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The Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS is an annual event that showcases the best of the Buffalo Niagara region's culinary talents. Everyone knows about Chicken Wings and Beef on Weck, but do they know about Sausage Stuffed Pepper Risotto Sticks or Chrusciki?

The mission of the Taste of Buffalo is to promote the City of Buffalo and showcase the greater Buffalo area restaurants and businesses by providing an affordable and enjoyable weekend festival that takes place in an inclusive and socially responsible manner for all.

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The Taste is a weekend festival filled with great food and entertainment. It is located in the heart of Downtown Buffalo along Delaware Avenue beginning just South of Niagara Square by City Hall and heading North to Chippewa St. It begins at 11 a.m. daily.

The dates of the Taste of Buffalo are:
July 13 & 14, 2024
July 12 & 13, 2025
July 11 & 12, 2026

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Each year over 40 restaurants that are locally owned and operated, take part in the Taste. All restaurants can serve 3 or 4 items. All restaurants also have one "Taste" item, a smaller portion of a menu item, for only 4 tickets.

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There is no admission fee to enter the Taste of Buffalo.

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All food items are priced between 4 and 12 tickets. Some winery and drink offerings cost more. Tickets are sold in $6 sheets. You will receive 10 tickets for $6 if purchased at our ticket tents at the festival.

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There are 3 ticket tents located throughout the festival. Food tickets are sold in $6 sheets and all food items cost between 4 and 12 tickets. You will receive 10 tickets for $6 if purchased at our ticket tents at the festival. 

You can save by purchasing pre-sale food ticket vouchers, available at the register at participating Tops Markets locations through 5 p.m. on Sunday of the festival. Purchase a $60 food ticket voucher and get 4 free non-alcoholic drinks at the Taste. $10 pre-sale vouchers are also available.⁠ 

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Yes! You can purchase pre-sale food ticket vouchers at the register at participating TOPS Markets through 5 p.m. on Sunday of the festival. Purchase a $60 food ticket voucher and get 4 free non-alcoholic drinks at the Taste. $10 pre-sale vouchers are also available.⁠ 

Redeem your pre-sale food ticket voucher for tickets at any of the 3 ticket tents located throughout the festival.

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Restaurants do not offer free food, but some of our sponsors offer free samples or other giveaways.

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Yes. Metro Bus & Rail can get you to the Taste of Buffalo hassle free! Parking is FREE at Park & Ride lots. For more information or to plan your trip visit http://metro.nfta.com 

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You can park on any side street that doesn't have restrictions, and there are also numerous parking lots and ramps surrounding the festival.

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The festival is handicap accessible. Handicap parking is available on a first come, first serve basis on surrounding side streets that do not have parking restrictions. There are also numerous parking lots and ramps surrounding the festival that have handicap spots.

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The Taste's Restaurant Committee accepts applications year round. To be considered, visit the "Apply" section of our website and complete the Restaurant or Food Truck application by the deadline of each festival year.

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The Taste began in 1984 by a group of civic leaders who wanted to create a family-friendly event that would help bring people to downtown on a summer weekend, and at the same time show off the region's entrepreneurial spirit by featuring locally-owned restaurants. From there, the Taste grew - and grew some more. It is now the nation's largest two-day food festival, attracting on average more than 400,000 people to downtown Buffalo. The Taste is still run by an all-volunteer board of directors, a small army of volunteers, and an Event Marketing Agency.

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Restaurants have chosen to designate some of their menu items as gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian.

Please Note: Taste of Buffalo has not confirmed the accuracy of the restaurants and food trucks menu items designated as vegetarian (VEG), vegan (V), and/or gluten free (GF) and cannot ensure there will be no cross-contamination. If you are unsure, please ask the person taking your order before making a purchase. The Taste is not responsible for any resulting illnesses.

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The Taste does not offer any type of vendor package for selling products.

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July 12 & 13, 2025
July 11 & 12, 2026

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We are dog lovers, that's why we suggest that you consider leaving your dog at home. The crowds, stimulation and heat may not be the best place for your dog.

Tips for setting your dog up for success at an outdoor festival:

  1. Bring only well socialized dogs to events, these are not the places to flood your dog with stimulation.
  2. Make sure you dog is up to date on all vaccinations, for their health and for the health of the other dogs as well.
  3. Bring the right equipment: A 4 foot nylon leash will keep your dog close and give you the most control. Pack water and a water bowl for your pet. And don’t forget the poop bags!
  4. Be mindful of your pet. Watch for signs of stress. If your dog needs to leave, take them home, you can always come back.
  5. Be mindful of people around your pet. Not everyone knows how to be safe around animals and may inadvertently do something to antagonize your pet.
  6. Keep a safe distance. Your dog does not need to meet and become best friends with every dog they see at an event. It is a high stress environment and the meeting may not go as well as planned.
  7. Test out the pavement/blacktop with your bare feet. If it is too hot to stand on it will be too hot for your dogs' paws too, and blistering can occur.
  8. Have fun!

Source: petallianceorlando.org