History of Taste of Cincinnati in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 23, 2025

Taste of Cincinnati is the longest-running culinary arts festival in the U.S., held annually on Memorial Day weekend in downtown Cincinnati since 1979. It features over 40 local restaurants, competing for "Best of Taste" awards. The festival also showcases local musical talent across four stages, covering genres like country, rock, pop, and jazz. Attracting approximately 500,000 attendees each year, it's one of the nation's largest street festivals.

1979: Taste of Cincinnati Inaugural Event

In 1979, Taste of Cincinnati began as a one-day festival in Piatt Park, formerly Garfield Park, with approximately 5,000 attendees.

1979: Inaugural Taste of Cincinnati

In 1979, Taste of Cincinnati, the longest running culinary arts festival in the United States, was established.

1981: Second Day Added to Taste of Cincinnati

In 1981, the Taste of Cincinnati festival expanded to include a second day.

1988: Taste of Cincinnati Expands to Three Days and Relocates

In 1988, Taste of Cincinnati added a third day to the festivities and relocated from Piatt Park to Central Parkway in Downtown Cincinnati.

1997: Food Event of the Year Award

In 1997, Taste of Cincinnati was recognized as the Food Event of the Year by Events Business News, chosen from over 40,000 special events nationwide.

2007: Taste of Cincinnati Relocation

In 2007, following the $42-million renovation of Tyler Davidson Fountain Square, Taste of Cincinnati was relocated to Fifth Street, encompassing six blocks from Race to Broadway, near Downtown Cincinnati's hotel district. Hotels mentioned are The Cincinnatian, the Garfield Suites Hotel, the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati, The Terrace Hotel, and the Westin Hotel Cincinnati.