This weekend, make room for some delicious food from Madison area restaurants. The 2017 Taste of Madison will be open both Saturday and Sunday on the Capitol Square. With more than 200 menu items, provided by more than 80 restaurants, there is sure to be something for every age and appetite.
The event is designed to allow you to sample a wide range of delicacies, family favorites and restaurant specialties, but at a modest price. Serving sizes are 6 oz. or less, and the cost for each item ranges from $1-$4. You can build full meals out of the variety of options, with appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts of all kinds. Don't forget to stop at some of the 26 beverage stands scattered throughout. All tips you give at these stands, and all proceeds from the Taste of Madison, will go to support local charities.
While sampling a wide range of food, you can also enjoy live music, at one of the three event stages. There are 35 live music performances planned, starting at 2:30 on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Solid Rock, 94.1 JJO is providing a line-up of artists on Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The corner of Mifflin Street and Wisconsin Avenue will have artists provided by Q106, a Country Station. And on Pinckney Street and East Washington there will be a stage hosted by 93.1 Jamz and 1670 AM The Zone. The last performers begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
In addition, there is always room to relax on the Capitol grounds, and enjoy the food with smaller crowds. Whether your preferences include fruit smoothies, fried cheese curds, plantain and garlic empanadas, spicy shrimp, or home-style cooking, you're sure to enjoy the options. Participants are invited to vote for their favorites at the Madison.com and Wisconsin State Journal booth. Many of the options have been pre-judged, and this year's favorites are listed here.
Catch the Taste of Madison downtown from 2-8:30 p.m. on Saturday or from 11-7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free!
