Local vendors are giving people a taste of what makes Calgary’s culinary scene great, during the Taste of Calgary festival happening this weekend.

This year’s festival, held from July 31 through Aug. 4, is hosting over 65 vendors, and over 25 entertainers at Lot 6 on 4 avenue and 9 street SW.

Event Producer Jennifer Rempel said there are many new restaurants participating this year, as well as some great food trucks highlighting the different types of food and beverages available for Calgarians—many of whom represent a brand-new selection from 2024.

“We’ve got Meraki over here who is doing homemade gnocchi, we’ve got Chili N Mango doing tacos,” she said.

Rempel said that the entertainment stage this year was also expanded to give people a reason to stick around and enjoy themselves at the grounds.

“It’s not just about food, it’s about music as well.

Co-owner of Family Squeezed Lemonade Jeremy Andrews is hoping for it to be sunny and warm this weekend, but isn’t worried if there’s rain.

“If you are in the event business or food truck business, you can’t be as shy of the weather. You just gut it out. The people are here. They’ll be drinking lemonade.”

Andrews said they’ve been coming to the festival for eight years, and have loved being a part of it each time.

“It’s fun. People love it. People have a good time when they come down here.”

He said they have three of their best-selling lemonades available for the festival for visitors to try.

Out of the three, Andrews recommended that first time customers to try their mojito lemonade made with fresh lemons, limes, real mint, and real Alberta beet sugar.

“If they’ve never had our lemonade before, and they really want a great experience, a unique experience, go with the mojito,” said Andrews.

Get your taste buds watering for some delicious food

Andrews isn’t the only vendor who has prepared a unique experience for festival goers.

According to co-owners Elizabeth Rios and Marc Parent, Chili N Mango has a new dish for this year’s festival–an authentic Mexican elote (grilled Mexican street corn.)

“The elote is something that no one has right now, and we make it as authentic as it gets.”

Chili N Mango has other Mexican dishes, like the shrimp on a stick, chihuahua burritos, and chilaquiles.

“All of our goodies are all very authentic, very Mexican.”

They said that their most popular dish from last year was the Puerto Vallarta shrimp on a stick.

Marc Parent said the beach in Puerto Vallarta always has people walking around with shrimp on a stick between their fingers.

“There’s a certain recipe for that. That’s what we’re doing, very authentic.”

Despite the rainy forecast for the weekend, they pair weren’t worried.

“It’s Calgary. Sometimes it rains for 5 minutes and it’s good.”

“We’re hoping people come with their umbrellas and enjoy some great food from us and all the vendors.”

With the forecast of thunderstorms for this weekend, Rempel said they are prepared for the weather, and the staff are trained to deal any inclement changes.

“We’re actually monitoring the weather in real time now.”

As in past years, Taste of Calgary is free to visit, but customers must buy tickets for redemption of food and beverages from vendors.

All of the items at the festival range from two to seven tickets, and tickets are $1 each.

For more details, and for a list of vendors, see tasteofcalgary.com.