This year’s Taste of Annandale promises to be bigger and better than ever.
This family-friendly community festival with more than 100 vendor booths is Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale. There is no charge to attend.
Here’s what’s planned so far for the event:
Food – Food trucks and other food vendors are offering culinary delights from Thailand, Vietnam, Jamaica, Korea, Latin America, Indonesia, China, and good old American fare like barbecue and funnel cakes.
5K – The Taste of Annandale 5K run will be located entirely at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, starting at 9:30 a.m. Register here.
Live entertainment – The performance schedule isn’t finalized yet, but the plans call for a lion dance; music and dance groups from Korea, Vietnam, Bolivia, Scotland, and Indonesia; martial arts demonstrations; musical theater; and much more.
“Animaldale” – A petting zoo on the lawn area will feature barnyard animal friends from Squeals on Wheels.
Beer sales – Caboose Commons will be the beer vendor this year, offering several popular varieties.
Pet contest – Dress up your furry buddy for the pet parade and costume contest. Sign up in advance or register onsite.
Eating contest – The Annandale-based Asian American Community Center is hosting an eating contest featuring bánh mì Vietnamese sandwiches.
Children’s programming – The ACCA Child Development Center is offering a full slate of outdoor activities for children, including performers from Wolf Trap, hands-on STEM activities, crafts, and costumed characters, including the popular Paw Patrol.
Chili cook-off – The Mason Police Station and Annandale Volunteer Fire Department will vie for the “best chili” title. Attendees will vote for their favorite.
Community art project – Community Art for Everyone (CAFE) is planning an art installation created onsite by attendees.
Game zone – The Annandale High School PTSA is hosting a fundraiser for an Atoms mascot costume with games for kids, teens, and adults.
Vendor booths – There will be a wide selection of craft vendors, county agencies, nonprofits, local businesses, advocacy organizations, and politicians.
The Annandale-Mason Roundtable, the nonprofit organization organizing the Taste of Annandale, appreciates the 15 sponsors whose generosity is making this event possible.
The top sponsors are Westminster School, a highly acclaimed independent private school in Annandale, and Juniper Life and Legacy Planning, a law firm specializing in estate planning.
The Taste of Annandale was launched in 2013 with the goals of encouraging community engagement, celebrating Annandale’s diversity, and shining a spotlight on local businesses and organizations.
Proceeds from the event will benefit programs for local youths. The 2024 Taste of Annandale supported grants to a Boy Scout Troop and the Annandale High School Boosters Club.