What you need for a food truck festival

A food truck festival needs more than trucks and menus. You will need reusable serving items, places to eat, reliable power, lighting, clear signs and equipment for changing weather. Plan quantities from your expected guest count, then add a small buffer for cups, plates and cutlery. The list below covers the practical items people often remember only when setup has already started.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
High tablesqty 18
Beer tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 6
Reception desk
Tableclothsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 500
Reusable platesqty 350
Reusable cutleryqty 350
Coffee cupsqty 100
Tea glassesqty 100
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving tongsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 8
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 12
Cable matsqty 12
Cable reelsqty 4
Handheld microphone
Portable speakerqty 2
Rechargeable lampsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Bannersqty 6
Menu boardsqty 8
Pavement signsqty 4
Table signsqty 24

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Knivesqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Ice spoonsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 18
Waste binsqty 4
Waste separation signsqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Hand soap dispensersqty 8
Towel dispensersqty 6

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 12
Warning signsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4

Information

Name badgesqty 40
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 6
Floor plansqty 350
Program flyersqty 350

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Rood - 120 bottles
- Cola - 60 bottles
- Cola Zero - 60 bottles
- Sinas - 36 bottles
- Iced tea - 36 bottles
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Ginger beer - 12 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 12 bottles
- Coffee beans - 6 kilograms
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Green tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 4 cartons
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Coffee milk - 6 packs
- Sugar - 4 kilogram
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Honey - 2 jars
- Lemons - 4 kilograms
- Mint - 10 bunches
- Ice cubes - 80 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 1500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 1000 pieces
- Wooden satay skewers - 500 pieces
- Sugar sachets - 1000 pieces
- Chili sauce - 6 bottles
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 6 bottles
- Mustard - 4 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Black pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Oil - 10 liters
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 24 rolls
- Trash bags 120 liters - 150 pieces
- 60 liter trash bags - 100 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 12 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 6 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 2 boxes
- Sponges - 20 pieces
- Scouring sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Microfiber cloths - 30 pieces
- Disinfectant spray - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Wound dressing - 4 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 1000 pieces
- Face masks - 100 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Paper bags - 500 pieces
- Diet stickers - 300 pieces

Tips

Allow at least one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per expected guest, plus 10–15% extra for items waiting in collection or washing. Add more cups if drinks are served throughout the event.
Provide one high table for every 15–20 standing guests and one beer table with benches or folding chairs for every 8–10 seated guests. Keep several tables under party tents so guests have shelter while eating.
Confirm each truck’s power requirement before booking supply. Use outdoor-rated extension cords and cable mats wherever cables cross walkways; keep spare power strips and cable reels available for unexpected layouts.
For an evening event, place rechargeable lamps or battery lanterns at every service and seating area, and use string lights along the main route. Check batteries or charging status before suppliers arrive.
Put menu boards and pavement signs where guests queue, not only beside the trucks. Prepare at least one clearly visible sign for toilets, waste points, parking and the reception or information desk.

Frequently asked questions

How many reusable cups, plates and cutlery do I need for a food truck festival?: Start with one complete set per expected guest and add 10–15% extra. For 200 guests, that means at least 220 cups, 220 plates and 220 sets of cutlery, with additional cups if drinks are served more than once.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a food truck festival?: For mostly standing guests, plan one high table per 15–20 people. For seated eating, provide one beer table with seating or one table-and-chair group per 8–10 guests; for 200 guests, that is roughly 10–13 standing tables or 20–25 seated places depending on the layout.
When should I arrange power for food trucks?: Ask every food truck for its power requirements before confirming the supplier agreement, ideally at least 2–4 weeks before the festival. Reserve the power supply as soon as the total load is known, rather than waiting until setup day.
How many toilets and waste points do I need for a food truck festival?: The exact number depends on attendance, duration and local requirements, so confirm it when you apply for the permit. Reserve toilets and waste collection at least 2–4 weeks ahead, and place waste points near seating and food service areas.

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