ANN ARBOR, MI - Enjoy a bite to eat in Tree Town U.S.A. during the Taste of Ann Arbor, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 4 in downtown Ann Arbor.

Taste of Ann Arbor is an opportunity for the community to gather and taste the best of what 38 area restaurants have to offer, from Black Pearl's fish tacos to Shalimar's chicken tikka masala. Participants can purchase tickets for $1, and samples range from one to four tickets.

The event, organized by the Main Street Area Association, takes place along two blocks of Main Street between William and Washington streets.

Maura Thomson is the executive director of the Main Street Area Association and said Taste of Ann Arbor is trying some unique things this year, including new places to sample like Vedge Cafe and Revel & Roll and some changes to ticket costs.

Previously, tickets were sold in 50 cent increments but are being sold this year for $1 each. Thompson said the organizers are looking to eliminate a need for coin change and less paper waste when it comes to tickets.

She stressed that food prices have not changed. For example, a sample last year that cost $2 would have required four tickets. The same sample this year requires two tickets.

Tickets can be purchased from strolling ticket sellers wearing yellow vests or at ticket booths set up on the corners of Main and William or Main and Washington.

Two new partnerships this year are aimed at keeping the event sustainable and educational.

Taste of Ann Arbor is working with Zero Waste Washtenaw to highlight vendors using compostable serving products. Look for the green balloons at vendor stations, and compost waste stations throughout the event.

"We're really excited about the partnership this year with Zero Waste Washtenaw," Thomson said.

It was something Taste of Ann Arbor organizers had considered for years, she added. Volunteers will weigh the compostable and recyclable materials at the end of the event and learn from the pilot program. Thomson is looking forward to seeing the results.

"We'll know how much waste was diverted from landfills," Thomson said.

Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room is hosting Mindful City from noon to 3 p.m. during Taste of Ann Arbor. Bring a snack from the event to five different sessions; participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"Mindfulness is something a lot of people practice to enjoy the moment, be in the present," Thomson said. "This is mindfulness based on eating."

Here's what else you should know about this year's Taste of Ann Arbor:

Where should I park?

Parking is free on Sundays for parking structures, surface lots and on the street. Sunday's weather forecast looks a little stormy so bring an umbrella because the event goes on rain or shine.

Is it kid-friendly?

The Ann Arbor District Library and the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum are both hosting kid-friendly activities in the Community Activity Area located on East Liberty between Main and Fourth.

There is also live entertainment at the Main and Liberty stage, provided by Bank of Ann Arbor's Sonic Lunch series, with performers like Spencer Michaud; Kate Peterson; Wolfie Complex; Jacob Sigman; Wire in the Wood and Stormy Chromer.

What restaurants are involved this year?

Agave Tequila Bar

Allen Rumsey Supper Club

Applebees

Arbor Brewing Company

Avalon Cafe & Kitchen

bd's Mongolian Grill

Black Pearl

Blue Nile

Blue Tractor BBQ

Busch's Fresh Food Market

Cantina Taqueria & Bar

Carson's American Bistro

Conor O'Neill's

Cupcake Station

The Earle

First Bite

Godaiko

Gratzi

Grizzly Peak / Old German

The Heidelberg

Jamaican Jerk Pit

Jamba Juice

La Dolce Vita

Melange

Nagomi Downtown

Palio

Pretzel Bell

Real Seafood Company

Revel & Roll

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

Shalimar

Silvio's Organic Pizza

Siris Restaurant and Cigar Bar

Slurping Turtle

Toarmina's Pizza & Burrito Joint

Vedge Cafe

Vinology