Third annual Food Truck-A-Palooza, citywide garage sales, MPD concert ... all this weekend

The third annual Food Truck-A-Palooza event will take place this Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Merrill Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More than 30 food trucks will be on site, offering a wide variety of options to satisfy cravings for everything from delicious entrees to snacks and treats. Bouncy houses are back, with all-day wristbands for the kids. Live music by Brad Emanuel and Jackson Taylor will add to the atmosphere. And a craft and vendor sale provides the perfect opportunity to do a little shopping to support local crafters and entrepreneurs.
Saturday is forecast to be sunny with a high of 75 degrees, providing the perfect opportunity for a spring day full of food, fun, shopping, and community. “Bring your friends, bring your family, and come hungry!” City of Merrill event organizers said.
Food Truck-A-Palooza began when Merrill Mayor Steve Hass and members of the Council and the City’s Marketing Committee were brainstorming ideas to promote Merrill as a destination for more events, benefiting locals looking for activities and entertainment while also drawing in visitors to shop, visit, and support the local community. Food Truck-A-Palooza also provides local businesses and entrepreneurs valuable exposure for their growing or budding businesses, especially those with the food trucks and craft booths. But even more importantly, “This event is completely self-sufficient thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, along with participation from our food trucks and craft vendors,” City of Merrill representatives said. “Because of that, Food Truck-A-Palooza does not cost taxpayers any money.”
“It’s a great example of what’s possible when local businesses, vendors, and the community come together to create something special. From amazing food to live music, family activities, and local shopping — this event is powered by partnership and community pride,” they said.

This year’s food truck lineup will include offerings like fire-roasted corn, egg rolls, brisket and pulled pork, chimichangas, street tacos, nachos, jerk chicken, burgers, wraps, gyros, hot dogs and brats, corn dogs, pizza, lumpia rolls, crab rangoon, cheese curds, coffee drinks, mini donuts, churros, cheesecake, pies, cream puffs, elephant ears, and ice cream. From all-American foods to Thai, Mexican, Italian, Korean, Hmong, Filipino, Jamaican, and more, one of the most difficult choices to make this Saturday will be what to sample next.

Merrill’s citywide garage sales
For those who love a good garage sale, Merrill’s citywide garage sales will also be taking place this weekend, with many sales beginning late Thursday and most running through Saturday, so it will also be a great time to shop for everything under the sun throughout the community. From rare and vintage finds unearthed from basements, sheds, and attics to clothes the kids have outgrown and housewares, decor, furniture, sporting goods, and much more, it will be prime-time shopping for bargain hunters and thrifters alike.
And it’s no coincidence that Food Truck-A-Palooza lands on the same weekend when the area will draw both locals and regional residents into the community on the hunt for treasures, providing the perfect opportunity to grab a bite to eat throughout the day while shopping in the Merrill area. The live music, craft sales, and bounce houses will add to the festivities with more shopping, entertainment, and an opportunity to relax and regroup between following the garage and estate sale signs.

Fleetwood Mac tribute

The Merrill Police Department (MPD) will also sponsor the Mac Attack concert — the ultimate tribute to Fleetwood Mac — at Merrill High School (MHS) this Saturday evening. The show takes place in the MHS auditorium, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the concert set to begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are limited. Check with the front desk at the MPD to purchase tickets or call 715.804.4434.