NORTHAMPTON — The Taste of Northampton is back this year and expanded for a two-day stretch of good eats and drink on Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14, all hosted in its original home at the Armory Street Lot.
The two-day culinary celebration will feature dozens of local restaurants, international flavors, craft beverages, artisan vendors and live music curated by the Downtown Northampton Association with the city’s Economic Development and Arts & Culture departments.
The public is invited to enjoy signature dishes, creative samples and festival specials from some of the Pioneer Valley’s best chefs, all at family-friendly prices.
“This year is a two-day event. It’s been really awesome leading up and there’s been great energy. It’s been amazing to see all the downtown businesses and restaurants coming together and meeting and planning this out. It’s been very exciting,” said Downtown Northampton Association Board President Amanda Shafii.
Festival hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 13, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 14. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be pay as you go. For details and updates, follow @northamptondna and @taste_of_northampton on Instagram.
“It’s a big event with a lot of set up so extending it to two days makes sense, especially when it’s in high demand on one of the most beautiful fall weekends typically of the year,” said Shafii, who also noted while admission is free, donations to the DNA will be accepted. “Anything small, just between $3-$5 or if they want to be more generous as well, but that’s what helps us put on these amazing events. A lot of work and time goes behind it, so the contributions make a big difference.”
From farm-to-table cuisine and international flavors to artisanal desserts and craft beverages, Taste of Northampton provides food enthusiasts with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the city’s culinary landscape in one exciting weekend.
Shafii said this year, restaurants are being encouraged to offer more appetizer sized and priced options, so that there is more flexibility for attendees to try the various good eats available.
“I’m so proud that our public-private partnership has fully restored this beloved event. We’ve shown that great food and beverages, quality entertainment, and our welcoming community can sustain an event that supports downtown vibrancy and strengthens Northampton’s sense of connection,” said Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra.
The original Taste of Northampton was hosted in the Armory Street Lot over four days throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. A group of restauranteurs approached the city in 2019 about a revival for 2020, but the coronavirus pandemic sidelined the effort.
Since then, more than 10,000 people have attended each year. This year, under new DNA leadership and in collaboration with the Parlor Room Collective, the Taste of Northampton is returning to its original home in the Armory Lot and expanded to a two-day event with continued support from the city.
“I think that we’re so lucky to be in this area. Northampton is a beautiful, unique, vibrant downtown and gives the perfect opportunity to come in and get literally a taste of what Northampton has to offer,” said Shafii. “I think it definitely builds a great sense of community.”
Shafii added A to Z Science & Learning Toy Store will be at the Taste with a kids corner of activities for children in attendance.
For more information on this year’s Taste of Northampton, visit https://northampton.live/events/the-taste-of-northampton-2025 or the Taste’s Facebook page.
“It’s really been a collaborative effort amongst the downtown restaurant owners to put this all together. We’ve had a lot of input and a lot of years of experience for people that have been involved,” added Shafii. “I would just encourage everybody to come out, support downtown, have a great experience and a really fun two days.”
