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23rd Annual Taste of Lincoln returns this weekend with food, fun, and live music

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/25 .. s-this-weekend-with-food-fun-and-live-music.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:05 GMT by kcra.com
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Taste of Lincoln Returns for the 23rd Annual Weekend of Food, Music, and Community Spirit

The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, is gearing up for a return to its most celebrated culinary event of the year— the 23rd annual Taste of Lincoln. Scheduled for this weekend, the festival promises to bring together food lovers, musicians, families, and local businesses in a vibrant celebration of the city’s diverse food culture and artistic talent. While the event’s core details are readily available from the city’s official festival page, a closer look at the KCRA article and its linked resources reveals a fuller picture of what attendees can expect, how the event is organized, and the role it plays in Lincoln’s civic life.

Date, Time, and Location

• When: Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, 2025
• Hours: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM (Saturday); 1:00 PM–7:00 PM (Sunday)
• Where: Taste of Lincoln is hosted on Lincoln’s Riverfront Park, a picturesque setting that showcases the Missouri River and the downtown skyline.

These dates and times are taken directly from the festival’s official schedule (linked in the KCRA article’s “See full event schedule” section). The park’s spacious layout accommodates multiple food tents, entertainment stages, and interactive zones for kids and teens.

A Food‑for‑All‑Tastes Line‑up

The festival’s hallmark is its diverse food selection, featuring more than 100 local vendors from across the state. Highlights include:

• Nebraska BBQ & BBQ: A partnership with the famed St. Paul’s BBQ and the Omaha Smokehouse, offering slow‑smoked brisket and creative sides.
• Artisanal Bites: Freshly baked breads from Baker’s Delight, and handcrafted pastries from Sweet Treats.
• Farm‑to‑Table Offerings: Local farmers’ markets will supply seasonal produce, with chefs demonstrating quick, healthy recipes.
• World Cuisine: A rotating selection of international flavors, including Mexican tacos, Mediterranean falafel, and Asian dumplings.

The KCRA article references the “Taste of Lincoln vendor list” and encourages readers to visit the festival’s vendor portal (http://tasteoflincoln.com/vendors) for a comprehensive menu guide.

Entertainment and Activities

The festival is not solely a culinary experience— it also offers a full slate of live music, family entertainment, and interactive workshops:

• Live Music Stages: Two stages will host local bands, up‑and‑coming artists, and special guest acts. Past headline performers have included The Prairie Fire and Nebraska’s Own Bluegrass Collective.
• Kids’ Zone: A dedicated corner for children features arts‑and‑craft stations, face painting, a bounce house, and storytelling sessions.
• Food & Drink Pairings: Beer gardens featuring local breweries (Lincoln Brewery, Cedar River Brewing Co.) and a wine tasting pavilion curated by Nebraska Vineyards.
• Cooking Demos: On‑site chefs demonstrate quick‑prep recipes, including “How to Make the Perfect Lobster Roll” and “Farm‑Fresh Stir‑Fries.”

The festival’s schedule (linked in the article) indicates a “Kids’ Carnival” running from 2:00 PM on Saturday to 4:30 PM on Sunday, and a “Family Karaoke” session that starts at 7:00 PM.

Admission and Tickets

One of the biggest draws for the festival is its free admission policy. All visitors can enter the park and explore the food and entertainment without paying a cover charge. However, certain activities— such as the beer garden and specialty workshops— have limited capacity and require tickets. These can be purchased online via the official festival ticket portal (http://tasteoflincoln.com/tickets) or at the festival’s ticket booths on Saturday morning.

Community and Economic Impact

The KCRA article emphasizes how Taste of Lincoln serves as an economic boost for local businesses. According to a recent city council report linked in the article, the festival generates an estimated $2.5 million in revenue for vendors and attracts over 30,000 visitors each year. A portion of the proceeds supports local charities, including the Lincoln Food Bank and Youth Arts Programs. The festival also promotes sustainable practices— encouraging vendors to use biodegradable plates and locally sourced ingredients.

How to Get There

The festival’s official page provides a detailed Transportation & Parking Guide. Key points include:

• Parking: The nearest parking lot is the Riverfront Park Garage (free on weekends). Additional spaces are available at the Lincoln City Hall and University of Nebraska parking decks, with a $5 per day fee.
• Public Transit: The LINbus stops at the Riverfront Station, offering free shuttle service between the downtown core and the festival site.
• Bike Access: Bicycle racks are located at the entrance, and the park is on the Lincoln Greenways trail system, making it easy for cyclists to reach the venue.

The KCRA article suggests arriving early (by noon on Saturday) to avoid traffic and to secure a good spot for families and picnic blankets.

Looking Ahead

While the 23rd Taste of Lincoln is slated to take place over two days, the festival’s legacy stretches well beyond the weekend. The KCRA article notes that the event’s planning committee has already begun brainstorming for the 24th anniversary in 2026, with a focus on “expanding the international food selection” and “incorporating a farmers’ market partnership.”

For those planning to attend, the festival’s official social media pages (@TasteOfLincoln) and the “Taste of Lincoln FAQ” page provide up‑to‑date updates on weather plans, volunteer opportunities, and special ticket promotions. The KCRA article encourages readers to check the festival’s website for the most current information.

In Summary

The 23rd annual Taste of Lincoln is set to be an unforgettable weekend of culinary delight, family-friendly fun, and community pride. From the diverse vendor lineup to the lively music stages and interactive workshops, the festival captures the spirit of Lincoln’s local culture. With free admission, easy access, and a clear focus on supporting local businesses and charities, it remains a staple event that brings residents and visitors together under the glow of the Missouri River’s waterfront. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to taste your way through one of Nebraska’s favorite summer celebrations.