Saturday, July 10, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Fifth and Washington

Like wine tasting without having to buy the entire bottle, Taste of Downtown offers a large variety of scrumptious food in one spot from more than 20 downtown restaurants.

Chefs will cook and serve ethnic, classic and eclectic cuisine. Visualize the mouthwatering flavor of such foods as fried oyster poor boys, an elk burger from Augie’s, a barbeque ponyshoe from Caitie Girl’s, or a jerk turkey taco from Café Brio. Restaurants are still registering and formulating their menus currently for this annual favorite event, but these were some of the past participants and their contributions.

While you’re salivating over the fantastic food, listen to The American Music Show which promises to rock out in style throughout the afternoon and night. The roster includes: southern rockers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; Hollywood dance music band The Lucky Stars; duo rockers JEFF the Brotherhood, including singer/guitarist Jake Orrall and drummer Jamin Orrall; and modern day Indiana folk troubadour Otis Gibbs.

The Taste and Music Show are more kid friendly this year, thanks to collaboration between Downtown Springfield, Inc., springfieldmoms.org, St. John’s Hospital and Marine Bank. In the afternoon, kids can see children’s entertainment on the little stage. They can also join in free activities created just for them, and more fun is planned.

The admission fee is $2, with individual restaurants setting prices for their menu items. More details are forthcoming, so in the future visit Downtown Springfield, Inc.’s Web site to get the scoop at downtownspringfieldinc.org.