Every so often, some signs and posters start to pop up over in the town of Swarthmore (or the Ville, as Swatties call it) telling us that some food trucks will be stopping by on an upcoming Friday evening. My friends and I are always excited to discover these signs, and we immediately begin planning our trip into town to get some delicious food from these food trucks when they appear. Food truck night has become an unofficial tradition for us, and we always make sure to go have dinner in the town when the food trucks stop by.

Food truck night has to be one of my favorite events that happens in the Swarthmore community. The streets of the town are filled with food trucks from all over the area, as well as students and community members coming to enjoy some great food and a fun community gathering. People of all ages come to this event, and it truly allows you to see yourself as a part of the Swarthmore community. Friends and family coming together to share a meal, a snack, or just have a good time make this event truly exceptional. 

Every time the food trucks come, there is an incredible variety of options to choose from. Flavors from every culture, new and exciting combinations, and sweet treats are always present. The last time I went with my friends, I opted to try some korean-inspired birria tacos, which was an unexpected but spectacular combination. Live music is also a staple of these food truck nights, with a local artist usually performing right nearby while the festivities occur. With all of this simultaneously occurring in a space where people gather together to have a good time, food truck night really is a delight for all the senses.

While I personally really enjoyed the tacos I got, there were also many other options to choose from. My friends and I all decided to try different things the past few times we went, and we ended up with a wide variety of different flavors. Some of them got pasta (which was served in a cup!), some got desserts like cannolis and churros, and others got drinks like lemonade. There are also some fun options like a truck that serves various varieties of corn on the cob, one that serves lobster in many different ways, and one that serves a dish that they claim is a fusion of an egg roll and a burrito.

While food truck night is my favorite event in the Ville, it’s not the only one I enjoy. There are also arts and crafts markets where local artists come to sell and display their works, festivals for the start of the school year and to welcome the new seasons, and a scattering of some other celebrations and events throughout the year as well. These events in the Ville are great opportunities to get a quick trip off campus without having to go far and enjoy some lively community fun.