Clear your schedule and come hungry—one of New York City’s most legendary food events is officially returning to Manhattan this September, and it’s shaking up its traditional schedule for the first time ever.
The Annual Taste of Times Square is taking over Midtown this fall, transforming the heart of the theater district into a massive, four-hour global feast. As one of NYC’s longest-running outdoor food festivals, the event brings together over 30 top neighborhood restaurants for an evening of affordable bites, live entertainment, and neighborhood celebration.
The best part? Entry is free, and most dishes cost just $5! Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the 2026 festival.
🍔 What to expect at Taste of Times Square 2026
For one evening only on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 4 pm to 8 pm, the iconic neighborhood will block off traffic to create a sprawling, walkable food haven.
In a break from its usual Monday schedule, the festival is shifting to Wednesday this year. The strategic move by the Times Square Alliance allows theatergoers, locals, and visitors to sample world-class cuisine right in that sweet spot between Wednesday Broadway matinees and evening curtain calls.
Here’s what you can look forward to at the festival:
- 30+ Global Restaurants: Sample an eclectic lineup spanning Mexican, Caribbean, Cuban, Italian, Indian, American barbecue, sushi, and more
- $5 to $10 “Tastes”: Participating eateries will serve up bite-sized portions of their signature dishes on-site. Most bites cost just $5, with a few premium dishes priced at $10
- Live Broadway Performances: Enjoy live music and theatrical performances scattered throughout the event footprint celebrating the magic of the stage
- Return to Classic Location: The festival footprint stretches from 7th Avenue to 9th Avenue along 46th Street & Restaurant Row, as well as the bustling Broadway Plazas between 45th and 47th Streets
Participating restaurants & top eats
The festival features a heavy-hitting mix of iconic Midtown institutions, Broadway staples, and neighborhood favorites. While the lineup is subject to exciting additions, current participating restaurants include:
- New York Staples: Junior’s Restaurant, Carmine’s, Virgil’s Real Barbecue, Serendipity 3, Schnipper’s
- Italian & Seafood: Becco, Le Rivage, Bond 45, Mermaid Oyster Bar, Tony’s Di Napoli
- Global & Caribbean Flavor: Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine, Havana Central, Lagos TSQ, Bar Mexicana, Toloache
- Asian & Fusion: Spice Symphony, Sushi of Gari, RA Sushi, Brooklyn Chop House
- Midtown Classics: Hard Rock Cafe, Applebee’s, Bareburger, Sony Hall, The Long Room, Planet Hollywood
To see the full list of vendors, visit TSQ.org/Taste.
How the wristband system & 20% discount work
Unlike traditional cash-only street fairs, Taste of Times Square utilizes a quick, cashless payment system to keep lines moving fast.
- The Wristband System: Attendees can register a festival wristband using a credit or debit card directly on-site to purchase food “tastes” seamlessly
- Score a 20% Discount: If you want to get more food for your buck, you can buy taste credits in advance online at TSQ.org/Taste to score 20% off before heading to the event
Pro-tips for navigating the crowd
Midtown is always bustling, but thousands gather for this four-hour culinary spectacle. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your evening:
- Buy Credits Early: Secure your discounted credits online before arriving to skip the registration queues and maximize your tasting budget
- Timing Is Everything: Show up right at 4 pm if you want to beat the post-work rush and the evening Broadway crowd
- Use Public Transit: Street closures around Restaurant Row will make driving and rideshares nearly impossible. Take the N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, or 7 trains to Times Square–42 St or the A, C, E to 42 St–Port Authority
Event details at a glance
- What: The Times Square Alliance’s Annual Taste of Times Square
- When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 4 pm – 8 pm
- Where: 46th Street (from 7th Ave to 9th Ave / Restaurant Row) & Broadway Plazas (between 45th & 47th Sts)
- Cost: Free admission to walk around; pay-as-you-go food bites ($5–$10 each, with 20% off advance purchases at TSQ.org/Taste)