Maitland Taste Festival 2022 is on May 20-22 in The Levee

The Taste festival will stay open during the evening on Friday and Saturday (May 20 and 21) with enough food, wine and entertainment to make it the place to be.

Maitland council's events officer Janine Chandler said there would be "three new themed pop up eateries, night time activities of entertainers, food trucks, wineries and exciting art installations".

But that's not all. There is going to be more stallholders and exhibitors to experience than usual.

There will also be a hidden laneway bar to tuck yourself away from the crowds and enjoy a drink, or a few.

There will also be art displayed across the Levee precinct.

Slow Food Hunter Valley's Farmer's Table will make a return and is one of the must-sees at the event. Farmers from across the city will bring their fresh veggies to the event, which is a great way to learn about the crops grown nearby and how you can use them.

Speaking of gardening, things are going to heat up on the Garden Stage.

"This year, the Garden Stage is hosted by Elisa Fitzpatrick from Rosewood and Fig. Eliza has spent the past 20 years working extensively in the horticulture, beekeeping and food growing industries," Ms Chandler said.

"She's hosting and developing an exciting weekend program of presenters from different parts of the world of food."

The fact this year's event is going ahead is a breath of fresh air for Ms Chandler and the events team.

The wrath of COVID-19 made planning a challenge and they can't wait to see the event unfold for the community - and tourists - to enjoy.

"It has been a challenge, and we've had to move fast and be flexible to keep up with changes to health guidelines," Ms Chandler said.

"By doing this, we were able to run events like last year's Maitland Taste Deconstructed in a slightly different way to the past but allowed us to open it to the whole community in a COVID safe way.

"It's been amazing to see how understanding and supportive the community are over these uncertain times."

Maitland Taste will be held in The Levee, Central Maitland, from May 20 to 22.

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