Tickets to Columbia Food Truck Festival now on sale

The trucks are back.

The 2nd Annual South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival moves to the S.C. State Fairgrounds April 30, adding an evening of craft beer selections from regional brewers.

Last year crowds swamped the State Farmers Market during the festival, and event organizers were overwhelmed by the response.

“Last year was our first food truck festival in Columbia and we suffered some growing pains in terms of line management and crowd control. We have learned our lesson! Our new venue is much larger and provides more traffic and parking options, and we are increasing the police and improving access to make sure our guests have a great experience from start to finish,” says Anne-Marie Aigner, founder of Food Truck Festivals of America. Last year’s attendance was estimated at 15,000.

Related content: View photos from last year’s event

Moving to the larger fairgrounds venue with more parking, easier access in and out, and a larger police presence, organizers hope to improve the experience for attendees and create a signature event for Columbia.

During the day, expect the opportunity to sample food from at least 25 food trucks, enjoy live music, along with face painting and other activities for kids. Throughout the event, full pour glasses of beer will be available to all attendees ages 21 and older. Beginning at 3 p.m., folks who purchase a special wristband will be able to partake in a tasting of regional craft beers (2-ounce sample pours). Also new this year is partnership with Harvest Hope Food Bank. Attendees are asked to bring canned food donations.

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 10:54 AM.