Taste of Cincinnati is the nation’s longest running food festival, and one of the largest street festivals in the country. At this admission free festival foodies can find the best of the best from some of the most creative chefs in the Cincy Region and indulge in the region’s rich culinary traditions.
What you need to know about Taste of Cincinnati 2024
Kicking off the summer season, Taste of Cincinnati takes to the streets of downtown Cincy on May 25-27 in 2024, serving up Italian, creole, vegetarian/vegan, Hawaiian, and Greek dishes and of course Cincy Region favorite - goetta!–and just about everything you can imagine in between. So bring your appetites and prepare to dig into some of the tastiest treats from the Cincinnati Region. Last year, there were a record breaking 77 vendors, made up of restaurants, food trucks, and Findlay Market vendors.
Every Memorial Day weekend Taste of Cincinnati takes over part of 5th St. in Downtown Cincinnati. Last year the event spanned from Main St. to Pike St. and included a “Food Truck Alley”. Over half a million people attended Taste of Cincinnati over the three-day event in 2023.
Alfio's Buon Cibo at Taste of Cincinnati
Top restaurants featured at Taste of Cincinnati
Taste of Cincinnati won’t release a restaurant list of vendors until much closer to the event, at which time we will update this article. Also to be announced is the much-anticipated Best of Taste awards. These judge-awarded accolades name the best of the best in three categories: Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Findlay Market vendors. While we wait with anticipation for this year's awards, here are some winners from the 2023 Taste Awards to whet your appetite.
In the restaurant category Pompilio’s in Newport, Ky. picked up the most awards with silver in sides and desserts with their Caprese Salad and Kentucky Honey Bourbon and Chocolate Cannoli, and bronze in appetizers with their Grippo’s Flavored Risotto Balls. Rounding out the sides was Kabobske’s Walking Gyro and Just Q’in BBQ’s Brisket Mac. In appetizers other winners included Ché in Cincinnati for their Short Rib Empanada and Kabobske for the Buffalo Hummus with Pita Chips. The entree honorees were Cincinnati Italian mainstay Alfio’s Buon Cibo and their Braised Short Rib Creamy Truffle Gnocchi, Chino’s Street Food’s Vietnamese Street Tacos, and the Pastrami from Just Q’in BBQ. Desserts included Bourbon Bread Pudding from Sweets & Meats BBQ and Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cupcake from The Cheesecakery.
And while you might need to bring a big appetite, you don’t need to spend big money. Traditionally each food truck or restaurant has up to 4 different offerings, and none are more than $8 each. Beer, wine, and spirits will also be available for purchase throughout the event.
Taste of CincinnatiLive music and entertainment at Taste of Cincinnati
When you need a break from the culinary delights of the event Taste of Cincinnati has you covered with some fantastic musicians and musical acts. Like its culinary past, the Cincy Region has a long-standing tradition of producing great musicians as well as hosting historic performances throughout the decades. The musical lineup at Taste of Cincinnati has something for everyone. 2023’s festival featured a total of 39 musical acts, appearing on 4 different stages throughout the 3 day event. Look for official music lineup announcements in early May.
Helpful tips for visiting Taste of Cincinnati
Explore parking information, how to get around, and other helpful tips to make the most out of your experience at Taste of Cincinnati.
Getting Here
Several downtown streets are closed for this event from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24, and will reopen at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28. Taste of Cincinnati parking is available in several nearby parking garages and parking lots on Third, Fourth, and Sixth Streets are available. Street closures and parking info will be updated throughout the weekend. Hotels in downtown Cincy have historically offering parking for the event as well.
The downtown streetcar, Cincinnati Connector, makes a 3.6-mile loop through the city. It can easily connect you to Taste of Cincinnati and it’s free! Cincy Red Bikes has 52 stations between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with more than 400 bikes available. Ride sharing with Uber or Lyft is always available–although prices can rise during peak hours of this event. Parking in Northern Kentucky is another option. The Southbank Shuttle, AKA the trolley, serves Bellevue, Covington, Newport, and Cincinnati and runs every 15 minutes. To walk over The Taylor Southgate Bridge from Newport, or the Roebling Bridge from Covington is no more than 1.5 miles to the event.
Check out Taste of Cincinnati's website, Facebook, or Instagram for the latest updates on parking, road closures, restaurants, entertainment, and other info. Event guides and maps are also available.
Taste of Cincinnati 2023 Hours & Schedule
Saturday, May 27, 2023 –11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, May 28, 2023 – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Monday, May 29, 2023 – 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
There is no admission for Taste of Cincinnati. Menu items range from $4 - $8.
Mark your calendars now and don’t miss out on this fabulous weekend of food, fun, and entertainment in the Cincy Region. To start planning your trip check out our great places to stay!
