Unique, New Opportunity For Food Trucks In Duluth Parks Unveiled For 2026

An interesting new opportunity for Twin Ports mobile food vendors was just announced in the form of a pilot program set to roll out later this year.

The new pilot program, just announced by the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA), would give a limited number of local mobile food vendors the chance to get a no-cost commercial operator's permit to operate in Duluth's city parks this summer.

Normally, these permits cost $300, but the pilot program that DEDA has announced for the upcoming 2026 season is designed to cover the costs to reduce financial barriers and provide new opportunities to local food vendors.

As the press release from DEDA explained, the goal is to "give local operators a low-barrier opportunity to expand their business’s visibility, grow customer reach, and connect with the Duluth community while interacting with City of Duluth’s parks and park-goers."

READ MORE: What We Know About The New Pedro's Location Set To Open In Duluth

The pilot program will award up to six food trucks (or other mobile food vendors) with a no-cost permit. These permits would be valid to operate for a six-month window, from May 1, 2026, through October 31, 2026.

These special permits would allow the selected vendors access to all of the City of Duluth's parks that are deemed 'equipped' for mobile food vending.

In order to be eligible, vendors must be registered as a mobile food vendor with the City of Duluth's Clerk's Office, be a resident of Duluth, or have a physical ("brick-and-mortar") business within the Duluth city limits.

The permits will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to the first six eligible applicants. If you're interested, DEDA is encouraging you to fill out this Commercial Operator's Permit Program form. Additional information about permits of this nature and other park permits can be found here.