The Taste of Minnesota festival is gearing up for a sizzling return to downtown Minneapolis this coming summer. Slated for July 6 and 7, the outdoor event is set to dish out a wide array of culinary delights and entertainment from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day, according to the Taste of Minnesota Foundation via FOX9.

For those who missed the flavors of last year's fest, the 2024 edition promises to be twice as savory, with an estimated 60 food vendors scheduled to participate, doubling the count from the previous turnout. As thousands flocked to Nicollet Mall last year, celebrating without incident, organizers have taken note of past grievances. The previous fest's long lines for food and a scant supply of gratis water have been feedback focal points for an improved experience, per bizjournals.com.

Initially sparked into life as a free festival in 1983, the Taste of Minnesota has undergone several transformations including a period of dormancy post-2015. The celebration made a striking comeback downtown in 2023, after an eight-year hiatus, and it seems set to become a staple once again. Last year's iteration drew crowds with acts like Third Eye Blind and Uncle Kracker. Meanwhile, no musical performers are confirmed for the 2024 event yet, though the foundation encourages local businesses, artists, and food purveyors to get involved now.

Returning in the role of Food Ambassador is celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, known for his explorations of global cuisines and a recognizable television personality. Zimmern's reprisal suggests a continuity of engagement with the event's culinary aspirations. Funding details for the festival are under wraps, for now. A legislative push during the 2023 session yielded a considerable $1.8 million grant from Minnesota's general fund for infrastructure and event expenses, yet the prospect for this year's budget awaits an update, according to the festival's organizers.

As Minneapolis residents and visitors alike gear up for a summer celebration that tantalizes the taste buds, the Taste of Minnesota 2024 stands poised to offer a hefty slice of Midwestern hospitality and flavor. With the event's burgeoning vendor list and promise of a more streamlined patron experience, the Twin Cities are indubitably on the cusp of a hearty welcome to what could be this summer’s highlight event.