Picture this: a warm May evening on a sun-drenched island, harbor lights shimmering on the water, a cold drink in hand, and the smell of something extraordinary wafting from around every corner. That's Taste Around Avalon — and this year, it's celebrating its 20th anniversary in delicious style.
Mark your calendar for May 28, 2026, because here are nine reasons this is the one event you'll regret missing.
1. It's a Full-On Culinary Adventure in Four Hours
Forget choosing just one restaurant for dinner. Taste Around Avalon lets you eat your way through the island in a single glorious evening. We're talking savory bites, creative small plates, indulgent desserts, handcrafted cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic sips — all in one night. It's not a meal; it's a moveable feast.
2. You'll Meet the People Behind the Food
Ever wondered who dreams up your favorite dish at your go-to Avalon spot? Here's your chance to find out. Taste Around Avalon puts you face-to-face with the talented chefs and culinary creators who make the island's food scene so special. Ask questions, pick up cooking secrets, and walk away with a whole new appreciation for what ends up on your plate.
3. Every Bite Gives Back to the Island
When you eat at this event, you're not just feeding yourself — you're fueling the community. Your participation supports over 20 local restaurants and small businesses, helping keep Catalina's one-of-a-kind culinary culture alive and thriving. This is dining with a purpose.
4. You Might Just Find Your New Favorite Dish
The island's most celebrated signature dishes will be on full display, and you're free to taste them all. Whether it's a standout seafood creation, a bold fusion plate, or a dessert that stops you mid-bite, Taste Around Avalon is where island food legends are made — and where your next obsession is waiting to be discovered.
5. The Setting Is Flat-Out Magical
Avalon doesn't just offer great food — it offers a backdrop that makes every bite taste better. As the sun dips toward the Pacific, you'll be strolling through one of California's most enchanting coastal towns, with harbor views, island breezes, and an energy that only Catalina can deliver. The ambiance is part of the experience.
6. Your Palate Will Thank You for Branching Out
With so many tastings across so many stops, you're almost guaranteed to stumble onto something you've never tried — and fall in love with it. Think of it as a no-pressure culinary exploration. No commitments, no full plates, just curiosity and great food guiding you from spot to spot.
7. It's a Delicious Way to Discover Catalina's Story
As you wander Avalon restaurant to restaurant, you'll pick up pieces of what makes this island unlike anywhere else — its history, its culture, its people. Taste Around Avalon is as much about place as it is about food, and you'll leave knowing Catalina in a way most visitors never do.
8. It Won't Break the Bank
Here's the best part: this world-class food experience is remarkably affordable. Voting cards are just $2 each, and individual tastings typically run $1–$5. You can go all-out, try a little of everything, and still walk away having spent less than a single restaurant dinner. Value this good is almost as rare as an island sunset.
9. The Whole Family Is Invited
No need for a babysitter. Taste Around Avalon has something for every age — from crowd-pleasing bites that kids will devour to craft cocktails for the grown-ups who've earned them. It's a genuinely fun night out for everyone, no matter the group.
Taste Around Avalon is more than a food event — it's one evening where an entire island puts its best flavors forward and invites you to celebrate 20 years of culinary community. Whether you come for the food, the fun, or the feeling of a Catalina night at its finest, you'll leave with a full stomach and a full heart.
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 5–9 PM | Avalon, Catalina Island Don't just read about it — taste it.
Why rush back? After an evening like this, the best decision you can make is to stay. Avalon's hotels, inns, and vacation rentals mean you can wake up the next morning to ocean views, fresh salt air, and a full island day ahead of you, no ferry to catch, no schedule to keep. Sleep off the indulgence, then spend the next day snorkeling, hiking, exploring, or simply lingering over a slow breakfast at one of the very restaurants you discovered the night before. Taste Around Avalon is the perfect excuse to turn a Thursday night into a long weekend on one of California's most beloved islands. Book your stay and make the most of every moment.
