Tickets to Harford County Public Library Foundation’s Third Annual Taste of Harford go on sale on March 17. This popular eat local, buy local, shop local extravaganza, held May 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Vignon Manor Farm, 425 Darlington Road in Havre de Grace, showcases local restaurants, farms, breweries, wineries and distilleries—plus local artisans selling handcrafted goods.
The event sold out its first two years and is expected to do so again in 2026. Tickets cost $50 per person and may be purchased by visiting https://hcplonline.org/tasteofharford.php starting March 17. Funds raised will support Harford County Public Library programs, resources and services that benefit readers of all ages across the community.
Taste of Harford showcases more than 40 local food and drink partners, including restaurants, farmers, breweries and wineries. Each will provide guests with a “taste” of a specialty item, and all participants are encouraged to incorporate locally sourced ingredients in their recipes.
“We are so grateful to our partners who make Taste of Harford a must-attend community gathering,” said Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford County Public Library. “This special afternoon features exceptional food and drink, unique artisan shopping, and a beautiful setting that brings people together. The Library is proud to host events that connect and inspire. We are deeply thankful for our generous sponsors and look forward to welcoming guests in May.”
Those who attend Taste of Harford will be invited to cast votes for their favorite local food and non-alcoholic beverages in the “Best Bite of Harford County” competition categories: seafood, meat, vegetarian, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage.
Among the participants so far are Boards by Dana, Burtons Grill & Bar, Butcher on the Bay, CoffeeBar Bel Air, Coffee Coffee, Crossroads Bistro, Evolved Hospitality, Falling Branch Brewery, Fiore Winery & Distillery, Flavor Cupcakery, Full Circle Boards, Harford Vineyard & Winery, Hopkins Farm Brewery, Island Spice Grille & Lounge, Kent Meadows Farm, Latitude Seafood Co., Lib's Catering/Lib's Grill, Maison Intimate Catering, The Newberry Café & Bakery, Old Line Spirits, One Eleven Main, Pairings Bistro, Passanante's Home Food Services, Pat’s Pizza, Peru’s Chicken II, Pond View Farm, Slate Farm Brewery, Sweet Kings, Top Nach and Tropical Smoothie Café. Participants are being added frequently. To see the latest additions, visit HCPLonline.org. If your restaurant is interested in becoming a taste partner, contact Taylor Carty at carty@hcplonline.org.
A market area at Taste of Harford will showcase local artisans who will be selling handcrafted goods. Similar to food and drink partner participants, artisans are being added to the lineup frequently and include BELLA Academy, Fire Beard Forge, HopeworksGlobal, Inc., D.A. Jennings Author and Peppers and Pots LLC. For the latest additions and to learn more about vendor opportunities at the Taste of Harford, visit HCPLonline.org.
Sponsorship opportunities for the event come in a wide range of price points and offer meaningful visibility, direct engagement with attendees and a reach of more than 160,000 supporters through Library locations, digital platforms and event marketing.
Event partners for the Third Annual Taste of Harford are Harford County Farm Bureau, Harford County Chamber of Commerce, Harford County Office of Economic Development and Restaurant Association of Maryland.
Sponsors of the 2026 Taste of Harford include Headlining Sponsors American Design and Build and American Century Solar. Supporting Sponsors are Bel Air Window and Door, Hillside Lawn Service, Keene Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, The Kelly Group, Klein’s ShopRite of Maryland and Nemphos Braue LLC. Contributing Sponsors include Wade Sewell, Board of Education, and Thomas M. Wagner & Associates, Inc. For an updated listing, and to learn more about sponsoring Taste of Harford, visit https://hcplonline.org/tasteofharford.php or contact Amber C. Shrodes, director of philanthropy and community engagement for Harford County Public Library, at 410-273-5600 x6513 or at shrodes@hcplonline.org.
“Our sponsors and partners are true community builders. Their support makes Taste of Harford more than a celebration of food, drink and local talent; it is an event that fuels opportunity. Every partnership helps advance the Harford County Public Library’s mission to connect people to ideas, resources and one another,” said Shrodes.
Harford County Public Library Foundation raises funding and awareness to support the Library’s services, resources and capital improvements, ensuring access to information anytime, anywhere, for all people living and working in Harford County. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County offering access to ideas that inform, entertain and inspire. Last year the Library interacted with its residents more than 12 million times, borrowing free materials, visiting branches and the website, using free WiFi, and attending classes and events. For more information, visit HCPLonline.org.
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Leslie Greenly Smith Marketing & Communications Director, Harford County Public Library
