Taste of the Seaport 2026: A Waterfront Food Festival in Lower Manhattan

Taste of the Seaport returns to Lower Manhattan on Saturday, September 26, 2026,
bringing together great food, local restaurants, live entertainment, waterfront views, and a
meaningful community cause.

Held at Seaport Square, 89 South Street, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
this annual NYC food festival is one of the tastiest ways to spend an early fall Saturday downtown.
Visitors can sample dishes from Lower Manhattan restaurants while supporting Spruce Street School
and Peck Slip School.

Taste Your Way Through the Seaport

There is something especially New York about eating your way through a historic waterfront
neighborhood. Cobblestone streets, the East River, views toward the Brooklyn Bridge, historic ships
at Pier 16, and the energy of Pier 17 make the Seaport a memorable setting for an afternoon of food.

Taste of the Seaport began as a small market on Fulton Street in 2010 and has developed into one of
Lower Manhattan’s most anticipated food events. The 2026 edition will again celebrate the neighborhood’s
restaurant scene, combining established names with favorite local spots.

Restaurants announced for the 2026 event include:

• Delmonico’s
• Carne Mare by Andrew Carmellini
• The Fulton by Jean-Georges Vongerichten
• Felice
• Old Mates

The event offers the chance to sample everything from steakhouse classics and Italian favorites to
seafood and contemporary downtown dining, all without choosing just one restaurant for lunch.

Taste of the Seaport 2026: Event Details

Tasting tickets give visitors access to samples from participating restaurants. Proceeds from the
festival support the two local public schools, helping fund resources including school supplies,
professional development, and cultural-enrichment programming.

A Family-Friendly Fall Event

Taste of the Seaport is not only for serious food fans. The festival also includes a
free KidZone, making it an easy option for families looking for things to do in
New York City with children.

The KidZone does not require a tasting ticket, so families can enjoy the festival atmosphere and
children’s activities even if not everyone in the group plans to take part in the restaurant tastings.
The same weekend also offers an opportunity to explore the nearby South Street Seaport Museum and
its family programming.

How to Plan Your Visit

Arrive early if you want to get the most from your tasting card. With a range of participating
restaurants and vendors, it is worth taking a quick walk around the event before choosing your
first bites.

• Buy tickets in advance when possible, particularly if early-bird pricing is available.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the historic Seaport streets and waterfront.
• Make time to explore Pier 17, Pier 16, and the East River views.
• Visit the South Street Seaport Museum if you are spending the day in the neighborhood.
• Use public transportation when possible; the Fulton Street subway hub is within walking distance.
• Turn the festival into a Lower Manhattan itinerary with a walk through the Financial District, a visit to the Brooklyn Bridge, or dinner by the waterfront.

Why Taste of the Seaport Matters

New York City has plenty of food festivals, but Taste of the Seaport stands out because it is closely
connected to its neighborhood. It is a chance to discover Lower Manhattan restaurants in one of the
city’s most scenic waterfront locations while supporting local students and schools.

For anyone looking for a delicious September 2026 event in NYC, Taste of the Seaport is an excellent
reason to head downtown hungry. Come for the food, stay for the waterfront atmosphere, and experience
one of Lower Manhattan’s most distinctive fall traditions.