Taste of Rocky is returning for a third year — with a larger venue and a new name.

Now called Taste and Tour of Rocky, the event will take place Friday, May 1 at the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre.

The first two events were held at Rival Trade Brewing Co., but Matt Lambert, chair of Discover Rocky, says the event has outgrown the space and is moving to the arena to accommodate more visitors and vendors.

“Last year we had about seven vendors. This year we’re up to 30,” he said.

In addition to food and drink samples, the expanded event will highlight regional tourism.

Lambert says vendors will include West Country tourism operators such as Hela Ventures, Cow Lake Store, Baseline Mountain Biking Club, Wilderness Village, Seven Trails Guest Ranch, Rocky Wolf Ranch, Aurum Lodge and Prairie Creek Inn.

Attendees are encouraged to come hungry, with a wide range of local restaurants and breweries set to participate.

The event, previously free to attend, is now ticketed. Lambert says tickets are $20, which includes $10 for admission and $10 in tasting tickets.

The evening will also feature live entertainment, with three bands performing, along with prize giveaways.

Doors open at 5 p.m. The event is open to minors until 8 p.m., and becomes an 18-plus event from 8 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are available online and can also be purchased at The Brick in Rocky Mountain House.

“It’s full of entertainment, full of fun,” said Lambert. “If you’re looking for a date night or a family night, it’s a great night out.”

Confirmed vendors include:

• Aurum Lodge & Golden Peaks Restaurant
• George’s Kitchen
• Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse Casual
• Boston Pizza
• Prairie Creek Inn
• Rival Trade Brewing
• Cucina
• Chi’mac
• John Dough’s Stone Fired Pizza
• Rup’s Custom Cutting
• Hela Ventures
• Cow Lake Store & Resort
• Baseline Mountain Biking Club
• Little Toy Factory
• Seven Trails Guest Ranch
• Wilderness Village
• Rocky Wolf Ranch