Taste of Vienna Returns on Saturday: Full Schedule

In 2012, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department brought an array of the region's best food — much of which exists in Vienna itself — to Cherry and Center streets, giving residents a chance to sample food from a list of restaurants they may never have the time to work through on their own.

On Saturday, residents will get that opportunity again as the Taste of Vienna returns to town.

The all-day festival, held in the VVFD parking lot, will feature 28 local restaurants and their best or most-loved dishes this year.

It will also feature beer and wine, music and entertainment.

All proceeds benefit the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

What festival-goers can expect this year: more large tent space in the center of the food space, to better shield locals from the rain or sun; a better PA system to announce winners of the 50/50 raffle — and a larger beer tent with more selection, VVFD Chief John Morrison told Patch.

We've compiled a guide to getting around and enjoying the day.

When and Where to Go:

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot next to the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, 400 Center Street S. Beer and wine will be sold until 7:30 p.m.

How Much Does It Cost?

It's free to enter the festival, but food is purchased directly from restaurant booths. Most items are priced around $5.

Who Will Be there?

Culinaria Cooking

Donatos

Vienna Inn

Church Street Pizza

Tara Thai

Chef Geoff Tysons

Sweet City Desserts

Robek's Smoothies

Dave's Famous BBQ

Maplewood Grill

Seasons 52

Mad Fox Brewing Company

Crepe Amour

Turmeric Indian Dining

Noodles & Company

Pure Pasty Co

Caffe Amouri

Bazin's On Church

The Fresh Market

Whole Foods Market Vienna

Brio Tuscan Grille

Ya Hala Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

Maple Ave Restaurant

La Sandia

Outback Steakhouse

Pazzo Pomodoro

Plaka Grill

 Blackfinn Ameripub

Music: There's also a full lineup of live entertainment.

11-11:45     Ditched by Kate
12-12:45    These Future Saints
1 - 1:45      Urban Scientific
2 - 2:45      Juniper Lane
3 - 3:45      Charley Donnelly
4 - 4:45      Call for Fire
5 - 5:45      Botta
6 - 6:45      The WeatherVanes
7 - 7:45      Dela Sante

Other Entertainment: There will be a moon bounce and face painting for kids.

Prizes: Festival sponsors will offer some free giveaways. The VVFD will also host a raffle. Tickets are $1 each, or six for $5 at the welcome booth. Winner could win up to $6,000.

Pets: Not allowed, with the exception of service animals.

How Do I Get There?

If you live within a mile or two, walk! You won't sit in traffic or take time trying to find parking. Biking is an option, too.

Cherry Street will be closed to traffic one way between Center and Mill Streets SE.

If you're driving, park at :

• Vienna Elementary School, 128 Center Street SE
• Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center St. SE: Open to the public after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and anytime on weekends. 
• Caboose Parking Lot, 132 Church St. NE
• Town Green/W&OD Trail Parking, Between Church St. NE and Maple Ave. E: Open to the public anytime. Parking accessible from one-way entrance on Maple Avenue East; public parking spaces face the W&OD Trail. 
• Vienna Shopping Center/Next to 116 Maple Ave. W: Public parking spaces are available on far eastern corner of the parking lot next to the Sunoco Station at 102 Maple Avenue West

• Faith Baptist Church (301 Center St S, Vienna)

• Parking Garage located at 115 Park Street SE (After 12PM)

What if it rains?

At least as of Friday, it wont': There is 0 percent change of precipitation, and highs will be in the 70s with sunny skies.

How Will I Keep Up-To-Date On Festival Happenings?

Maybe that's not in the FAQ ... but we'll answer anyway. Vienna Patch will be tweeting and updating Facebook on Saturday.

You can also follow the festival organizers on Twitter and Facebook.