The final installment of this year’s popular three-part culinary event series Taste of Downtown is set to take place at the Downtown Waterfront on Wednesday and Thursday, August 9 and 10 from 5:30 until 10 PM. Savor a summer sunset and watch Downtown light up while you groove to live music, check out (or create!) some live art, and sample the diverse assortment of Downtown eateries and drinkeries.
“It’s really cool to see the community come together and enjoy the party on the Waterfront,” said Justine Nevarez, DLBA’s Community Outreach and Events Manager. “As far as bringing the whole summer vibe together, this is the most scenic venue of the three.”
Both nights will feature excellent musical offerings. Wednesday night’s jams will be provided by Manuel the Band, a local favorite that plays an always-entertaining mix of originals and covers. “We try to book them as often as we can, because they’re amazing, have a great following, and really know how to hype up a crowd!” said Nevarez. 
Thursday night’s music will be presented by the DJ crew Urban Society, best known locally for its ’90s and 2000s-themed R & Brunch and Day Party, held regularly at the nightclub Shannon’s At The Top, at 105 W Broadway. “I would describe our music as fun, energetic, and nostalgic,” said Wes Porter, Urban Society’s CEO. “We’re very excited and grateful to be selected to provide the soundtrack for the evening.”
If Taste gets you feeling artistic, you can create a painting while sipping an inspiring drink courtesy of Brushstrokes + Beverages, which also hosts frequent Paint + Sip events in its studio at 501 E Broadway, Unit C.
For those who would rather let someone else handle the evening’s live art, a work of art will be created on the spot by artists representing Long Beach Walls, the international mural festival happening in Long Beach August 14 through 19.
Join your friends and neighbors on the Waterfront for Taste of Downtown. Grab some food and drink, play some lawn games, dance to the music, and keep your summer vibes going. We’re looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday, Thursday — or both nights!
Admission to the event is FREE. Taste Tickets can be purchased during both evenings of the event, or purchased in advance here, to use at the many food and drink booths, where new as well as long-established Downtown restaurants and bars will be offering tasty morsels all evening. (Leftover tickets from this year’s previous two Tastes will be honored.)