Off the Grid Food Market Resumes at Fort Mason Center
Off the Grid, the iconic food truck and market event, is making a comeback at Fort Mason Center after a prolonged hiatus. Set to relaunch on April 18, the event will occur monthly, following a break of over a year and a half from regular Friday night markets.
Background of Off the Grid
Since its inception in 2010, Off the Grid has expanded significantly beyond its original concept of a food truck gathering. Today, it also provides catering services and organizes food events throughout the Bay Area, including popular daily food truck locations at Salesforce Tower and Levi’s Plaza. The organization has established markets in various cities such as Oakland, Pleasant Hill, and Sunnyvale.
Challenges and Changes
While Off the Grid enjoyed immense popularity, by 2023, the operational costs for hosting its flagship event at Fort Mason Center skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult to maintain. Founder Matt Cohen disclosed in an Instagram video last year that expenses related to event logistics, such as power, trash removal, and staffing, had surged by approximately 300%. As a consequence, the organization needed to reassess how to sustain the Friday night market for the long term.
In response to these challenges, Off the Grid hosted a lunchtime “food pod” at the venue in late summer and also organized a holiday night market in December. However, the full-scale market experience with food trucks is now officially set to return.
Upcoming Market Details
The April 18 event will feature a diverse lineup of food trucks and vendor tents, including favorites such as Jollof Kitchen, The Chinita Baker, Señor Sisig, and Johnny Doughnuts. Attendees can also enjoy craft cocktails from Rye on the Road, alongside options for beer and wine.
Scheduled Dates
Off the Grid’s events at Fort Mason Center will run through December, with the following confirmed dates:
- April 18
- May 30
- June 27
- July 18
- September 5
- October 17
- December 12
Dates for August and November are still to be announced.
Additional Features
Each market is expected to include a selection of craft and retail options, curated by West Coast Craft, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
It is important to note that a previously launched paid program offering reservable tables and staff to assist with food orders will no longer be in operation.
Event Information
Follow Off the Grid on Instagram for further updates on the April 18 event, scheduled from 4 PM to 9 PM.
