Taste of Charlotte

Terrible execution this year!!I was soo looking forward to going to the Taste of Charlotte this year and curious of how it would work with the new location being at the stadium.Sadly they had a pumpkin picking event in the middle of the field at the same time so it was EXTRA congested. The lines were long because there was limited space for people to stand, and traffic was congested because people were in line in the walk way.I gave it a 2 because we were able to sit and eat, and the food options were good. However bad idea to have that many people on close proximity with COVID going around. They didn't even require masks.No good this year

First time attending and decent event. Things that were good: -Even amount of marketing to food ratio -Easily near parking -Good places present-Nice freebies -Nice time frame -Great use of the community doing performancesComing from chicago I have some recommendations below:-Get cooling stations so people don't over heat.-Use the side walk area for booths and the full street area is used for patrons. It was so tight walking down the street in the heat with food. -Get the best of charlotte out there. I mean there are some great places here but they weren't represented. -Use food trucks too.-Block off the area and have police do bag checks to ensure security and safety. In this time and age it's important to be proactive not reactive. You only have one life and not everyone values others.-Fireworks?! -Can you make it more than 3 days? -Can one of these sponsors sale pre-sale discounted coins?

I guess "taste" means more than food. I was overwhelmed by the amount of non-food booths trying to promote their products. I get it but that isn't why I went. I felt like I was being sold a Kirby vacuum at every turn!I still found a few places to try. I liked the RiRa booth the best.If you have young kids, there were a lot of things to do for them.I doubt I will attend in the future.

There was some good options out there this year! I enjoyed it being at the Truist field. The shade was wonderful in addition to all the seating. I didn't enjoy the fact that I had to throw away my bottles of water to then buy some more once inside. Other than that it's a great event to attend. I look forward to next years

But as many restaurants as past years, but still a decent amount of local places. I always try to sample from places I've never eaten at to motivate me to check the brick and mortar. Saturday is the best day to come as Friday they do the best of competition so you know the best places to use your coins. Always use the blue line cause parking is ridiculous. Coins are costly, but there are always a few vendors giving away free stuff. Bring the kids and dress comfy.

As someone who works Uptown, I have attended Taste of Charlotte for years, but over time I began to avoid it due to the fact it became so focused on someone trying to sell me something, carpet cleaner, rather than letting me enjoy some good food and drinks on my lunch break or after work.Luckily for me, I was selected to judge this year's event and got back on the street to check out if it was the same, or if things changed. And, in my mind, they have.I arrived at 12:00 on Friday, right after opening at 11:00, and the streets were already packed, vendors were ready to go, and I was ready to eat.The streets are blocked off with vendor booths, kids activities, demonstrations, wine tastings and so much more.There were over 20 restaurant booths from yes, the chains, like McCormick & Schmick's, to the locals, like CC's Pies. There was a good variety of tastings, some of my favorites included the Shrimp Kisses from McCormick & Schmick's, the Ginger Chicken Strips from Mai Tai in Concord. Overall I was happy with what I saw, yes there are still vendors trying to sell me carpet cleaning, but the food and drink options have improved, including more local options, and the amount of food you get is well worth checking it out.Oh, note: There is a stage in the center of the entire event, at Trade and Tryon, with different musical performances throughout the weekend that I forgot to mention.

We go to #TasteOfCharlotte every year. We always have a great experience. This year it was held inside of Knights Stadium. Totally different experience. Far less vendors, people on top of people. The dancers on the stage were awesome. We enjoyed their show. However, we will not return if it continues to be at the stadium. Very disappointed this year.

I did not like the experience. When we walked to the entrance the lady stopped us and said we were not allowed to take our own water bottles in the gate. It was extremely hot outside walking around and we needed water and we would have to wait in line for coins then wait in a line for a bottle of water, to add on it was so crowded and everyone was bunched up together. Over all it was a bad experience.

My friend and I purchased $30 worth of coins, when we arrived at the event everything was cleaned up and no one was around. We tried to contact someone before our arrival and got no response. I am extremely frustrated because there was no information on the website regarding what the procedures are for bad weather and we did not receive any notification through email. I think the no refund policy is extremely inconsiderate when it comes to the event staff canceling the even. I would have loved to enjoy the event but sadly I was not able to.

We went to the Taste of Charlotte in Truist Field. It was extremely difficult to move around the concourse due to the narrow area and crowds. The positive aspect was the live music on the field and the being able to sit in the stands to eat.