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Stating that the longstanding Taste Edmonds festival “is no longer a sustainable or viable event,” the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday announced the launch of The Edmonds Block Party, set for Aug. 8-9 at Civic Center Playfield. The two-day community celebration “will feature live music performances, a lively beer garden, food vendors, and much more – bringing the best of Edmonds together in an unforgettable experience,” the chamber promised in a news release about the change.
“For over four decades, the chamber held the privilege of being the stewards of Taste Edmonds, a long-standing local tradition that brought the community together for summer fun and raised critical funding for other renowned events,” the news release said. “Taste Edmonds evolved significantly over the years, and was a proud staple in South Snohomish County. However, like many events that were created for the needs and desires of one era, the Taste Edmonds of twenty years ago is no longer a sustainable or viable event. It is time to embrace change and breathe new life into our summer celebrations,” the announcement added.
“We’ve had to really take into consideration the legacy of Taste Edmonds as well as the sustainability and long-term success of the event,” said Ryan Crowther, Edmonds Chamber president and CEO. “But the world around us has changed, and cities like Edmonds are losing these beloved community events for fear of change. While Taste Edmonds was the heart of our summer celebrations, it became clear that we needed a fresh concept to meet the changing needs of our community and local businesses. And we’re confident that the Edmonds Block Party can be a successful community celebration for years to come.”
For years, Taste Edmonds has been an essential gathering place for alumni and longtime residents reconnecting, the chamber announcement said. While the name “Taste Edmonds” suggested a focus on food tastings, “the local restaurant industry has changed dramatically, with many restaurants facing staffing shortages and increased operational costs,” the announcement said. “Additionally, the lack of adequate event infrastructure has made it difficult for local businesses to participate in large-scale events like Taste Edmonds.”
In the last few years, the chamber has heard from the community that it’s time to change the name to better reflect what is offered, that parents with children need a break on pricing and that the event should “keep that rockin’ music coming to town.”
Labeling it “The Edmonds Block Party: A Fresh Start for the Community,” the chamber said the new event “promises to be a dynamic new tradition that celebrates the culture of Edmonds in a fresh, community-driven format.”
Attendees can expect:
Two Days of Live Music Performances – Showcasing a variety of genres on the main stage performing strong renditions of music fan favorites to sing and dance along to.
Beer Garden – An activated and engaging space with a cornhole tournament, front row access to the main stage and a menu of craft beers, local wine, craft ciders, seltzers and other assorted cans. The main stage will be located in the 21+ Beer Garden.
Food Vendors – A curated selection of food booths set on a beautiful lawn, offering a diverse array of global cuisines. These booths are run by renowned chefs and local entrepreneurs, bringing flavors from around the world to the community.
Family-Friendly Activities – A family focused Saturday featuring a kids stage, activities for all ages, with free admission for folks ages 20-and-under.
A VIP Block Party Experience – For those ready to break away from the dance floor and have a bit more method to the madness, the VIP experience will include a tented lounge within the 21-plus Zone, with a private bar with select offerings, limited seating and private port-o-potties.
Event details:
Friday, Aug. 8: 3-10 p.m. (Event is 21-plus only).
Saturday, Aug, 9: noon-10 p.m. (Event is all ages. Those under 21 receive free admission.)
Tickets can be purchased here.
Find more information and updates at www.EdmondsBlockParty.com
Band lineup, vendors and activities will be announced leading up to the event. Follow Edmonds Block Party on social media to be the first to know,
How was the Taste of Edmonds not viable when it was like 20 dollars to get in??
Absolutely, born at Stevens and raised here. This is no longer my town. It’s time to look elsewhere I feel.
It’s a shame that the policies of Major Rosen and the city council have ended such historical festival. Not only are our historical trees getting cut down for meaningless parking spaces, but Edmonds financial future looks worse than ever as it gets infested by traffic ticket cameras instead of investing in safer road design. Edmonds is really going downhill.
Paul, I’m not sure if you aware but the City has nothing to do with this event. The Chamber of Commerce runs this event. Also, the city was in very rough financial shape when Mayor Rosen took over, I would imagine he never would have run for mayor if he knew how bad things were.
Change, it is a coming! This is a good one. I have attended most years and remember when it was not around.
Love the new name and look forward to a lot more food this year. Way to go Chamber.
The Block Party should be similar to the annual Car Show, its been a super successful and fun event, and winds thru the streets of downtown Edmonds showcasing the unique businesses, art and food that we have!
The more things change, the more they stay the same….
So, basically, no local restaurants. Children and families penalized by the music being accessible to 21 and over.
High cost of admission..
What’s changed?
Saturday is FREE for under 21! Is free “high cost?”
You’ll be able to hear the music.
May local restaurants have stated they can’t staff their brick and mortar sites and do the festival as well.
It’s a block party not a “taste.”
Maybe consider volunteering your ideas, rather than complaining.
Times are a changing. I’m in Utah right now trying to stir up some good mischief. Utah’s rocking summer party is first weekend in June, Ogden Music Festival. I volunteer every year to help set up the event and it’s a rocking good time.
In Edmonds The Civic Playfield is fitting for this event and the fact that there will be an “Event” is encouraging. Let’s barrage our old friends and classmates on social media, and in person to support this event.
Hi I think Civic Park is a great spot for The Block Party Thank you Edmonds Chamber of Commerce for continuing to support Edmonds. I have my tickets. Ordered yesterday.
I am guessing that staff, tent rentals chairs all the things that are used for Taste of Edmonds costs a bunch 20 dollars I am sure doesn’t cover it at all. If you don’t pay to go to the places that sell beer etc then they aren’t making enough money. Not sure but I am sure they tried for many years and now our city has no slush funds to make up the difference. Be happy it will be fun in Civic too and it will not be such a traffic issue on 212th/Main etc. It may be that police are needed more at FA green space? I really think with the financial condition our city is in that we are lucky to have it at all.
Deborah, this is a primary fund raiser for the Chamber which helps with all the other events that they do like the 4th of July parade, Tree Lighting and Car show to name a few…..
Thank You David Preston. Beautiful day it is today.
Where is the musical line-up? Happy to support but no where does it say what you’re buying.
The lineup hasn’t been released yet. We’ll be sure to publish it when it is issued.
Pardon my snarkiness but for all our touting of being a certified “creative” district, could we at least have not copied Capital Hills summer festival name of Block Party?
As long as lots of people from “not Edmonds” show up too, and spend a bunch of money here, I’m good with whatever we call it. How about the “Bring Money But Don’t Overstay Your Welcome” festival?
Friendly suggestion: If you are charging $25, don’t call it a “block party.”
My husband & I went to this ‘community event’ on Friday with our under-21 grandson & were not allowed in at all. We were not told we had to stay out of certain areas, we were told we could stand outside of the fence & listen to the music but not have access to food or anything.
So, I just re-read this article, but nope – doesn’t say no access to under 21.
What happened? Did the event change after this was published, or did the lady at the gate misunderstand her job?
Hi Joetta — there is a line in this article (and was repeated in later articles), that says this:
Friday, Aug. 8: 3-10 p.m. (Event is 21-plus only).
Ohhhhh I see I read it wrong, and remembered it as 8-10 pm (Event is 21-plus only). Thank you for the response, will try again next year.