DOWAGIAC — Known in southwestern Michigan as a destination hub for fine and casual dining, eight restaurants will be featured in the sixth annual Taste of Dowagiac during this year’s Summer in the City Festival.

Presented by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce from July 19 to 21, Summer in the City features a children’s carnival, zip line and climbing wall, along with vocal and instrumental entertainment and dance, and array of family events. From boot scootin’ Cowboy Rock to favorite cover songs, organizers have said this festival has it all.

Now in its 33rd year, the four-day summertime gala was underwritten by Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel/Starks Family Funeral Homes, Creative Vinyl Signs, Deck the Halls, Dowagiac Family Dentistry, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Kim MacGregor’s Office of Edward Jones, Family Fare, Four Winds Casino, Lyons Industries, Olympia Books, Saylor’s Front Street Pizzeria, Southwest Vision Center, Southwestern Michigan College, Wightman and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.

A highlight of Saturday’s activities, The Taste of Dowagiac runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on July 21. Participating sites include: Baker’s Rhapsody, Beeson Street Bar & Grill, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Deb’s Café, The Eagles, Round Oak Revisited, Wood Fire Italian Trattoria and The Wounded Minnow Saloon.

Patrons will enjoy a mix of hors d’ouerve-sized specialties. Tickets, priced at $10 each, are now on sale at each of the host sites and the Chamber of Commerce.

“The Taste of Dowagiac is a great opportunity for our restaurants to showcase their entrees,” said Kim MacGregor, Chamber of Commerce president, who organized the dining event. “Each year we receive great feedback. For the restaurants, this has led to new and repeat business.”

“In recent years, Dowagiac has become a destination for both casual and fine dining,” MacGregor added. “This is a wonderful event that showcases our business community.”

Summer in the City opens at 2 p.m. Thursday with the Children’s Carnival at Division and Railroad streets at the site of the former Big Gray industrial building, and that evening’s special two-hour concert by one of southwestern Michigan’s brightest up and coming Country singers, Jared Knox and The Hager Bombs.

The summertime bash swings into full gear Friday and Saturday with merchant sidewalk sales, family events and live entertainment. New this year, a zip line will be positioned within the second block of Front Street for families to experience.

Highlighting Friday is Summer on Tap, presented by Sister Lakes Brewing Company, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Nashville’s Kari Lynch Band that takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. on Beeson Street. The festival wraps up Sunday afternoon, as ACTION presents a community praise jam at 2 p.m.

For a full schedule of events or to book a sidewalk booth at the event, call the Chamber of Commerce at (269) 782-8212 or visit DowagiacChamber.com