LONG BEACH, CA [Aug. 19, 2026] – The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) will bring together two signature summer experiences on Saturday, Aug. 22, as Taste of Downtown joins KCRW Summer Nights for an afternoon and evening of local food, drinks, music and community in the heart of Downtown Long Beach. Beginning today, prospective attendees can visit dtlb.org/taste to see the tasting items and beverages that Downtown businesses have been curating.
Taking place from 2 to 10 PM along Pine Avenue and The Promenade, the free, all-ages event will showcase Downtown restaurants and bars alongside live entertainment, DJs and interactive experiences. As evening arrives, KCRW Summer Nights will take over the Pine Avenue Main Stage from 6 to 10 PM with sets from KCRW DJs Nassir Nassirzadeh and Raul Campos.
Now in its 17th year, Taste of Downtown has become one of DTLB Alliance’s signature events, creating an opportunity for residents and visitors from across the region to discover Downtown businesses while experiencing its streets and public spaces in a new way.
“Taste of Downtown has always been about creating an experience that brings people together while putting a spotlight on the businesses that make Downtown special,” said Austin Metoyer, President & CEO of the DTLB Alliance. “This continued partnership with KCRW gives us an exciting opportunity to build on that tradition, bringing great bites, drinks, music and community into the streets while inviting people from across the region to experience Downtown Long Beach.”
Guests can purchase Taste Tickets for $1 each to sample bite-size dishes, beer, wine and craft cocktails from participating businesses throughout the event. Admission is free, with Taste Tickets available for purchase onsite and in advance.
Music and entertainment will extend throughout the event footprint. The Pine Avenue Main Stage at Pine Avenue and 3rd Street will feature DJ Planet Promote from 2 to 6 PM, before KCRW DJs take over for the evening. At the Culinary Courtyard, A.C. the Coldest & Friends will provide music from 2 to 10 PM, with additional music and activations along The Promenade.
This year’s event will also transform a portion of Pine Avenue from Broadway to 3rd Street into a pedestrian-focused festival space, continuing DTLB Alliance’s efforts to activate Downtown streets and create opportunities for people to gather, explore local businesses and experience the neighborhood.
Sponsors for the 17th edition of Taste of Downtown include the Port of Long Beach, ISM Brewing & Kitchen serving as the official beer sponsor, and The Breakfast Bar serving as the official cocktail sponsor. MILAGRO Tequila and Door Dash ae also partially sponsoring the evening’s program.
Event Details
- WHAT: Taste of Downtown with KCRW Summer Nights
- WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 2 to 10 PM
- WHERE: Pine Avenue and The Promenade, Downtown Long Beach
- ADMISSION: Free and open to all ages; Taste Tickets are $1 each
- KCRW SUMMER NIGHTS: 6 to 10 PM featuring KCRW DJs Nassir Nassirzadeh and Raul Campos
Taste of Downtown supports Downtown Long Beach’s restaurant and hospitality community by introducing thousands of attendees to local businesses while creating an accessible community event. Proceeds from Taste of Downtown also support DTLB Alliance programs and events that contribute to a vibrant and welcoming Downtown.
For more information, visit the event page here.
# # #
About: The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous Downtown. The DTLB Alliance is recognized as the voice of Downtown Long Beach by the City of Long Beach and the State of California. By balancing the interests of the residents, as well as businesses, the organization creates tangible progress by way of vested interest and solidified partnerships across local, municipal, and commercial lines. For additional information, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org and follow on Facebook @downtownlongbeach, on “X” (formerly Twitter) @dtlballiance and Instagram @dtlballiance.