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Taste of the Lakes

A Signature Culinary & Community Celebration

Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, beverages, and community impact at the 2026 Taste of the Lakes, benefiting the Brainerd Family YMCA.


This premier fundraising event brings together local restaurants, beverage vendors, sponsors, and community members for a night of tasting, voting, and celebration — all in support of youth, families, and programs at the Y.

 

Event Details

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Location: Exchange Building, Northern Pacific Center
Time: 5:30 PM for beverage tasting / 7:00 PM for food tasting
Age Requirement: This is a 21+ event

 

What to Expect

  • Unlimited food tastings from top local restaurants

  • Beverage tastings featuring breweries, wineries, distilleries, and non-alcoholic options

  • Live atmosphere with music, socializing, and community connection

  • Guest voting for People’s Choice Awards in multiple categories

  • Raffles and an exciting live auction 

  • A meaningful way to support YMCA programs that strengthen our community

 

Tickets & Admission Options

General Admission

Enjoy a full evening of food and beverage tastings, entertainment, and voting for your favorite vendors.

Includes:

  • Entry beginning at 5:30 PM for beverage tasting

  • Access to all tasting stations at 7:00 PM

  • Voting for People’s Choice Awards

 

VIP Admission

Upgrade your experience with early access and expedited entry.

VIP Perks Include:

  • Entry beginning at 5:30 PM for beverage tasting

  • Early access to food tastings (30 minutes before General Admission)

  • Separate, expedited check-in area

  • A more relaxed tasting experience before the main crowd arrives

VIP tickets are limited.

 

People’s Choice Awards

NEW THIS YEAR!! Guests will vote for their favorites in multiple categories, including:

  • Best Starter

  • Best Entree

  • Best Dessert

  • Best Overall 

Your vote helps highlight local culinary excellence — and makes the night even more fun.

 

Why It Matters

Proceeds from Taste of the Lakes directly support the Brainerd Family YMCA, helping ensure access to:

  • Youth sports and enrichment programs

  • Affordable child care and after-school care

  • Mentorship opportunities

  • Health and wellness programs for all ages

When you attend or sponsor Taste of the Lakes, you are investing in a stronger, healthier community.

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Put Your Brand at the Table

Taste of the Lakes offers high-visibility sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations looking to make an impact while reaching a broad, engaged audience.

Sponsorship benefits may include:

  • Reserved tables and VIP access

  • Brand recognition before, during, and after the event

  • Logo placement on event signage and digital promotions

  • Recognition in YMCA communications and social media

  • Meaningful alignment with a trusted community nonprofit

Note: Reserved tables require sponsorship.

Interested in sponsoring?
Contact rsolomon@blymca.org to explore sponsorship levels and benefits.

 

Vendor Participation

Are you a restaurant or beverage provider interested in showcasing your offerings?
Taste of the Lakes is a unique opportunity to:

  • Introduce your brand to hundreds of attendees

  • Receive direct feedback through guest voting

  • Be part of a highly anticipated community event

Vendor participation is limited and fills quickly. Contact jholmes@blymca.org for more information.

 

Event Policies

  • This is a 21+ event (ID required)

  • No refunds

  • Responsible consumption encouraged

  • Menu items and offerings subject to change

 

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

Taste of the Lakes would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. Your partnership helps make a lasting impact in our community.