After last year’s successful launch with more than 5,000 attendees, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is again hosting the Taste of Irving from noon to 6 p.m. May 16 at Cimarron Park, 100 Cimarron Trail. When the city with the most diverse ZIP code in the country hosts a culinary festival, expect a wide array of options to satisfy even the most discerning foodie. In addition to carefully crafted culinary creations from Irving’s most popular eateries, this family-friendly foodie festival will feature a fun zone, craft marketplace and live music.
At the Taste of Irving, dozens of Irving restaurants will offer the best food and beverage samples from their menus. To camouflage the lip smacking and finger licking, live music will emanate from the Valley Ranch Association Main Stage throughout the event:
- 12:30 to 2 p.m. Northern National
- 2:30 to 4 p.m. The Texas Gypsies
- 4:30 to 6 p.m. Brave Combo
For parents wondering how kids can work off some of the food, the Taste of Irving features a free Fun Zone. It is in the fun zone where kids can take a break from snacking on snow cones and enjoy bounce houses, a giant zip line, a visit with an air brush tattoo artist and numerous other free attractions and activities.
In addition, adults who enjoy finding a good bargain on items not available in stores will not want to miss the Taste of Irving’s Craft Marketplace. At the marketplace, dozens of vendors will have unique home and yard furnishings, hand-crafted jewelry, candles, clothes, toys and more available for purchase.
Admission to Taste of Irving is free, and most food samples will sell for $5 or less. Parking is free, and complimentary shuttle service is available from Ranchview High School, 8401 E. Valley Ranch Parkway. Event sponsors include Valley Ranch Association, Baylor Medical Center at Irving, Silverleaf Resorts, Englert Leaf Guard and Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement.
Other free, family-friendly events coming up in Irving include the 9th Annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 17 at Lake Carolyn. Residents also are reminded that the Irving Concert Series begins this month with the Beatles tribute band Me and My Monkey from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 10, as well as ESCAPE: The Dallas Journey Tribute Band from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 24 at Whistlestop Plaza, 123 W. Irving Blvd.
To find what other events the city’s award-winning Parks and Recreation Department is cooking up, visit irvingevents.org.
