The Times Square Alliance will host its annual Taste of Times Square on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., marking the first time the outdoor culinary festival has moved from its traditional Monday date. The shift to Wednesday aims to capture theater-goers and performers between matinee and evening shows at nearby Broadway venues. The event spans 46th Street from 7th to 9th Avenue, Restaurant Row, and the Broadway Plazas between 45th and 47th Streets.
Participating Restaurants Over 30 restaurants are confirmed participants, including Applebee's Grill & Bar, Carmine's, Brooklyn Chop House Times Square, Hard Rock Cafe New York, Havana Central, Junior's Restaurant, Mermaid Oyster Bar, Planet Hollywood, Serendipity 3, Sushi of Gari, Tony's Di Napoli Restaurant, and Virgil's Real Barbecue. The cuisine offerings range from Mexican and Caribbean to Cuban, Italian, Indian, and American.
Pricing and Registration Attendees register a wristband linked to a credit or debit card to purchase individual "tastes" from vendors onsite. Most tastings cost $5, with a select few priced at $10. The Times Square Alliance is offering a 20% discount for advance wristband purchases through TSQ.org/Taste. "We are thrilled to put a spotlight on the quality and diversity of food offerings in Times Square with our annual Taste of Times Square," said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. "For the first time ever, we are hosting the event on a Wednesday between Broadway matinees and evening performances to delight theater goers and performers between shows."
Event Support The festival is presented by The Durst Organization and supported by ATG Entertainment, BXP, Morgan Stanley, The Shubert Organization, and SL Green Realty Corp. The event will feature live music and Broadway-themed performances throughout the evening.
Why It Matters
The shift to Wednesday positions the event to capture foot traffic from Broadway's twice-daily theater schedule, potentially expanding attendance beyond the traditional Monday audience. For participating restaurants, the festival provides high-visibility promotional opportunity during a day that typically sees strong pedestrian volume in the district.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors