PARKERSBURG — Food, wine and beer enthusiasts will gather in downtown Parkersburg on Saturday for the annual Taste of Parkersburg at Bicentennial Park.

The event, one of the area’s premier summer gatherings, is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will feature samples from a variety of local restaurants, along with wine, beer and live music, according to a release from Downtown PKB.

Gypsy River will perform an acoustic set during the event, followed by Track 9. The event is expected to draw hundreds of attendees downtown.

“The Taste of Parkersburg is more than just a food festival,” Amanda Stevens, executive director of Downtown PKB, said in the release. “It is an opportunity to showcase the quality of our local restaurants and businesses while bringing people into downtown to experience everything our community has to offer.”

Stevens said in the release the event also depends on the support of sponsors, volunteers, vendors and attendees who help make it possible each year.

Taste of Parkersburg will be a cashless event, though some food vendors may accept cash, according to the release.

Downtown PKB said the event is intended to highlight local restaurants and businesses while encouraging people to spend time in downtown Parkersburg. Attendees will be able to sample menu items from participating restaurants and enjoy beverages in a festival setting.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Truist Bank as the title sponsor. Platinum volunteer sponsors are the Deitzler Foundation and WVU Medicine Camden Clark. Gold sponsors are Grogg’s Home Services, Pickering Associates and United Bank.

WVU Parkersburg is serving as the technology sponsor. Silver sponsors are Bob and Annette Fehrenbacher, Spriggs Distributing Co. and Wincore Windows & Doors.

Downtown PKB expressed appreciation for the sponsors’ support, saying in the release that the event would not be possible without their contributions.

The Taste of Parkersburg is held annually in downtown Parkersburg and brings together area restaurants, beverage vendors, musicians and community members for an evening event centered around local food and entertainment.

More information about the event is available at downtownpkb.com/taste-of-parkersburg.