we’re back june 18, 2026!

Due to the tornado watch in effect for Worcester, tonight’s event timing has been adjusted:

- Event Shuttle: 6pm-11pm (see map for stops, including wristband pick locations)

- Tasting: 7pm-9pm (note, some restaurants will continue serving through 10pm)

Taste of Shrewsbury Street 2026 Wristband Taste of Shrewsbury Street 2026 Wristband
Taste of Shrewsbury Street 2026 Wristband
$30.00

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Shrewsbury Street Merchants Association presented Worcester’s favorite food festival, Taste of Shrewsbury Street.

This annual event is a special night when thousands of people gather to sample food from Shrewsbury Street’s best restaurants without breaking the bank.

Map

Click the image to download the complete 2026 Event Map PDF:

the judges are back.

A panel of three thoughtfully selected judges will taste every sample and decide which restaurants win:

  • 1st place $500

  • 2nd place $300

MEET THE JUDGES

Jacqueline Cain is a writer and editor, originally from Worcester County, now living in Boston. She is the newsletter editor at America’s Test Kitchen. A former food editor at Boston magazine, Time Out Boston, and The Food Lens, her writing has also appeared in Edible Worcester, the Boston Globe, Wine Enthusiast, and other outlets. She grew up in Berlin, Mass., before attending Saint Michael's College and starting her journalism career at the Milton Independent newspaper in Milton, Vermont. She is an avid concert goer, a dedicated Celtics and women's sports fan, and a beer person. 

Mark Waxler is a hospitality consultant with 40 years in the industry, including as the former Vice President and General Manager of the Beechwood Hotel. Mark was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MA Lodging Association, President of the New England Inns and Resorts, and Destination Worcester Board of Directors, Chairman of the Hospitality Advisory Committee for Worcester Vocational High School, Program Advisory Member to help develop Massachusetts Vocational Technical Educational Framework for hospitality management and Board of Directors Worcester Regional Research Bureau.

Nick O'Malley is a senior reporter for MassLive's Destinations coverage. From weird foods to Boston Bucket List items, he's prowling the Bay State for the best there is to eat and see. He's also the author of the column, "I ate it so you don't have to," exploring offbeat eats and ranking Oreos. Nick has been with MassLive since 2013. After 12 years covering pro sports, Nick moved over to MassLive's Destinations team.

Carol @restaurant_scout (on Instagram) is a local foodie, bakery owner and works in the corporate dining industry with airlines and hotel.

Jim Moughan is a longtime leader in Worcester’s hospitality and events industry, having spent more than four decades at the DCU Center, where he served as Assistant General Manager and Director of Sales. A returning judge for this event, Jim brings a seasoned palate and years of experience celebrating Worcester’s culinary scene.

FAQ

  • Taste of Shrewsbury Street is Thursday, June 18th, 2026.

    Due to the tornado watch in effect for Worcester, tonight’s event timing has been adjusted:

    - Event Shuttle: 6pm-11pm (see map for stops, including wristband pick locations)

    - Tasting: 7pm-9pm (note, some restaurants will continue serving through 10pm)


  • Your wristband is your ticket to event participation. This shows each participating restaurant you get to enjoy samples during Taste of Shrewsbury Street 2026.

  • If you purchase your wristband in advance here online, you pay $25 per ticket.

    On the event day you will pay $30, either online or in person at a wristband pickup location: Vintage Grille, Sonoma Restaurant at the Beechwood, and Wormtown Brewery

  • A wristband gives you access to unlimited samples to taste at participating restaurants on June 18th from 6-9pm.

  • Purchase your wristband online before June 18th for a discounted price.

    Starting June 1st, you can pick up your wristband(s) after you’ve made your purchase online, or buy it in person.

    When picking up a pre-purchased wristband, you’ll need to show your photo ID and the order confirmation email.

    The wristband pickup locations are Vintage Grille, Sonoma Restaurant at the Beechwood, and Wormtown Brewery, in Worcester, MA. See below for addresses and hours of operation.

    Please note hours are subject to change and may not be updated here.

    Vintage Grille & Gourmet Pizza
    346 Shrewsbury St.
    Worcester, MA 01604
    M-Su, 11 am–12am

    Sonoma Restaurant at the Beechwood
    363 Plantation Street
    Worcester, MA 01605
    Breakfast
    Mon - Fri: 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 
    Sat - Sun: 7:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
    Lunch
    Daily: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
    Dinner
    Sun - Thu: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
    Fri - Sat: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    Sonoma Bar
    Sun - Thu: 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
    Fri - Sat: 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.

    Wormtown Brewery
    72 Shrewsbury St
    Worcester, MA 01604
    Mon-Thu 3pm- 9pm
    Friday & Sat 11am -10pm
    Sun 11 am – 8 pm

  • The confirmation emails are sent automatically to the email you include when you purchase your tickets. If you don’t recieve a confirmation email to your primary inbox please check secodary inboxes and your spam folder.

    Your order can be found a re-sent to you if needed. Please contact support@tasteofshrewsburystreet.com and expect a wait of 24-28 hours for a response. You will be asked to verify details of your purchase before the ticket confirmation is re-sent to you.

  • Reach out to support@tasteofshrewsburystreet.com

    Please expect 24-48 hours to recieve a response, the inbox is typically checked once daily, up until the 48-hours before the event. June 17th & 18th you can expect more immediate responses.

  • These details may be shared on social media. Follow us at @TasteOfShrewsburyStreet on Facebook and turn on post notifications to be the first to know as information is announced.

  • Street parking is available, as well as pubilc garages and select parking lots.

    The free parking at Sonoma Restaurant at the Beechwood is a convenient choice if you need to pick up or purchase wristbands on June 18th. Get your wristands, enjoy samples on the patio, and take the complimentary shuttle to Shrewsbury Street.

    A download of the event map is available here.

  • No, Shrewsbury Steet remains open to cars through the event.

  • Yes! Download the sponsor form here. To be included on final event posters and banners, submit your sponsorship form, payment and your logo before May 1st. Sponsors who sign up after that date will still be included on our website, social media and recieve other sponsor benefits. See form for complete details.

  • No, all ticket sales are final.

  • The event will take place, rain or shine!

  • You’ll have to go get it.

    We will not replace forgotten or lost wristbands. Once you pick up your wristband it becomes your responsibility.

  • If you are interested in photographing or covering the event for the media, please apply for a media pass here.

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