Taste Around Avalon 2025 | Catalina Island’s Flavor-Packed Night

Avalon’s tastiest night of the year returns on Thursday May 29, 2025 (5 – 9 p.m.), when the 19th Annual Taste Around Avalon turns Catalina’s seaside village into a progressive food-and-drink crawl. Guests pick up a $2-$3 voting card, wander from restaurant to restaurant sampling $1-$2 “tastes,” then crown the island’s best bite, sip and dessert — all before their ballots go into a drawing for a $50 Catalina gift certificate. Whether you’re a day-tripper or planning a long weekend in an Airbnb Catalina Avalon hideaway, here’s everything you need to sip, savor and stay like a pro.

What is Taste Around Avalon?

Taste Around began 19 years ago as a friendly culinary face-off among Avalon's kitchens and bars. Roughly 700–800 “tasters” now roam the harborfront, stamping their cards at each stop before voting for categories such as Best Taste of Food, Best Cocktail, Best Non-Alcoholic Drink and Best Dessert. Winning venues pocket $100 and year-long bragging rights (more: Cloudinary).

Last year’s champs included Mi Casita’s birria tacos and Catalina Brew House’s sparkling lavender lemonade, so expect the 2025 line-up to raise the bar yet again.

Key 2025 details at a glance

Why you’ll love it

1. One evening, the whole island on your plate

From harbor-view seafood at Bluewater Avalon to craft cocktails on Topside’s rooftop, Taste Around is your shortcut to Avalon's full dining spectrum.

2. Built-in bragging rights

Cast a winning vote and you’ll be able to say you “discovered” next year’s must-order dish before everyone else.

3. Wallet-friendly grazing

Most samples top out at $2, so for under $40 you can create a multi-course feast paired with local brews, Catalina-born Buffalo Milk cocktails or zero-proof spritzers.

4. Perfect pre-game for Avalon Restaurant Week

Taste Around dovetails into the island’s prix-fixe celebration (May 30 – June 5). Double-down on foodie fun by extending your stay through the weekend.

How to plan your visit

Getting there

Late-afternoon ferries run from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point; Catalina Express often adds extra sailings around big events. Book seats that arrive by 3 p.m. to settle in before the 5 p.m. kick-off. Catalina Express

Where to stay

1. Avalon vacation rentals – Wake up steps from the action in a charming bungalow or harbor-view condo. Browse our hand-picked collection at CatalinaHoliday.com to find the perfect airbnb Catalina Avalon hideaway.
2. Hamilton Cove villas – If you prefer a resort-style enclave with golf-cart access, explore Hamilton Cove vacation homes for a luxury airbnb Catalina Island Hamilton Cove option and panoramic ocean views.

(Tip: these listings fill fast around Memorial Day weekend—secure yours early and use the built-in kitchen for next-day brunch.)

Tickets & tastings

Buy your voting card the day before at the Green Pleasure Pier Visitor Center to skip lines. Bring small bills, a reusable fork/spoon and a lightweight tote for take-away treats. Participating spots validate your card with a stamp—hit at least 15 locations, then drop your ballot at Wrigley Stage by 9 p.m

Insider route

1. Start uphill – Begin at Topside by NDMK for sunset harbor views and their 2024 award-winning pannacotta teaser.
2. Zig-zag toward the pier – Alternate savory (Mi Casita tacos) with sweet (Sailor’s Delight fudge sundae).
3. Hydrate – Catalina Brew House’s lavender lemonade is a refreshing palate reset.
4. Vote & groove – Local musicians usually jam at the stage while ballots tally—a mellow finish before a nightcap at Avalon Grille.

Make it a long weekend itinerary

(All activities depart within walking-distance or a quick golf-cart ride from most Avalon rentals.)

Ready to taste & stay?

Catalina’s signature progressive feast sells out downtown lodging quickly—reserve your Avalon or Hamilton Cove vacation rental today to be within strolling distance of every delicious stop. Then set a reminder for May 29 at 5 p.m.—your passport to Catalina Island’s culinary heart awaits!