Hilliard's annual Taste of the Town returns Wednesday, Oct. 14, bringing local restaurant samples and drinks to The Makoy on Center Street.

The Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce event runs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 5462 Center St. Individual tickets cost $40 and include two drink tickets. A group option runs $175 for five guests with 10 drink tickets, according to the event's Experience Columbus listing. Guests must be 21 or older. A cash bar will also be available.

Tickets are on sale at hilliardchamber.org.

Chamber President and CEO Courtney Smyser told The Columbus Dispatch the event reflects a growing local dining scene. "We want people to leave the event with a list of new places they want to try," Smyser said. She added that the event aims to build appreciation for the restaurants that call Hilliard home.

Organizers told the Dispatch that the annual event reflects momentum in the Old Hilliard area, which has added a food hall, an outdoor beer garden and other new restaurants in recent years. Center Street Market, at 5354 Center St., is a food hall anchored by Crooked Can Brewery with multiple vendors. HillGarten Beer & Wine, the outdoor beer garden founded by Sandra and Martin Nowak, opened in 2022 on Main Street. Its 16 taps pour exclusively Ohio-brewed beers.

The chamber held a planning meeting for the event at The Olive Tree Mediterranean Cafe, according to a post on the chamber's Facebook page.

The event also serves as a chamber fundraiser and a chance for Hilliard restaurants to reach new customers. The chamber has not yet announced when the full 2026 lineup will be released.