REGINA — The heart of Cathedral Village will be on full display Jan. 31, when the Taste of Cathedral returns, bringing hundreds of people together to support one of Regina’s most beloved cultural traditions.
Now more than 20 years old, the Taste of Cathedral began as a grassroots idea to raise money for the Cathedral Village Arts Festival. What started small has grown into one of the neighbourhood’s most important annual fundraisers, drawing roughly 350 to 375 people each year and helping ensure the summer festival remains free and accessible to the public.
“It was created as a way to support the festival, and it’s grown alongside the community,” says Linda Rattray, co-ordinator of the Cathedral Village Arts Festival and Taste of Cathedral. “We now feature food from Cathedral area restaurants and food businesses, live music, and a huge silent auction. It really celebrates who we are.”
The event features tasting stations from local eateries, live bluegrass music from Hot Dog! Bluegrass, and a silent auction with more than 100 packages ranging from art pieces to one-of-a-kind items donated by local supporters. Food tastings run from early evening, with music carrying the night forward and conversation filling the room.
Every dollar raised through ticket sales, the silent auction and the 50-50 draw goes directly toward the Cathedral Village Arts Festival, a multi-day celebration that transforms 13th Avenue each spring with music, visual art, street performers and family-friendly programming.
“All of our festival events are free,” Rattray says. “But there are real costs behind the scenes — venue rentals, equipment, paying artists. This event is essential, especially as grants and donations become harder to secure.”
The Taste of Cathedral also supports local businesses directly, with tasting ticket proceeds going back to the restaurants and food vendors taking part. That circular support has helped strengthen the neighbourhood’s identity as one of Regina’s most creative and connected communities.
More than a fundraiser, the Taste of Cathedral is a reminder that Regina’s arts scene is powered by its people. One winter night of shared food and generosity helps fuel months of free music, art and culture for the entire city.
Tickets are available in advance on Eventbrite, with physical tickets also sold locally at Dessart Sweets on 13th Avenue. Community members who want to support the festival but cannot attend are encouraged to donate directly.
For Cathedral Village, this night matters. It keeps the lights on, the stages built and the streets alive with art.
