food and organizer of Food Truck Friday, coordinated with the City of Reno to establish a framework for street food vendors. At that time, only eight food trucks operated in the city. The growth to the current count of over 95 trucks has been supported by these organized weekly events, which provide a centralized location for vendors to operate.
Educational Programs
The local food truck industry also integrates with vocational training. Reed High School operates a culinary food truck named "Global Street Foods." This truck is part of the Washoe County School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The truck was purchased through the Intuit food truck program, which provides a "simulated workplace" experience for students. Students in the Culinary CTE program use the truck to gain experience in a professional context, serving as an "internship on wheels" that allows them to develop skills in a commercial kitchen environment outside of their standard classroom.
Food Safety and Allergies
When attending food truck events, individuals with dietary restrictions should note that food is the most common trigger of anaphylaxis. According to the Washoe County School District, food allergies have increased by approximately 50% between 1997 and 2011. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening event that can occur rapidly after exposure to specific food proteins. Because food trucks operate in varying environments, attendees with severe allergies should confirm ingredients and preparation methods directly with individual vendors before consumption. Fatal anaphylaxis is more common in children with food allergies who are also asthmatic.