One of Portland, Maine’s Most Underrated Food Events Returns This Weekend

One of Portland’s most underrated events is back for another year of incredible food and lively entertainment.

The annual A Taste of Nations Food Festival returns to the Mayo Street Arts Center in East Bayside this weekend, bringing the community together to raise money while enjoying standout dishes from some of the area’s most talented creators.

When is the 2026 Mayo Street Arts Center's A Taste of Nations Festival?

The tasty event runs for two days—this Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11—and will feature 12 vendors from all walks of the food community. That's probably the best aspect of the event. Attendees get to enjoy food and drinks that represent regions from around the world.

The vendors participating are either current members or alumni of the Fork Food Lab, a local culinary space that allows people to watch their food dreams take off.

What Food Venders are Participating in this Year's A Taste of Nations Food Festival?

Here's a rundown of the vendors expected at this year's tasting event:

Amira Cuisine - Middle Eastern
Battambang Bistro - Cambodian
Barundi Star - Burundian Coffee
Choma Zone - East African
Eduardo's Brazilian Grill - Brazilian
Flores Restaurant - El Salvadorian
Gunnar's Icelandic Hot Dogs - Icelandic
Kili Organics - Tanzanian
Niyat Catering - Ethiopian
Oga Suya - Nigerian
Yardie Ting - Jamaican
Young Nonna - Italian

Tickets for the event are $10 in advance or $13 at the door. Each tasting item from the vendors is just $5, so come hungry and ready to try all different types of cuisine.

I can't recommend this event enough. I've attended the past two years, and it has certainly left quite an impression. The food is always outstanding, and the variety is second to none. Plus, you get to support a local nonprofit, the Mayo Street Arts Center, along with many food entrepreneurs—some just getting their businesses off the ground.

READ MORE: Maine’s Popular Palace Diner Has Been Named one of the Best in the Nation

You can get more information here, and maybe I’ll see you there in May.