Taste of Wheaton brings art, food to downtown

The four-day Taste of Wheaton celebration will offer food, entertainment, games and crafts, a carnival and a beer garden from June 5 to 8 in the city's downtown.

Presented by Wheaton Park District and the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, the festival opens at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 5, with a carnival on Liberty Street between Hale and Cross. The carnival remains open throughout the festival; for information on unlimited-ride wristband pricing and exact hours, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/taste.

Kids can explore their creative side on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, with Art in the Park, part of the park district's "Create. Discover. Play." initiative. Projects this year include the popular Monster Mural, Tie Dye Station, Wheaton Park District facility activities, and a Community Art Project.

Radio Disney, featuring "Doc McStuffins," will give kids a chance to sing and dance at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 7.

Good food is at the heart of the Taste of Wheaton, which, in addition to traditional fair fare, features some of the best the community has to offer, such as selections from Ivy Restaurant, The Bank and Cellar Bistro. Food vendors will be available Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, with limited offerings on Sunday, June 8. A beer garden will feature soda, water, wine by the glass, Miller products, Mike's Hard Lemonade, and rotating craft beers throughout the weekend.

New this year, the Wheaton chamber will present the first Slice of Wheaton on June 5, offering slices of pizza from local pizzerias for $2 each or six tastes for $10.

While enjoying tasty food and drinks, Taste of Wheaton participants can take advantage of some great health and fitness opportunities. The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K and 10K, for example, celebrates its 33rd year. The race also includes the Zippity Zoo Run half-mile for ages 6 through 12. To register, visit active.com.

The Memorial Park Bandshell will be rocking all weekend with local bands and other entertainment. For a complete schedule, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/taste.