The Everett Food Truck Festival is next weekend, and it’s a very big thing, the summer’s last hoorah in our beautiful bayside city.

Some new trucks have joined the lineup and new features have been added to the event. Let’s take a look.

1. Kids under 12 can get free access to the VIP lounge.
Of course, they must be accompanied by a paying adult. It’s a good way to get junior’s tastebuds acclimated to Sriracha sauce.

VIP members will also be able to use to cafeteria-style trays. Load up your goodies and retire to the private lounge, dine in luxury overlooking the music stage and beer garden.

2. Yes, Music Stage and Beer Garden.
As presented by Everett Music Initiative. On tap in the beer garden: Everett breweries Scuttlebutt, At Large, and Lazy Boy. The stage will feature regional acts indie rock acts Spirit Award, Tilson XOXO, and Eastern Souvenirs. Also playing will be Everett’s own folk duo The Porters (how bout that ukulele player?).

"We're excited about the lineup and the opportunity to be involved in this year's Everett Food Truck Festival," says Ryan Crowther, of Everett Music Initiative.

3. Dogs. Chairs.
Dogs are allowed. Friendly dogs. Cute dogs. Also, you can (and should) bring folding chairs.

Let’s talk strategy for a minute.

There’s no wrong way to food truck. But here are some different approaches to the event.

Visit at off-peak times. Say, 3 PM—that liminal space between lunch and dinner. You’re more likely to beat long lines.

Divide and conquer. Bring friends or kids. Have them wait in different lines. Rendezvous and split up your haul “family style” so everyone can get a taste from different trucks.

Pace yourself. You are not a thirteen-year-old boy or an ancient Roman (or maybe you are). Regardless, the festival is not necessarily one long gluttonous sprint. You can take breaks. Like, you could eat lunch, snacks, and then dinner. Between these meals you can go check out shops downtown, walk around a little.

Moderation is encouraged: it is a seven hour event.

That’s about it.

Again, there’s no wrong way to food truck. Remember to pre-order your tickets online here. And share the Facebook event here.

Richard Porter is a musician and Live in Everett's content magician. He lives in North Everett and enjoys running, bicycling, and endless cups of coffee.