Taste of Chicago Returns to Prime Summer Season This July with Free Live Music, Family Fun and Local Flavors

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Chicago's legendary food festival returns to Grant Park with five days of free concerts, diverse local cuisine and family-friendly programming along the iconic lakefront.

CHICAGO - The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announces the return of Taste of Chicago, one of the world's largest free-admission food festivals, July 8-12 for an expanded five-day celebration bringing residents and visitors together through acclaimed cuisine, live music and Chicago pride. From beloved neighborhood restaurants and emerging chefs to performances by globally recognized artists and family-friendly programming along the city's iconic lakefront, Taste of Chicago 2026 will showcase the cultural diversity and creative energy that continue to make Chicago a premier culinary destination.

"Taste of Chicago is one of the city's most beloved summer traditions because it reflects the heart and soul of Chicago through our people, our culture and our extraordinary culinary talent," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "From longtime neighborhood favorites to emerging chefs and local entrepreneurs, Taste showcases the creativity, diversity and innovation that continue to make Chicago one of the world's great food destinations."

This year's Taste of Chicago will feature an exciting lineup of acclaimed artists and performers at Grant Park, including indie rock pop favorites Beach Bunny, Grammy-winning Reggae singer-songwriter Original Koffee, Chicago hip-hop icon Common, legendary R&B singer, songwriter and producer Babyface and international Mexican Latin pop-rock sensation Julieta Venegas. The diverse music lineup will bring renowned talent to the lakefront while celebrating the energy and creativity that define Chicago's summer festival season.

"Taste of Chicago is a celebration of everything that makes our city extraordinary, from the incredible food and music to the cultures and communities that bring Chicago to life," said DCASE Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt. "As the festival returns to Grant Park for five days this July, we are proud to showcase the chefs, artists and entrepreneurs who continue to shape Chicago's identity as a world-class culinary and cultural capital, while creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike."

The festival will feature returning favorites and new restaurants representing Chicago's dynamic culinary landscape from across the city. Participating new vendors include Aaron's FOF BBQ and Catering, Bust Outs, Café Tola, Cebu Chicago, CHKN Box LLC, Classic Cobbler Baked Goods Company, Daniel's Test Kitchen, Fernando's Blue Agave Restaurant, Havana Banana, Joey G's Mac N Cheese, Kaya Grill & Gyoza, Kinnaree Thai Kitchen, LC Pho Restaurant, Lindsey's Ice Cream, Molly's Cupcakes, MsP's GFree Inc, Oooh Wee It Is, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Rickshaw, S2 Express Grill, Saffron Street Chicago, Soul Veg City, Taco Pros, Taylor's Tacos, TE'AMO, The Tamale Guy and many other vendors representing cuisines from across Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. A full list of vendors can be viewed online.

Taste of Chicago's food truck lineup will bring even more flavor to Grant Park with 20 food trucks serving a wide array of culinary offerings throughout the five-day festival. Participating food trucks include Caseras Food Truck, Decadent Flavor, Delicias Tacos Inc., El Azteca Sanchez Inc., Haire's Gulf Shrimp, Halal Truck Guys, Happy Lobster, La Cocinita Food Truck, La Guerita Mexican Food Truck, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food, Ms. Tittle's Cupcakes, Route 66 Mobile Diner LLC, Soul & Smoke, Sausage Fest, Taco Motora Inc., Tasty Chicago, Uncle Remus SFC, Whadda Jerk, Willie P's BBQ & Catering, Yummy Halal Food. From barbecue and seafood favorites to tacos, comfort food, global flavors and sweet treats, the food truck lineup adds even more opportunities for festivalgoers to discover something new while experiencing Chicago's dynamic culinary scene.

The food festival will feature a total of 84 food vendors in Grant Park including 20 rotating pop-up vendors and a Snack Shack area with four featured vendors. Nearly 38% of participating food vendors are new to Taste this year bringing new flavors and dining experiences to one of Chicago's signature summer events. The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to play a vital role in supporting and strengthening Chicago's dynamic culinary community through advocacy, partnership and industry leadership. Through its ongoing collaboration with Taste of Chicago, the organization helps elevate local restaurants and chefs while creating opportunities to showcase the talent and innovation that make Chicago a must-visit food city.

"Taste of Chicago continues to be one of the nation's premier food festivals because it showcases the incredible talent, diversity and innovation of Chicago's restaurant community," said Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. "From iconic neighborhood favorites to exciting new culinary concepts, this festival gives residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the flavors that make Chicago one of the greatest food cities in the world."

Featured Headliners

This year's lineup will also feature an exciting blend of live performances from international superstars to emerging local talent across multiple genres. Headlining performances throughout the five-day Grant Park festival will bring even more energy and entertainment to this summer tradition.

Featured headliners include:

• Babyface - with opening performers Opal Staples & Isaiah Sharkey
• Beach Bunny - with opening performer Friko
• Common - with opening performers Recoechi and Kaicrewsade
• Julieta Venegas - with opening performer Valebol
• Originial Koffee - with opening performer Funkadesi celebrating 30 years

Taste of Chicago 2026 is supported by sponsors and partners, whose contributions help enhance the festival experience for all attendees. Featured sponsored areas include the Goose Island Stage, showcasing local and emerging musical talent throughout the weekend. Additional support is provided by Capital Vacations, Chicago Public Media, Chicago Transit Authority, Eli's Cheesecake, Goose Island Beer Company, Illinois Lottery, Millennium Garages, NRG Energy and Pepsi - each helping to bring this beloved Chicago tradition to life.

For more information and the full event lineup, visit Chicago.gov/Taste. You can also catch highlights on Instagram by following @DCASEChicago.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and guests of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

Illinois Restaurant Association
Founded in 1914, the Illinois Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, educating and improving the restaurant industry in Illinois. The Association manages the food portion of Taste of Chicago for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. For more information, visit www.illinoisrestaurants.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.