BRATTLEBORO — Every summer, Retreat Farm's Thursday evening Food Truck Roundup signals the start of its summer. With construction on Route 30 and the transformation of the North Barn into a gathering place for the community, Food Truck Roundup will evolve into a ticketed event this season.
“To preserve the Food Truck Roundup experience everyone loves, it is necessary for us to limit the size of the event each week,” Events Director Jenny Crowell said in a news release.
To ensure the Roundup remains welcoming and accessible to the community, Retreat Farm is offering a variety of ticket and season pass options. Crowell says the shift to a ticketed event also brings a unique opportunity to support the larger nonprofit community.
“As one of the community's largest events, the Roundup is a perfect platform to celebrate local nonprofits that bring people together and help support our unique and vibrant community,” said Executive Director Kristin Sullivan.
The Collective Impact Program at Retreat Farm will celebrate 10 emerging nonprofits by donating $1 of every Food Truck Roundup ticket and 20% of season pass sales to selected nonprofits. Nonprofits who wish to be considered for the program can submit a 10-minute application at retreatfarm.org. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, June 1.
“So much of our community is driven by the nonprofit sector,” Sullivan said. “The Collective Impact Program is a chance to amplify the good work done by these organizations and showcase how our work intersects with the dozens of nonprofits in the community.”
From Wyld Nightz to Zara Bode, the Roundup will host a diverse musical lineup, starting with Rumboat Chili on Thursday, June 22. With the Thirsty Goat Bar, HAngry Traveler, Anon's Thai Cuisine, Mach's Mobile Pizza, Vermont Gelato, and more space for your blanket, organizers say the Roundup “will be more enjoyable than ever this summer.”
The Roundup continues each Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 24. The Food Truck Roundup series is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and Brattleboro Savings & Loan.
Advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested, with limited walk-up tickets available each week. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 12. Roundup regulars are encouraged to purchase a Season Pass, available for families ($85), couples ($65), and individuals ($45).
The Roundup will remain free for under-resourced families, thanks to generous support from Brattleboro Savings & Loan and Park Place Financial Advisors. Free, Open Access tickets will be available online and at the Brattleboro Food Co-Op, Brooks Memorial Library, the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro, and the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance tent at Gallery Walk, starting June 2.
Season passes and advance tickets are now on sale for Retreat Farm members. To gain early ticket access, become a free member by signing up at retreatfarm.org/membership.