About This Festival

Taste & Tunes, also known as Taste of the Gardens, is an annual food and music festival held at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, Indiana. The 2024 event is scheduled for August 25 and runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is a ticketed event featuring live music and cuisine from over 15 local restaurants, set within the beautiful botanical garden surroundings. The festival is handicapped accessible and organized as a fundraiser for the gardens.

The atmosphere of Taste & Tunes is festive and family-friendly, offering visitors a blend of culinary delights and live entertainment in a scenic outdoor garden environment. The event draws thousands of guests from the region each year, celebrating local culture, food, and music.

The festival features:

  • Live Music: Performances throughout the day providing a relaxed, enjoyable vibe amid the gardens.
  • Food Offerings: Small plates and signature dishes from a variety of local eateries, including Chubby Trout, Flippin' Cow, Smokin' Fatty's, Kao’s (known for Asian cuisine), Osteria Amici, Don Jose's, Artisan, Mini Delights Bake Shoppe, Vanilla Bean, and Corner Bar. Food is purchased with food stickers, typically priced between 1 and 6 tickets per item.
  • Beverages: Available for purchase alongside the food offerings.
  • Art and Garden Experience: The setting offers guests the chance to explore the botanic gardens and enjoy creative, colorful natural displays.

Event Schedule (approximate based on available info):

  • 11:00 AM: Gates open, food and drink vendors open
  • All day through 6:00 PM: Live music performances on the main stage and possibly other locations within the gardens
  • Food vendor booths open throughout the day with small plates available for sticker purchase
  • Closing by 6:00 PM

History and Founding:

Taste of the Gardens entered its 16th annual edition in 2024, indicating it was founded around 2008 or 2009. It is presented by the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau and serves as the major fundraiser for Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Over the years, it has grown to become a highlight event combining Elkhart County’s rich culinary scene with local arts and nature appreciation.

Surrounding Area and Vibe:

The event takes place within the Wellfield Botanic Gardens, known for its artful garden designs and natural beauty. The setting creates a relaxed and elegant yet down-to-earth ambiance, ideal for families, foodies, and music lovers. The gardens themselves offer an immersive experience in nature framed with public art.

Elkhart County lies along the scenic Heritage Trail Amish countryside, providing visitors the opportunity to explore artisan shops, bakeries, quilt gardens, and small-town culture beyond the event day.

In summary, Taste & Tunes at Wellfield Botanic Gardens offers an engaging and vibrant day of local food, music, and garden beauty—a quintessential celebration of Elkhart County’s community and culture in late summer.