The legendary summer food festival that spawned dozens of similar events across the city, the Taste of Chicago, returns to Grant Park for a showcase of Chicago’s culinary diversity on July 8-12 2026.
Photo courtesy of Taste of Chicago
As the biggest free culinary festival in the country, the Taste of Chicago opens in all its flavorful glory with 40 restaurants,15 food trucks and an array of pop-up vendors that represent an array of food traditions.
Sample a variety of cuisines and treats, including Senegalese, Thai, Mexican, Cambodian and Indian, without having to go to a lot of different restaurants. Of course, Chicago classics like deep dish pizza, hot dogs and Italian beef will also be available. This year’s fest will not use tickets; all vendors will only accept credit cards.
Photo courtesy of Taste of Chicago
Besides food, the Taste of Chicago will also include free concerts with a thrilling lineup of popular musicians. Iconic artist, songwriter, and producer Babyface will perform his signature brand of smooth R&B on July 11. Hometown hero and groundbreaking hip hop legend and actor Common will take the stage on July 10 and Grammy-winning reggae star Original Koffee will entertain on July 9.
The 46th annual Taste of Chicago will run from 11 am to 9 pm, Wednesday-Sunday, July 8-12, in Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph. Admission is free but food offerings will cost from $5-$20. Lines and crowds get bigger in the evenings and on weekends, so arrive early and on a weekday for the best options.
Check out the main stage music schedule below.
Taste Main Stage Schedule
Free Admission
(schedule is subject to change)
- 4:45 p.m. – National Anthem Singer
- 4:45 p.m. – MC
- 5-6 p.m. – DJ
- 6-6:40 p.m. – Friko
- 7-8:15 p.m. – Beach Bunny
- 4:45 p.m. – National Anthem Singer
- 4:45 p.m. – MC
- 5-6 p.m. – DJ
- 6-6:40 p.m. – Funkadesi
- 7-8:15 p.m. – Original Koffee
- 4:45 p.m. – National Anthem Singer
- 4:45 p.m. – MC
- 5-6 p.m. – DJ
- 6-6:40 p.m. – Recoechi + Kaicrewsade
- 7-8:15 p.m. – Common
- 4:45 p.m. – National Anthem Singer
- 4:45 p.m. – MC
- 5-6 p.m. – DJ
- 6-6:40 p.m. – Opal Staples & Isaiah Sharkey
- 7-8:15 p.m. – Babyface
- 4:45 p.m. – National Anthem Singer
- 4:45 p.m. – MC
- 5-6 p.m. – DJ
- 6-6:40 p.m. – Valebol
- 7-8:15 p.m. – Julieta Venegas
Taste of Chicago
Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St.
July 8-12, 2026, 11 am- 9 pm
Free admission
Discover more Fun
Grant Park
Chicago, IL 60601
