Summer in Chicago signals the arrival of festival season, a period buzzing with energy from various celebrations. Every weekend offers a mix of block parties and large concerts, providing a platform for the city’s rich culinary and beverage scene. There are festivals dedicated to specific foods like tacos and burgers, allowing attendees to explore the offerings from dozens of local breweries.
In addition to a wide selection of food from local restaurants, these festivals feature plenty of entertainment, such as live music, games, and dog parades. So, mark your calendar and get ready to savor the flavors at these 31 festivals.
The Loop and Near North Side
Chicago Gourmet
The Illinois Restaurant Association hosts this annual event, starting at 6 p.m. on September 24. Local chefs offer tacos complemented with cocktails and agave spirits. On the following day, diners can sample burgers from 6 p.m., casting their votes for the best. A grand cru tasting of wine and spirits takes place on September 26, with session times from 2-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. The festival concludes with brunch from noon to 3 p.m. on September 27. Venue: Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph St.; Tickets range from $115 to $255 on chicagogourmet.org.
The Great American Lobster Fest
Attendees can enjoy a whole Maine lobster meal, including corn on the cob, potatoes, melted butter, and a drink for $69. Alternatively, choose from lobster bisque, lobster rolls, and barbecue a la carte while enjoying live music. Takes place from 1-10 p.m. on September 5 and from 1-8 p.m. on September 6 at Navy Pier, 900 E. Grand Ave.; More information at americanlobsterfest.com.
Taste of Chicago
This iconic event dedicates five days to celebrating Chicago’s diverse culinary landscape. Hosting live music, the festival features 84 vendors and food trucks, including names like Lexington Betty Smokehouse and Seoul Taco. Scheduled from July 8-12 at Grant Park, 301 S. Columbus Drive; Free admission, details on chicago.gov.
North Side & Northwest Side
Chicago Italian Beef Fest
The inaugural festival offers spins on the classic sandwich, allowing attendees to vote for their favorite. The event features live music across two stages and activities for children. Scheduled from 5-10 p.m. on July 31, noon to 10 p.m. on August 1, and noon to 8 p.m. on August 2 at Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.; Tickets are $10, available at chicagoevents.com/event/chicago-italian-beef-fest.
Chicago Taco & Tequila Fest
This festival provides taco samples paired with margarita flights or tequila tastings. Takes place from 5-10 p.m. on June 26 and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 28 at Wrightwood Park, 2555 N. Ashland Ave.; Tickets range from $15 to $18, more details at chicagoevents.com/event/chicago-taco-tequila-fest.
Flavors of Albany Park
Choose one of four routes in this 17th annual restaurant crawl. Sample dishes from over 60 local restaurants from 5-8 p.m. on June 24 at North River Commission, 3403 W. Lawrence Ave.; Tickets are $45, with children’s tickets priced at $30, available at northrivercommission.org/flavors.
West Side & Near West Side
Taste of Greektown
The 36th edition of the Taste of Greektown showcases Greek cuisine from neighborhood restaurants. It features performances by Greek bands and various games. Takes place from 4-10 p.m. on August 28 and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on August 29-30 at 315 S. Halsted St.; Free entry, with a $10 suggested donation, details at chicagoevents.com/event/taste-of-greektown.
Windy City Smokeout
The annual festival brings together over 20 pitmasters from across the country. Attendees enjoy a variety of barbecue styles, dishes from non-barbecue vendors, cocktails, and performances by country music artists like Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, and Jordan Davis. Starting on July 8 with performances by Treaty Oak Revival and food from Steel Belly BBQ, the festival spans July 8 from 4-10 p.m., July 9-10 from 2-10 p.m., and July 11-12 from 1-10 p.m. at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; Tickets range from $85 to $100, visit windycitysmokeout.com for more info.
Suburban and Multiple Locations
Bloody Mary Fest
Mixologists compete to craft the best Bloody Mary cocktail, utilizing a wide range of spirits and ingredients. It’s set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 17 at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood; Free entry, checkout celebratehighwood.org/bloody-mary-fest for details.
Oak Park Microbrew Review
With over 40 breweries in attendance, this 19th annual fest offers a variety of beers, seltzers, ciders, and spirits. Includes offerings from local food vendors along with live music. Runs from 2-6 p.m. on August 22 at 211 S. Marion St., Oak Park; Tickets are priced between $66 and $120, check out sevengenerationsahead.org/opmbr for more information.
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