If you’ve ever spent a Saturday in downtown Keene during the annual Taste of Keene, you already know—it’s more than just a food festival. It’s a community coming together.
This year was no exception.
On Saturday, June 6, downtown was filled with energy as thousands of people gathered to enjoy the sixth annual Taste of Keene, sampling everything from savory bites to sweet treats while taking in live music and local art.
For me, this event has become a tradition. I’ve been going since the very beginning, and every year, it somehow gets a little better.
A Day to Slow Down and Enjoy It All
This time, I spent the day with my wife and some great friends—exactly the way an event like this is meant to be enjoyed. There’s something about walking from booth to booth, sharing samples, talking about what you just tried, and laughing in between bites that makes the whole experience feel special.
The crowds were there (as expected), but everything seemed to move well. The flow of the event made it easy to get around and really take it all in—whether you were chasing your next bite or just soaking in the atmosphere.
The Food That Stood Out
Let’s get to the good stuff—the food.
Every year, I have a couple of “must-stop” places, and this year they absolutely delivered:
- CC&D’s Hog Sliders
These are always on my list, and once again, they didn’t disappoint. Flavor-packed, cooked just right, and exactly what you hope for when you grab that first bite. - Monadnock Food Co-op’s Korean Brisket
This one deserves its own moment. Tender doesn’t even begin to describe it. It was like cutting through butter—perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and easily one of the highlights of the day.
With over 30 vendors offering everything from barbecue to international flavors, there’s no way to try it all—but that’s part of the fun. You come back next year and try again.
More Than Just Food
What keeps bringing me back isn’t just what’s on the plate—it’s who you see along the way.
It was great catching up with familiar faces at places like:
Moments like that are what make this more than an event. It’s a reminder of how strong and connected our local community really is.
Why This Event Matters
Events like Taste of Keene highlight what makes this region special:
- Local businesses showing off what they do best
- Friends and families spending time together
- A downtown that feels alive and welcoming
- A shared appreciation for good food and good people
It’s simple—but powerful.
Korean brisket from the Co-op
Looking Ahead
After all these years, one thing is clear: this event isn’t slowing down.
If anything, it continues to grow, improve, and bring more people together each time it rolls around. And for those of us who have been there from the start, it’s rewarding to see it thrive year after year.
We’ll be back next year—no question about it.
✅ Were you there this year? What was the best thing you tried? Share your favorites with us at Positive News For You—we’d love to highlight more local experiences like this.
