The Town of Addison has officially announced the cancellation of the Taste of Addison food festival, a beloved event that has celebrated culinary delights for three decades. The decision follows a significant financial loss of more than $750,000 during the previous year’s festival, prompting the Addison City Council to vote in favor of discontinuing the event.
During a work session held on March 12, 2024, council members discussed the implications of the festival’s financial struggles. While the festival was scheduled to take place from April 17-19, 2024, the council ultimately concluded that resources could be better utilized to promote Addison’s vibrant dining scene through alternative initiatives, such as a restaurant week similar to that of Dallas.
A representative from the Town of Addison remarked, “After 30 years of food, music, and fun, Taste of Addison has taken its final bow. While the three-day festival will no longer take place, its spirit will definitely live on.” The representative emphasized that the core mission of the festival—showcasing Addison’s over 200 restaurants—will be reimagined with year-round events aimed at supporting the local culinary community.
The festival featured numerous local eateries, including The Hub Sportsbar, Nate’s Seafood, and Table 13, among others. Although it was a highly accessible event, with early access tickets priced at $10 and discounts available for residents and those donating canned food, the festival’s financial viability was a concern for the council.
Despite the cancellation of Taste of Addison, the Town of Addison confirmed that the popular Oktoberfest will continue as planned this fall. This announcement assures residents and visitors that there will still be opportunities to celebrate the area’s rich culinary traditions throughout the year.
The decision underscores a shift in strategy for the Town of Addison, aiming to focus on innovative ways to promote its culinary landscape rather than hosting an annual festival that has become financially untenable.
