Springfest 2019 is just around the corner, coming up on April 16th! This annual event is put on by the student org MUSIC Matters, MUSIC standing for Michigan Undergraduates Serving In the Community. They aim to utilize the power of music to unite the Michigan community and to promote educational accessibility by putting on events throughout the academic year and by ending the year with Springfest. Even if this year’s headlining performance by A$AP Ferg doesn’t draw you in, the food scene surely will. Read on to learn which seven foods you must try at Springfest this year.
What exactly is Springfest?
Springfest is a daytime festival on the Diag and North U that highlights the work of student orgs, displays art installations, showcases live music, and more. High school students from Detroit schools come to attend workshops on applying to college and to learn about financial aid. At night, a major headliner performs a benefit concert. In past years, 2 Chainz, Lil Yachty, Desiigner, J. Cole, Migos, and Louis the Child have performed. This year, A$AP Ferg takes the stage.
Fun Fact: Springfest is the largest zero-waste event at the University of Michigan.
So what about the food?
During the daytime part of the festival, food trucks line North U peddling a variety of foods and beverages to the masses. From innovative vegan eats to classic BBQ to tacos, there’s something for everyone. Here are the seven foods you must try at this year’s Springfest.
1. Fig and Cheese Toast from Toaster Truck Detroit
Specializing in toast, Toaster Truck Detroit offers all sorts of combinations from savory to sweet. The Fig and Cheese toast features brie cheese, fig jam, crushed walnuts, and orange zest for a flavorful experience reminiscent of an artisanal cheese board. Not your jam? Don’t worry— dishes like the classic avo toast and a dessert s’mores toast are also available.
2. Burnt Ends from Detroit BBQ Company
A smoky, tender BBQ delicacy, burnt ends are a coveted dish. Detroit BBQ Company serves up a delicious rendition, smoking cubes of fatty brisket to make them crispy yet succulent and tender. Served with BBQ sauce, these bits are addictive. Pair with a side of mac & cheese or coleslaw for a true Southern comfort meal.
3. Shakshuka from Truckshuka
The traditional Middle Eastern dish of poached eggs in a tomato-based sauce inspired the name of this truck, so theirs has to be good. This version includes fire-roasted bell peppers, garlic, parsley, and select Middle Eastern spices, all served with pita. Vegan? No worries— their hummus and pita will rock your world.
4. Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough from Detroit Dough
Detroit Dough travels around Michigan, and is also sold in select businesses, bringing safe-to-eat cookie dough to the people. With all the texture and taste of the real thing, their confection will satisfy your sweet tooth and spark feelings of childhood baking nostalgia. Flavors like brownie, peanut butter, and sugar are also offered, but nothing beats a classic chocolate chip.
5. Smoothie from Bearclaw Coffee Co.
Bearclaw has a permanent location in Ann Arbor and makes an appearance at many events, like Michigan football games, via their mobile truck. Support this local business and cool off from the sun with a smoothie. Take your pick of strawberry, peach, mango, wild berry, or strawberry banana flavors.
6. Tacos from Regina’s Food Truck
These tacos aren’t your “Americanized ground beef and cheddar cheese in a flour tortilla” tacos. These are the real deal, a taste of Guadalajara in Michigan. Consisting of meat or beans topped with chopped onion and cilantro with a lime slice for squeezing, they are simple yet outstanding. Take your pick of steak, chicken, or refried beans.
7. Classic Burger from Shimmy Shack
Serving up vegan and gluten free options, Shimmy Shack makes well-loved dishes accessible to various food communities. Vegans and omnivores alike will enjoy Shimmy Shack’s version of the American favorite. All the classic fixings— cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard— top a lentil patty on a gluten-free bun, making for a delightful plant-based meal.
The variety of eats available at Springfest ensures that there is something for everyone, from vegans to carnivores. Besides the diverse food selection, the festival is full of fun activities and displays to further MUSIC Matters’ efforts, giving you a great reason to go. Whether you choose to attend the big concert at night or to just check out the daytime activities, make sure to swing by the food truck line-up.