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Everything You Need to Know About Taste of Rio

a family walking on a boardwalk to the taste of rio event

Event Details:

  • When: Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Tickets & VIP Packages

General Admission

Tickets are sold in $5 increments and can be redeemed for food and beverage selections throughout the festival. Buy ahead of time to skip the lines or purchase on-site at ticketing tents near Copper Canyon Grill and Charley Prime Foods. (Credit card preferred; Cash, Venmo, and PayPal accepted.)

VIP Ticket Package + MoCo Eats VIP Lounge

MoCo Eats Logo

Take your festival experience up a notch with the VIP package, which includes:

  • Three (3) tasting/drink tickets
  • A limited-edition insulated RIO tumbler
  • Exclusive MoCo Eats gift from Visit Montgomery
  • Access to the MoCo Eats VIP Lounge from 1:00 pm  to 6:00 pm

A Taste of What’s in Store

Part of the fun of Taste of Rio is discovering (or rediscovering!) the incredible dining options along the lakefront. Here’s a look at the restaurants and eateries that will be serving up their best bites:

Auntie Anne’s & Cinnabon – Nothing says comfort like warm pretzels and cinnamon rolls—perfect for a sweet (or salty) pick-me-up as you stroll the boardwalk.

BurgerFi – Craving a juicy burger? BurgerFi’s all-natural Angus beef patties and crispy fries will hit the spot.

California Pizza Kitchen – Known for their creative pizzas (don’t miss the BBQ Chicken Pizza), this spot brings a taste of California flair to every bite.

Charley Prime Foods – A local favorite for steak lovers, Charley’s will wow you with elevated American flavors and prime cuts.

Fantasticks – Cool off with a frozen gelato pop dipped and topped just the way you like—
these customizable treats are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious.

Guapo’s Cantina & Grill – Bring the fiesta to the lakefront with sizzling fajitas, tacos, and margaritas bursting with flavor.

Han Spot – Warm up with authentic Asian comfort food that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Nando’s Peri-Peri – Famous worldwide for its flame-grilled chicken and zesty peri-peri sauce, this stop brings bold global flavor to Gaithersburg.

Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen – Southern hospitality meets soul food classics—think fried chicken, seafood, and hearty sides that taste like home.

Silver Diner – A local favorite, Silver Diner puts a fresh, locally sourced spin on classic comfort food dishes.

Sportrock – Refuel with wholesome, protein-packed snacks designed to keep adventurers energized.

True Food Kitchen – Fresh, seasonal, and packed with flavor—this health-conscious favorite proves good-for-you food can taste amazing.

Yard House – With one of the largest selections of draft beer plus globally inspired bites, Yard House is the ultimate hangout spot for foodies and beer lovers alike.

group of people on the boardwalk of rio lakefront with the carousel and people paddling on the paddle boats in the background

Make a Day of It at Rio Lakefront

The best part about the Taste of Rio? You’re not just coming for the food festival—you’re spending the day at rio Lakefront, one of Gaithersburg’s premier shopping destinations. Before or after you eat your way through the festival, here are a few things you can enjoy around the lake:

  • Take a paddleboat ride across the water for a different view of the lakefront.
  • Shop and stroll through Rio’s mix of stores and boutiques.
  • Catch a movie at the theater right by the boardwalk.
  • Get creative at Muse Paintbar, where you can paint your own masterpiece with a glass in hand.
  • Enjoy the carousel or explore the playground and greenery beside the lake.
people holding cups outside of a tent on the boardwalk at rio lakefront

Why You’ll Love It

The Taste of Rio gives guests and visitors a chance to spend the day enjoying one of Montgomery County’s most scenic spots while sampling bestselling dishes. Between the food, music, shopping, and lake views, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Gaithersburg.

Grab your tickets, and get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate at the 3rd Annual Taste of Rio!

Ready for more foodie fun? Check out Fall for Fall Inspired Flavors, Exploring MoCo’s Cider Scene, and our Burger Bucket List.

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