Fun in Detroit parks with food trucks, shipping containers and an Airstream mobile bar

This summer there’s a lot to munch and sip on in Detroit’s parks, particularly in shipping containers. 

Campus Martius is always a hot spot for an al frecso meal, especially with the food trucks that gather around lunchtime. Fountain Detroit – a 10-ton, 40-foot-long steel shipping container in Campus Martius’ beach – will launch Fountain Detroit BBQ this weekend. 

The 6-foot smoker will produce items such as beef brisket, pork shoulder, chicken, ribs and more. Entrees range $8-$12, and the menu was developed by Parc executive chef Jordan Hoffman and his team. 

A party is set for 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday at the Fountain Detroit BBQ, 800 Woodward in Detroit.  

Nearby in Capitol Park Clementina has popped-up with a Latin-inspired food truck that also serves cocktails and ice cream out of an adjacent shipping container. 

Decked out with lush greenery and eye-popping colors, the space and menu is a partnership between Bedrock Detroit and Jeremy Sasson, owner of nearby Prime + Proper and Townhouse restaurants. It’s a beautiful nook, with interesting menu items such as a quinoa dish with coconut vinaigrette ($12.95), shrimp and octopus ceviche ($13.25) and an egg, avocado and bacon jam sandwich served on a grilled concha ($9.95), which is like a Mexican cookie-roll hybrid. 

The high-end bar has one-ounce tequila shots, spanning from Jimador Reposado ($7.95) to Don Julio 1942 ($23.95), plus beer, cocktails, frozen drinks, wine – all ranging $6.95-$11.95 – and Mexican cola. Cool off with gourmet soft-serve ice cream ($6.95). 

The Sound Cream is a re-purposed 1970 Airstream trailer that’s been converted into a nightclub with full bar, DJ booth and VIP lounge. Find it at Beacon Park this weekend, 6-10 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday. It’ll cruise over to Campus Martius Saturday afternoon noon-4 p.m., too. Look for a similar schedule Aug. 10-11 and Sept. 7-8. 

Moving away from downtown, the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard debuts an outdoor hangout in May with food, drinks and entertainment. Made out of nine shipping containers, this gathering space has food trucks and a bar Friday.-Sunday. and retail vendors Saturday and Sunday

The Fright Yard is a partnership between the Build Institute, the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, Lawrence Tech, Groundswell and Ponyride.  Find it along the greenway between Wilkins and Division in Detroit. 

One last quick one: Pingree Gardens is having a friends and family soft opening Saturday at 3480 Russell, so we expect they'll be open the public soon. The 40,000-square-foot space has a pavilion, bar, food trucks, games and DJs. 

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @melodybaetens