What’s New at This Year’s Taste of Syracuse

The Summit Federal Credit Union Taste of Syracuse, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, is one of the most anticipated events in Central New York. Certainly, it’s one of the largest events that we participate in each year.

It’s no secret that Syracuse has a vibrant food culture featuring eateries for every taste and budget. Taste of Syracuse celebrates that vitality making $2 tastes available at food vendors, giving people the opportunity to sample new flavors. There are always new food vendors to try out!

“Taste” is not just a food festival, it also features over 30 bands and more than 100 area musicians across two days of non-stop music. Headliners for 2026 include Fuel, known for their chart-topping hits “Shimmer,” “Hemorrhage,” and “Bad Day.”

Since 2017, The Summit, Tops, along with other sponsors and vendors have raised nearly $150,000 for area non-profits. In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, Taste of Syracuse will raise funds for two charitable organizations: Feed Our Vets and Honor Flight Syracuse. Proceeds from activities at The Summit’s and Tops tents will benefit these organizations, helping provide food, support, and memorable experiences for local Veterans.

Feed Our Vets provides free food assistance to U.S. Veterans and their families. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Feed Our Vets fights Veteran hunger through community pantries, gift cards, essential goods, and public outreach, serving Veterans and active-duty members in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. With 93% of expenditures going directly to those in need, the organization addresses a critical issue: one in three homeless Americans is a Veteran, and nearly four million Veterans and their families face food insecurity each year. Feed Our Vets relies on public support to continue honoring those who have served our country.

“The mission of Feed Our Vets is to assist Veterans, their spouses and children, whose circumstances have left them on the battlefield of hunger,” commented Richard Purcell, President of Feed Our Vets. “Since 2009, Feed Our Vets has provided free food assistance to over 80,000 Veterans, active-duty members, and their families, distributing 6.1 million pounds of groceries and $430,000 in gift cards.”

Honor Flight Syracuse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s Veterans by providing all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Since its founding, the organization has helped hundreds of local Veterans, including World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans, experience this meaningful journey. By giving these heroes a chance to reflect, connect, and be celebrated, Honor Flight Syracuse ensures that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

“Nothing is more important than showing our deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the veterans we serve throughout Central New York,” said Kevin Bradley, president, Honor Flight Syracuse. “We are so honored and thankful for all of our volunteers, sponsors and contributors for making Mission 24 possible, and for helping us continue our mission of flying veterans to Washington, D.C. to receive the honor and recognition that they so rightfully deserve.” 

Visitors to The Summit’s Game Zone, located in the heart of Taste, will enjoy spinning our wheel for prizes, participating in various games, and entering to win larger prizes. Every donation received goes to Feed Our Vets and Honor Flight Syracuse. In fact, we’ve already begun accepting donations at our Central New York branches to get us started!

Click here for more information on the 2026 Taste of Syracuse.

See you at Taste!