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Local residents have the chance to enjoy signature menu items from local restaurants at the 17th Taste of Suffolk.

Hosted by Suffolk Parks and Recreation, the festivities take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 in historic downtown Suffolk.

The 2023 event site will stretch down Main Street from Finney Avenue to Washington Street, and along West Washington Street to Saratoga Avenue. Main Street will be lined with Suffolk’s locally owned, independent restaurants presenting their signature menu items, according to a Parks and Recreation news release.

These eateries will offer smaller portions at nominal prices, allowing those attending the event to sample an assortment of culinary creations. Merchants will also sell a variety of goods and services and Suffolk’s automotive dealerships will present a new vehicle exhibition. These vendors will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Festival-goers will enjoy all-day entertainment with live music and contests, a fun zone, plus a children’s area. Don’t forget the Beer Garden showcasing local craft brews until 8 p.m. in Courthouse Fountain Park.  

The Heat and Sweet Contest will be held throughout the day on the Market Street Stage, featuring both spicy chicken wing and pie-eating competitions. Those who are brave (and hungry) enough may sign up at the Taste of Suffolk Information Tent on-site.

 

Music schedule

Beer Garden entertainment, Courthouse Fountain Park — 12:30 p.m., Acoustics A to Z; and 4:30 p.m., Snackbar Jones

Main Street Stage entertainment — 11 a.m., Lucky 757; 1 p.m., RaJazz; and 3 p.m., Chong Band

 

Free parking locations 

• Cherry and Saratoga streets lot (107 S. Saratoga St.)
• Saratoga Street lot (107 N. Saratoga St.)
• Carolina Road and Main Street lot (144 S. Main St.)
• Commerce and Franklin streets (120 N. Commerce St.)
• First Baptist Church lot (corner of Finney Avenue and North Main Street, 200 North Main St.) 
• Godwin Courts Building lot (located behind the Courts Building, 150 North Main St.)
• Market Park (adjacent to the Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, 330 North Main Str.)
• Prentis Street lot (201 Prentis St.)
• City Hall Parking lot (442 West Washington St.)

Road closures for the festival begin at 4 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. These closures will affect vehicular access at Finney Avenue and North Main Street down to Fayette Street, Oakdale Terrace and Freemason Street. Also, Washington Street from Commerce Street to Saratoga Street and Bank Street at Commerce Street will be closed to through traffic. All affected roads are expected to reopen by 7 p.m. the same day.

For more information, visit TasteofSuffolkVa.com or contact Suffolk Parks and Recreation at 757-514-7250.