5 reasons you don't want to miss this year's Taste of SoMo on Saturday

Ralph Green, Springfield News-Leader
·3 min read
A News-Leader file photo of a past Taste of SoMo event.
A News-Leader file photo of a past Taste of SoMo event.

Taste of SoMo returns to Park Central Square in Springfield on Saturday. Food sampling will take place from noon to 4 p.m.

Rainy weather disrupted last year's event, and it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. This year, it is going to be hot with temperatures approaching 100 degrees, but there will be cool beverages on hand for those who brave the heat.

Here are five reasons why you might want to be among the thousands of people who attend the event.

1. Discover fresh flavors on the cheap

Hailey Magnus, communications manager for the Downtown Springfield Association, said this year's Taste of SoMo, will bring 18 vendors to the square.

"We're really excited to be back and are excited because we got some new faces in there, not only to the event but basically to downtown and southwest Missouri," Magnus said.

For $10, you can get a sheet of 10 tickets that you can redeem at the different vendors.

2. Hang out with friends

In 2019, this event attracted about 10,000 people. And while organizers aren't expecting to top that number this weekend, Magnus said they are preparing for "a few thousand people" to attend.

So it could be a great place to run into friends or make some new ones, while enjoying delicious food.

3. Listen to music

Great food without music would be a bummer, right? Well, this festival has you covered.

The lineup of live music includes Justin Larkin, Auntie Em and the Tornadoes and The Paper Moons.

More: Taste of SoMo returns to Springfield's Park Central Square this summer

4. A chance to try new restaurants

You might be familiar with several restaurants on the list but there may also be some you've never heard of. Bosky's Vegan Grill opened this past May; it serves many plant-based vegan options. Mimi's Soul Food also is a new restaurant to Springfield that serves soul food.

Cajun Krawstation will not only make its first appearance to the festival but this will also be their first time serving Springfield. Cajun Krawstation is a seafood restaurant that will be coming soon to the downtown area. Visitors will be able to taste their boudin balls, crawfish and shrimp.

5. Support a good cause

"One of the great parts about this event is not only do you get to try all these restaurants and support local restaurants around here but a portion of all the profits will go to Ozarks Food Harvest," Magnus said.

A portion of the proceeds from the 10 for $10 sample tickets will go to Ozarks Food Harvest. For every three sample tickets donated, Ozarks Food Harvest can provide four meals to a family.

Magnus also said Ozarks Food Harvest will have a booth if visitors are interested in donating directly.

More: Owners of Kai and Haruno are opening a new restaurant in Springfield, Ariake Sushi & Robata

Here are the restaurants participating in Taste of SoMo 2022

  • Bambino's

  • Best of Luck Beer Hall

  • Big Whiskey's

  • Bosky's Vegan Grill

  • Cajun Krawstation

  • Dublin's Pass

  • Greek Belly

  • Jamaican Patty Co.

  • Kung Fu Taco

  • Mae's Gelateria

  • Mimi's Soul Food

  • NoBaked Cookie Dough

  • OMO Japanese Soul Food

  • Queen City Soul Kitchen

  • The Order at Hotel Vandivort

  • The Riksha

  • The Urban Cup

  • Tinga Tacos

Ralph Green is a business reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Contact him at RAGreen@gannett.com, by phone: (417-536-4061) or on Twitter at RalphGreenNL

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Taste of SoMo will bring 18 restaurant vendors to Park Central Square