The Taste of Minnesota is back 4th of July weekend with new foods and attractions in Minneapolis.
The festival returns July 5 and 6, transforming downtown Minneapolis into a foodie's paradise. Their "Food Ambassador," chef and television personality Andrew Zimmern announced a partnership that's bringing several legendary Jucy Lucy's to the festival.
"I think it's a uniquely Minnesotan thing that now other people all around the country are copping as I travel," Zimmern announced Tuesday previewing the event outside south Minneapolis' famous Matt's Bar. 'So I'm pretty excited."
Taste is honoring the Minnesota-born burger creation with local legends like Matt's, the 5-8 Club and the Nook with a Saturday "Jucy Lucy Hall of Flame." You can get a full-sized flight of all three of the oozing burgers between noon and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday is bringing a "Sunday, Funday" vibe to Taste. They'll feature epic yard game battles, some wings (bone-in and boneless) from more local spots like Ray J's American Grill, D-Spot Wing Joint and Soul Lao also from noon to 5:00 p.m.
In a time when Minnesotan's may be seeking solace in celebration, Zimmern is highlighting the foodie festival as a vibrant source of joy and community spirit.
"Gatherings in the community, I think is something that we need to do more of in Minnesota," Zimmern said. "As the years have gone by, starting with COVID and the tragic murder of George Floyd, and then just a few weekends ago with the horrific assassination here in our state, we have so many reasons to come together as a community and celebrate what makes us great."
The festival will be located along Washington Avenue and Nicollet Mall. Organizers are expecting more than 100,000 people to attend the two-day festival which is free to attend and runs both days 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. There is also a VIP option for those looking for an upgraded experience.
The weekend event will feature several musical acts. Saturday features Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Cheap Trick, while Sunday will have Ludacris and NUR-D. Each day features several other musical acts as well. There are other stages with music as well, including a "JazzClectic" Concert Series and a singer-songwriter stage.
You can find more about the musical acts here. The full rundown of food options is available here.
Other activities include aerialists, live wrestling, a puppy party, inflatables for the kids, and more. Even though tickets are free, you can RSVP for attendance here to help organizers keep up with attendance numbers. They're also offering free tickets for Metro Transit riders on Saturday and Sunday.
Organizers are also hoping you keep your four-legged friend at home too. While dogs are not necessarily banned, they're encouraging pet owners to keep them out of the crowded event.