As the temperatures heat up, my mind — and tastebuds — yearn for summer barbecues, cooking over a campfire and hitting up food truck rallies.

Northern Colorado’s premier rally gathers on Tuesday nights in Fort Collins. It’s like a mini community celebration every Tuesday. Plus, so much food to choose from.

Meanwhile, two other smaller food truck rallies provide a more casual experience for those who want to grab a bite and run. Loveland’s second-year Mehaffey Park Food Truck Rally has a beautiful backdrop, making it worth at least one trip if you live in NoCo. I, personally, would combine an outing with some grounding park time.

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It’s a bit early to get as excited as I am, as rally organizers are still scheduling the trucks that will be out each week. The FoCo Food Truck Rally has released its 2024 music schedule. Check it out below.

And we’ll add more as we learn it here. (Psst, have a truck or event we should feature, send me a note.)

Meanwhile, here’s what we know for 2024 food truck events.

2024 Northern Colorado Food Truck Rallies

FoCo Food Truck Rally

Time to eat: 5:30 to dusk on Tuesdays

When rally runs: May 14-Sept. 17 (except July 2)

Where the noshing happens: City Park, located at Mulberry and Sheldon Drive

The main dish: 18 food trucks line the roadway through the park, with more than 40 making an appearance over the summer. (We are awaiting this year’s tasty lineup.)

The surprise ingredient: There is plenty of space to spread out your blanket, pop up your folding chairs and let the kids run.

The cherry on top: Music presented by Mishawaka Amphitheatre. We’re talkin’ local faves like Heart Medicine, Bevin Luna, Mad Dog Blues and so many more.

Fossil Creek Food Truck Rally in Fort Collins

Time to eat: 5:30 to dark on Thursday.

When the rally runs: Mid-May to mid-September.

Where the noshing happens: Fossil Creek Park, 5821 S. Lemay Ave., just west of Southridge Golf Course, in Fort Collins.

The surprise ingredient: Central Fort Collins location for grabbing and going.

The cherry on top: An intimate, manageable gathering.

The real scoop: The folks behind the FoCo Food Truck Rally organize the Fossil Creek Food Truck Rally, so expect big things to come.

Mehaffey Park Food Truck Rally in Loveland

Time to eat: 5 p.m. to dusk on Thursdays.

When the rally runs: May 30 to Sept. 5 (Except July 4).

Where the noshing happens: Loveland’s Mehaffey Park south entrance, 3285 W. 22nd St.

The main dish: A small neighborhood rally with about five food trucks. Now that they are one year in, the organizers plan to grow.

The surprise ingredient: Growing this year to include acoustic music and artisan vendors.

The cherry on top: Plan an outing to the 64-acre park with an amazing view and amenities, including an epic playground, dog park, skate park, arboretum, disc golf, and pickleball, tennis and basketball courts.

The real scoop: Keep an eye on the Mehaffey Park Food Truck Rally Facebook page to know if you’ll find a satisfying meal before you go.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Northglenn’s 3-Day Food Truck Carnival 

Civic Center Eats in Denver

Time to eat: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Wednesdays and Thursdays.

When the rally runs: May to mid-October.

Where the noshing happens: Civic Center Park in Denver.

The main dish: 10 to 15 food trucks gather in front of the capital to satisfy the lunch crowd.

The surprise ingredient: Civic Center Eats is committed to having accessibly priced dishes.

The cherry on top: Location, location, location. Doing a little Colorado staycation? Hit up the area’s museums and grab a bite to eat.

The real scoop: This is a great spot for those officing in Downtown Denver.

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