Gypsy Picnic – Austin’s best trailer food nomads unite

Along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, Austinites usually can find a variety of sensory treats: trees, dogs, joggers, hippies; the list goes on and on. This weekend, though, locals will be enticed by delectable smells wafting through the air.

If you find yourself drawn to Auditorium Shores this Saturday, October 22, with floating wisps of scent drawing you in, making your body twist and turn like a bad cartoon, you are most definitely at the Gypsy Picnic. Is this Gypsy Picnic some sort of gaudy theme party rife with anticipation of Halloween? Nope. It’s the second annual “gathering of Austin’s best trailer food nomads for a day of tasty treats, tunes & more at Auditorium Shores” happening from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Ah, the food cart. It hasn’t always been a part of Austin’s cultural fabric but in the recent past has had a tremendous impact on the city’s culinary offerings, rivaling cities like Portland, New York, and L.A. in both the number of carts and their diversity. Some of the more notable dishes at this year’s festival include frozen bananas from Bananarchy, fried Brussels sprouts salad from East Side Kings, Phoenix eggrolls from Fresh off the Truck, and crawfish cornbread from JuJu’s Caboose. With more than 40 food carts to choose from, there’s something for everyone, no matter your dietary preferences or restrictions.

In addition to the food, there’s music from the likes of Dale Watson and Delta Spirit, plus others. There’s also story time and juggling acts for the kiddos, a craft station, a Prius sponsored photo booth, AND a craft beer tent with $2 samples. The event is free to enter, food samples are $3 each, and each cart will have regularly priced food items, as well (bring cash!) You can bring your own bottled water, but no other outside food or drinks. And dogs are welcome, too!

If you’re conducting an Austin home search to discover a home that keeps you near the action on Lady Bird Lake and downtown, be sure to touch base with Austin Realtor Brian Talley. You may even find him and his family sampling some of Austin’s finest cart fare this weekend, too!