Herndon — This Spring, the annual Taste of the Town festival will celebrate many of Herndon’s signature restaurants by giving visitors a chance to sample their signature items. Hosted by the Council for the Arts of Herndon, the 21st annual event has long been known as a showcase for destination dining.

"Taste of Herndon is sort of how I keep up with the latest places that have opened over the past year," said Peter Neeson of Herndon. "I don’t consider myself to have a particularly brave palette when it comes to trying a new place, much to my wife’s chagrin, but the festival is a great way to get the feel of places."

More than 20 restaurants will be present at this year’s event, including newcomers Jimmy John’s, McAlister’s Deli and old standards like Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern and O’Sullivan’s.

"I like seeing new places at Taste of the Town because if the family is thinking about going to a new place, or we happen to pass by one of the places I recognize, we’re more likely to stop in," said Samantha Nguyen of Herndon. "I like supporting restaurants that I know are willing to get involved in a community event and support something like the Council for the Arts."

This year will feature celebrity bartenders (often members of the Town Council and other officials) as well as a full compliment of auction items that include golf packages, wine tastings vacations and more.

The Taste of the Town will take place at the Worldgate Center on Thursday, April 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $20 per person for non-Arts Council members, $15 for members. More information can be found at www.herndonarts.org.