5 pro tips to enjoy Taste of Fort Collins 2019

Fort Collins' party of the summer returns June 7-9 in 2019.

The 23rd annual Taste of Fort Collins will spread guitar licks and barbecue aromas throughout Washington Park in Old Town Fort Collins.

Whether this is your first time attending or your 23rd, here are pro tips to best enjoy the annual Townsquare Media food and music festival in 2019.

1. DON'T RISK A SELL OUT

Weekend passes that guarantee admission to the Taste grounds and concerts all three days are available for just $30. Lovelytheband, Rick Springfield, DREAMERS, Uncle Kracker and 10 local acts will be performing.

Single-day tickets will be available at the gate until they sell out. It pays to get in early on Saturday and Sunday, with single-day tickets available for just $10 per person before 3 p.m. — after 3 p.m., ticket prices raise to $20 a person and the risk of a sell out could leave you outside the Taste grounds.

Gates are scheduled to open at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 7, and at 11 a.m. on both Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9.

2. DON'T COUNT CALORIES

Plan to eat your way into summer with more than 40 food vendors scheduled to set up at the event. There will be a little bit for everyone: Austin Taco keeping tacos weird, BIGS BBQ smoking up succulent meats, rich and flavorful Indian food from Taj Mahal, authentic Argentinian empanadas from Lazo Empanadas, Belgian-style waffles from Waffle Lab, Asian cuisine and ninja bowls from Umami, tasty vegan foods from Silver Seed and of course giant grilled turkey legs — plus many, many more options. Use the opportunity to feast on some of Fort Collins' most appetizing foods.

3. DESIGNATE A SOBER DRIVER OR PLAN TO TAKE A RIDESHARE APP

Like all great Fort Collins festivals, there will be plenty of libations to quench your thirst. Choice City craft beer icons New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing will be pouring a selection of brews at the event. Bud Light and Natural Light will be available for domestic drinkers. A spiked seltzer will also be in stock. Colorado's own Mystic Mountain Distillery will be mixing up a number of their signature cocktails. Wine drinkers will have both red and white options. While we hope everyone enjoys themselves, make sure you plan to have a sober ride home and be responsible.

4. STAY HYDRATED

Taste of Fort Collins organizers want to make it easy to stay hydrated. Attendees of the event can bring in empty water bottles that can be refilled with fresh water at designated filling stations. Bottled water will also be available for purchase from various vendors.

5. KEEP COOL

With summer temperatures expected throughout the festivities, attendees would be wise to take advantage of the RTC Roofing Cool Zone. The designated section located near the intersection of Laporte Avenue and Howes Street has a plethora of fans and comfy furniture that's perfect to take a break from the Colorado sunshine. The RTC Roofing Cool Zone allows attendees to re-energize for another performance, meal, browsing session to collect swag from numerous local businesses on hand — or all of the above. Attendees can also stay cool with a number of mouth-watering chilled treats at the event like Revolution Artisan Pops, ice cream, smoothies and shaved ice, to name a few.