Taste of Ellicottville 2025 Returns with Bold Flavors and a Golden Mission
Taste of Ellicottville 2025 Returns with Bold Flavors and a Golden Mission
Sample signature dishes from Ellicottville’s top restaurants and support a meaningful cause during this year’s Taste of Ellicottville.
Dig out those loose-fitting shorts and look ahead to Ellicottville’s most delicious weekend of the year when the Taste of Ellicottville returns Saturday and Sunday, August 9th and 10th. The heart of the village will transform into a vibrant, open-air food festival, with restaurants setting up café-style along Washington and Monroe Streets to serve small bites and signature dishes that capture all of the flavors of Ellicottville.
From gourmet sliders and house-smoked BBQ to summer sides and sweet desserts, it’s the perfect opportunity to sample your way through the local food scene, one ticket at a time. Tasting tickets are $1 each (with items ranging in price from $1-$5) and will be available for purchase throughout the event.
“We’re proud to bring back the Taste of Ellicottville, which really is a celebration of everything that makes this town special - our food, our people, and our sense of community,” said Barb Pump, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, which produces the event. “This year, we’re turning up the impact by teaming up with Hope Rises and their Shine Gold for the Kids campaign. It’s not just about feeding people - it’s about lifting others up in the process.”
For 2025, the Taste is proud to support Hope Rises, a Western New York-based nonprofit known for amplifying stories of hope and raising awareness around critical issues. Their Shine Gold for the Kids campaign supports pediatric cancer patients and their families, providing direct aid, resources, and moments of joy during their battles.
“All of the registration fees from our hot dog competitions will go directly to Hope Rises,” Pump noted. “It’s a fun, lighthearted way to engage with the cause, but the impact is very real.”
Speaking of hot dogs, two new contests are spicing up Taste weekend. 1) The Hot Dog Topping Competition invites guests to dream up their ultimate dog. Submit your combo and you could win a spot on Balloons Restaurant’s menu. 2) The Hot Dog Eating Contest is not for the faint of stomach. Compete for bragging rights and the coveted title of Ellicottville’s Top Dog. All registration fees from both contests will be donated to Hope Rises.
“We’ve had so many people express their enthusiasm around these new contests already,” said Pump. “It’s a great way for folks to get involved, have fun, and make a difference at the same time.”
With live music throughout the village and tastings around every corner, the Taste of Ellicottville is more than a food festival - it’s a full sensory experience. The best part: No need to plan ahead! Just make your way into the village, grab your tasting tickets, and start exploring. Tickets are available at stations throughout the event and can be replenished at any time.
As Pump puts it, “Whether you’re here to taste, toast, or top a hot dog like a champ, we can’t wait to welcome you. Come hungry - and come ready to give back!”
Look for a full menu and map in next week’s issue of ellicottvilleNOW. Additional information about the Taste and other events produced by the Chamber can be found at ellicottvilleny.com.
