Taste of the Island, Wilton Manors' outdoor evening of restaurant and bar tastings, returns for its 21st year on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve, 1937 Wilton Drive. The organizers say this year's event has a record number of participating restaurants and bars, and the discounted presale price for general admission ends Oct. 31.

What is different this year

Beyond the larger vendor list, the organizers say they have expanded the covered seating around the grounds, giving guests somewhere to sit between tastings. The event's site describes the 21st edition as the usual evening of food and drink plus added surprises to mark the anniversary, without saying yet what those are.

The vendor roster is being released in stages. The organizers' site lists the 2026 vendors and sponsors and notes that new vendors are added periodically, so the lineup will keep growing between now and November.

Tickets, and the Oct. 31 price change

Tickets are sold in tiers that rise as the event gets closer, according to the event's ticketing page.

General admission is $65 in the presale, which runs until Oct. 31 or until 500 tickets are sold. After that the price is $75, and tickets bought on the day of the event are $85.

VIP is $125 in the presale, capped at 30 tickets, then $140, and $150 on the day. VIP holders get in at 5:30 p.m., half an hour before general admission, along with air-conditioned seating and three drinks from a private VIP bar.

The admission gate closes at 8 p.m., an hour before the event ends. The organizers say the last several editions sold out. Tickets are non-refundable, and the event runs rain or shine.

Getting there

Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve sits at 1937 Wilton Drive. Event parking is in the City Hall and Hagen Park lot at 2020 Wilton Drive. The organizers note that entry includes bag checks and metal detectors, and that guests may be photographed or filmed for promotional use.

Who runs it

The Taste of the Island organization runs the event and recruits vendors and volunteers through its website. The City of Wilton Manors lists the event on its official calendar.

If you go

What: 21st Annual Taste of the Island, food and drink tastings from Wilton Manors-area restaurants and bars
When: Monday, Nov. 16, 6 to 9 p.m.; VIP entry 5:30 p.m.; gate closes 8 p.m.
Where: Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve, 1937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Parking: City Hall/Hagen Park lot, 2020 Wilton Drive
Tickets: General admission $65 through Oct. 31, then $75, $85 day of; VIP $125, then $140, $150 day of; non-refundable

Sources