Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park this week

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Taste of Chicago will return to Grant Park from July 8 to July 12, featuring food vendors, free concerts, and cooking demonstrations. The festival resumes its usual mid-July schedule after a three-year shift due to the NASCAR street race and remains a free event attracting locals and tourists alike.

Taste of Chicago is set to return to Grant Park this week, marking the 46th edition of the popular annual food festival. The event will take place from July 8 through July 12, running daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Alongside a wide array of food vendors, the festival will feature free concerts and cooking demonstrations.

After being moved to September for the past three years to accommodate the NASCAR Chicago street race, the festival is returning to its traditional mid-July schedule. This year, Grant Park’s Columbus Avenue will host the event, stretching from Balbo Avenue to Monroe Street.

Taste of Chicago remains one of the city’s largest and most anticipated summer events, drawing both local residents and visitors to sample diverse cuisine from across the region. The festival continues to be free to attend, providing easy access to food, entertainment, and cultural experiences in the heart of downtown Chicago.

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