Off The Grid is a food truck event series, not a single location you can visit anytime
Off The Grid is a recurring food truck festival held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other California cities. It brings together dozens of food trucks, pop-up vendors, and live entertainment to a single outdoor location on specific dates. The event is not a permanent marketplace — it happens on set weekends, usually in parking lots or public spaces, and then moves or ends until the next scheduled date.
Each Off The Grid event runs for a few hours in the evening, typically from late afternoon into night. The exact dates, times, and locations change by season and by city. Food trucks rotate in and out, so the vendors present at one event may differ from the next. You pay individual vendors directly for food and drinks; there is no single entry fee to the festival itself.
Off The Grid is run by a private events company, not a government agency or permanent food market. If you are looking for a food truck festival in your area, you will need to check the current schedule for your city to find out when and where the next event is happening.
Key Takeaways
- Off The Grid events happen on specific dates and times, not year-round, so you need to check the schedule before you go.
- Each event features a different mix of food trucks and vendors, so the trucks available change from one date to the next.
- You pay each food truck directly for what you order; there is no single admission price to enter the festival.
- Off The Grid operates in multiple California cities, but the location and date vary, so confirm the details for your area before you travel.
How to find the next Off The Grid event near you
The easiest way to find an upcoming Off The Grid event is to visit the official Off The Grid website and look for the events calendar. The calendar shows dates, times, and locations for all scheduled festivals by city. You can filter by the city closest to you and see which weekends have events planned.
Off The Grid also posts updates on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Following their official accounts will show you announcements about new dates, special themes, or changes to the schedule. Some individual food trucks that participate also post which Off The Grid events they will be at, so if you have a favorite vendor, you can follow them to see their schedule.
If you do not find an event listed for your city, it may mean Off The Grid is not currently running events there, or the next season's dates have not been announced yet. Event schedules are usually posted a few weeks to a few months in advance.
What to expect when you arrive at an Off The Grid event
Off The Grid events are outdoor festivals, so they happen rain or shine. Bring cash or a card — most food trucks accept both, but some smaller vendors may be cash-only. The festival is typically crowded, especially during peak hours, so arrive early if you want shorter lines or a wider choice of vendors.
Seating is usually limited and shared. Some events have picnic tables or standing room; others are more open. Bring a blanket or plan to stand while you eat. The atmosphere is casual and social — people gather in groups, and live music or entertainment often plays in the background.
Parking varies by location. Some events are in parking lots with free parking included; others are in public spaces where you may need to pay for street parking or use a nearby garage. Check the event details on the website to see what parking options are available at your specific location.
Food truck variety and pricing at Off The Grid
Off The Grid events feature a mix of cuisines — tacos, Korean food, pizza, desserts, vegetarian options, and more. The exact vendors change from event to event, so you may see different trucks at different dates. Prices vary by vendor and by dish, but food truck meals typically range from $8 to $20 per item.
The festival is designed to let you sample from multiple vendors in one evening. You can buy a small plate from one truck, a drink from another, and dessert from a third. This format works well if you want variety or if you are going with a group with different tastes.
Some events have themes — for example, a festival focused on Asian cuisine or vegan food. Themed events may have a more limited vendor list but a deeper focus on that type of food. Check the event description to see if there is a theme for the date you are planning to attend.
Off The Grid events in different California cities
Off The Grid started in San Francisco and has expanded to Los Angeles, Oakland, and other Bay Area and Southern California locations. Each city has its own event schedule, and the frequency varies. San Francisco and Los Angeles typically have more frequent events than smaller cities.
The vendors, times, and locations differ by city. A San Francisco Off The Grid event will have a different set of trucks and a different location than a Los Angeles event. If you are traveling between cities, do not assume the same vendors or times will explore — check the schedule for each city separately.
Some cities may have Off The Grid events only during certain seasons, such as spring and summer. Winter schedules may be reduced or paused. The official website shows the full calendar for each location, so you can see what is planned for the rest of the year.
Bringing children or planning for dietary restrictions
Off The Grid events are family-friendly and open to all ages. Children can attend, and many vendors offer kid-friendly options like pizza, tacos, or straightforward grilled items. However, the events are outdoors and can be crowded, so plan accordingly if you are bringing young children — bring water, sunscreen, and a way to keep them entertained while you wait in line.
If you have dietary restrictions, the variety of vendors usually means you can find something that works for you. Many events include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-conscious options. Check the vendor list on the event page before you go, or arrive early to scan the menus and ask vendors about ingredients or preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a ticket to enter an Off The Grid event?
No, Off The Grid events are free to enter. You only pay for the food and drinks you order from individual vendors. Some special or themed events may have a small entry fee, but this is rare and would be noted on the event page.
Can I bring my own food or drinks to an Off The Grid event?
Most Off The Grid events do not allow outside food or drinks, similar to other festivals. Check the specific event details on the website to confirm the policy for the date and location you plan to attend.
What time should I arrive to avoid long lines?
Events typically start in late afternoon or early evening. Arriving in the first hour usually means shorter lines and more vendor options. Peak times are usually around dinner time, so if you prefer a quieter experience, arrive early or later in the evening.
Are dogs or pets allowed at Off The Grid events?
Some Off The Grid events allow leashed dogs, but policies vary by location and date. Check the event details or call ahead to confirm whether pets are permitted at the specific event you want to attend.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Off The Grid events are outdoor festivals and typically happen regardless of weather. However, severe weather like heavy rain or extreme heat may cause an event to be postponed or cancelled. The official website or social media accounts will announce any changes due to weather.