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A Foodie’s Journey Through the Taste of Cincinnati® Festival

For over 45 years, local and visiting food fans have flocked to the Taste of Cincinnati®. Featuring delicious dishes from both restaurants and food trucks, the diverse dining options appeal to individuals looking for their favorite foods, a range of cuisines or innovative creations. Whether you plan to walk from your downtown Cincinnati apartment and enjoy all three days of this event or drive in for just one day of the festival weekend, a little preparation may help you make the most of your experience this year. Keep reading to learn more about the Taste of Cincinnati® and how to plan for your memorable food journey!

About the Taste of Cincinnati®

The Taste of Cincinnati® has been hosted over Memorial Day weekend since 1979 and is “the nation’s longest running culinary arts festival.” Originally a one-day event, it soon became two days filled with food and expanded to a three-day experience by its 10th birthday. While this festival has changed locations over the years, it now takes place on four blocks of Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati. In addition to the many different food and beverage offerings, this free event now also features live music from local and national artists. So, if you are looking for food and entertainment to enjoy during the last weekend in May, the Taste of Cincinnati® is the place to be!

Planning the Journey at the Taste of Cincinnati®

Since this fun festival occurs during what may be an extended weekend for people, the Taste of Cincinnati® typically has hundreds of thousands of people in attendance over the course of the weekend. Add in the more than 50 participating vendors, and each day is sure to be busy and lively. To whet your appetite and help you prepare for your event experience, here are some tips to consider as you eagerly anticipate the upcoming Taste of Cincinnati®!

1. Make a travel plan. Visit Cincy offers helpful recommendations for travel by streetcar, shuttle or bike, as well as warnings about road closures and reminders about available parking lots and garages. For example, residents in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood may opt to hop on the Connector. For those living across the Ohio River in Kentucky apartment communities such as Southgate, the Southbank Shuttle may be the best choice for a short commute. Whether you are walking to the festival or arriving there by other means, you may be on your feet quite a bit during the event, so don’t forget to bring water and wear comfortable shoes! Check the weather too because days on this particular weekend can vary between cool and rainy and sunny, with temperatures in the 80s.
2. Check out the event map! In addition to familiarizing yourself with the stage (and bathroom!) locations in advance, some map consideration may also help you determine how to orient yourself upon arrival. Especially if you are visiting this three-day occasion multiple times (or just want to circumvent the crowds on the main thoroughfare), previewing this map may help guide your plans.
3. Preview the snacks, desserts, main dishes, beverages and more via the posted vendor list. While some visitors at the Taste of Cincinnati® prefer to be surprised by what’s available, others amp up their enjoyment by finding their favorite dishes. The vendor list provides a wealth of helpful information. For example, it includes each participant’s menu with prices, a link to the vendor website and a notification if participants will only be present on certain days. Several vendors also include allergen information for each of their menu items. For further consideration, check out this year’s “Best of Taste” winners, as shared by the Cincinnati Enquirer. From specialty sodas and sundaes to dishes like fried green tomatoes, jerk chicken and braised short ribs, it won’t be hard to please your palate during this festival!
4. Take a look at the entertainment guide! Music is happening every day of the event from opening until closing. As you plan for your day at the Taste of Cincinnati®, consider both the performers and their scheduled spots as well as the stage locations. Since there are three different stages, you might try to coordinate your dining selections with particular performances you don’t want to miss!

Experience a diverse assortment of culinary delights at this year’s Taste of Cincinnati®! While it’s not the only reason that Cincinnati is such a good place to live, it is certainly an enjoyable opportunity for residents and visitors alike. Whether you are looking to find an apartment in downtown Cincinnati or one of the nearby suburbs like South Lebanon, our leasing experts are here to help! Contact our team today!