One of Chicago’s most beloved summer traditions is back this weekend as the Taste of Chicago kicks off its 45th year. The popular food festival begins at 11 a.m. on Friday in Grant Park and runs through Sunday, welcoming thousands of visitors eager to sample a wide variety of dishes, desserts and drinks from dozens of vendors across the city. The event will be open daily until 9 p.m., giving attendees three full days to enjoy Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene and a packed lineup of entertainment.
The Taste of Chicago has a long history as one of the city’s signature cultural celebrations. For decades, the festival was traditionally held in July, drawing large crowds at the height of summer. However, the schedule changed two years ago when organizers shifted it to September to accommodate the Chicago Street Race. Since then, early September has become the new date for food lovers to mark on their calendars, with the later season bringing cooler weather that makes outdoor dining and music even more enjoyable in the heart of the city.
Admission to the Taste of Chicago remains completely free, making it accessible to families, residents and visitors alike. Organizers have streamlined the payment process by removing the older system of food tickets. Instead, all purchases can now be made directly with vendors using credit cards. The city has noted that very few vendors accept cash, so attendees are advised to bring cards or digital payment methods for convenience. Festival entrances are located at Jackson Drive west of Columbus Drive, Ida B. Wells east of Michigan Avenue and the intersection of Columbus Drive and Balbo Drive.
A major highlight of this year’s Taste of Chicago is the entertainment lineup, which combines nationally recognized performers with special visual displays. Lupe Fiasco will headline Friday evening’s Main Stage concert at 7 p.m., bringing his energetic performance style to the festival crowd. On Saturday, pop star JoJo will take the Main Stage at the same time, followed by Latin music legend Elvis Crespo who is set to perform Sunday evening. Adding to the excitement, the city has planned a brand new drone and fireworks show for 8:15 p.m. on Saturday night, providing a dazzling close to the second day of festivities and ensuring a memorable experience for guests.
Of course, the true centerpiece of the Taste of Chicago is the food, and this year’s roster of more than 50 vendors showcases a mix of longtime favorites and fresh additions. Attendees will be able to sample everything from Chicago staples such as deep-dish pizza, barbecue and funnel cakes to international cuisines including Senegalese, Thai, Indian, Mexican and more. New names on the list this year include Beat Kitchen Cantina, Chillafry, Dao Thai Restaurant, Hubbard Inn, Khmai, and Thimi’s Empanadas, offering even more variety to satisfy every palate. Popular returning vendors include Connie’s Pizza, Harold’s Chicken, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, The Original Rainbow Cone and The Eli’s Cheesecake Company, ensuring that festival-goers can enjoy both new flavors and classic favorites.
Food trucks will once again play a central role, adding to the mobile dining experience with diverse offerings from vendors such as Happy Lobster, Soul & Smoke, Cynthia’s Gumbo Express, and La Cocinita. Snack shack stands will also be scattered throughout the festival grounds, providing quick treats like gourmet popcorn, cookies, churros and donuts. This year’s vendor list reflects not just the diversity of Chicago’s food scene but also its ongoing innovation, with chefs and small businesses eager to showcase their creativity and connect with a wider audience.
The Taste of Chicago is more than just a food festival; it is a gathering that celebrates the culture and energy of the city. With music, fireworks, family-friendly attractions and the chance to enjoy some of the best food Chicago has to offer, it continues to draw crowds of all ages. Organizers expect strong attendance this year, with many locals and visitors treating the event as both a tradition and a highlight of the city’s summer-to-fall transition.
As the festival unfolds, visitors can look forward to an atmosphere that combines the smells of sizzling food, the sounds of live music and the sight of Chicago’s skyline as the perfect backdrop. Whether it’s savoring a slice of deep-dish pizza, dancing to live performances or watching the skies light up with drones and fireworks, the Taste of Chicago 2025 is set to deliver yet another unforgettable weekend in Grant Park.
