Taste of Damascus

Nosh. Nibble. Taste…of Damascus. Join ASD on Saturday, August 15th, from 1 to 4:30 pm (rain or shine) for a fun day in the Damascus Town Park in Damascus, VA. Damascus chefs will be set up in the park with ‘taste’ portions for you to try.

When you buy tickets, you’re supporting local chefs, their establishments, and of course, local farmers! Wash it all down with adult beverages for purchase from Damascus Brewery and Appalachian Heritage and Distillery. Plus, ticket purchasers also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chef and their creation!

Our friends at The Crooked Road will be there too, with great performances by local musicians, Raistlin Brabson & Margo MacSweeney, and Sandy Shortridge. So bring your chairs and plan to sit a while.

Tickets are $25 in advance (plus processing fees) and $30 at the door. Special thanks to the Town of Damascus, event sponsors, and our amazing volunteers. Proceeds benefit ASD. No refunds. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Damascus Fire Hall. Pets are welcome on leash only. See you there! Get your tickets by clicking the button below.

Vendors and Sponsors

The Tipsy Bear: The Tipsy Bear believes that every meal is an opportunity to connect. That’s why they’ve created a menu filled with delicious dishes, designed to please every palate. From their savory shareables to hearty entrees, each dish is crafted with care, inviting you to savor every bite while enjoying the company of those around you. They take pride in their attentive service, ensuring that you and your friends feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Wilson’s Cafe and Grill: With a mission to create memorable dining experiences, Wilson's Cafe and Grill has carved a niche for itself in the heart of Appalachian Trail adventurers and Virginia Creeper Trail cyclists. Wilson's Cafe and Grill is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience that resonates with each visitor. The combination of exceptional food, friendly service, and a comfortable ambiance makes it an ideal spot for anyone in the Damascus area.

The Damascus Diner: The Damascus Diner is a sister company to Wilson's Cafe and Grill, Main Street Sweets & Eats, and the Dragonfly Inn. They offer a variety of food, including their Maple Jam Burger, Fried Chicken Club Sandwich, Strawberry and Cream Pancakes, and Banana-Nut Bread French Toast. It’s a great place to add some fun to your day!

The Old Mill Restaurant and Inn: Dining at the Damascus Old Mill Restaurant offers the perfect combination of excellent food and casual fine dining in a rustic architectural setting. They offer a variety of wines, many of which are bottled in the Southwest Virginia mountains.  They have a traditional Dinner Menu as well as a featured daily special, plus their Dessert Menu is sure to please your sweet tooth!  

The Cottage Cafe: The Cottage Cafe pride themselves on their passion for food and community. Their culinary journey begins with a simple mission: to serve delicious, homemade meals made from fresh, local ingredients, including our famous savory pies, all served in a cozy, welcoming environment reminiscent of your favorite Irish pub. Enjoy a pint of Guinness as you savor every bite!

Event Partners

Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery: Located directly on the Appalachian Trail in downtown Damascus, Appalachian Heritage Distillery proudly produces pristine spirits. Their generational family knowledge stems from a region steeped in cultural tradition. The unique design of their elegant and productive pot still forces a multiple-distilled spirit with smooth yet robust flavor, perfect for every gathering. 

Damascus Brewery: The Damascus Brewery is owned by Brewmaster Adam Woodson, who makes over 80 different kinds of delicious craft beer on his self-designed brew system.  With a background in organic chemistry, genetics, and food science, the award-winning beers made here are made with exquisite attention to detail and precision.  This year, the Damascus Brewery will be celebrating 13 years in business.

The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail will present Raistlin Brabson & Margo MacSweeney and Sandy Shortridge in conjunction with ASD's Taste of Damascus. Music will begin at the park gazebo at 2:00 pm, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. 

Raistlin Brabson & Margo MacSweeny hail from Floyd, VA, where they play regularly at the Floyd Country Store. The two present driving old-time dance tunes that are sure to move listeners to their feet! Sandy Shortridge is a guitarist, songwriter, and master storyteller from Buchanan County, Virginia. Her songs have been recorded by the likes of Larry Sparks and Joe Mullins, and the Radio Ramblers.