The annual Taste of Chicago festival commenced Wednesday morning, featuring more than 80 vendors representing the city’s diverse culinary landscape. The event, held in downtown Chicago, brings together local restaurants, food trucks, and pop-up stands, highlighting both classic Chicago favorites and an array of international dishes reflecting the city’s rich immigrant population.

Returning staples such as Connie’s Pizza, Eli’s Cheesecake, and Harold’s Chicken are on offer, alongside newcomers presenting global flavors including Senegalese and Argentine cuisines. According to the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, nearly 38% of participating establishments are making their festival debut this year.

One significant change for 2026 is the elimination of the traditional strip ticket system. This year, Taste of Chicago is entirely cashless, allowing attendees to pay vendors directly through credit cards or mobile payment options. Admission to the festival remains free.

In addition to food offerings, the event introduces the Chef’s Stage, where renowned chefs will conduct live cooking demonstrations, conversations, and Q&A sessions on Friday through Sunday. Notable chefs scheduled to appear include Diana Davila of Mi Tocaya Antojería on Saturday and Javauneeka Jacobs from Frontera Grill on Sunday.

Musical performances feature a lineup of national and local artists, including headliners Babyface, Julieta Venegas, and Original Koffee. Chicago natives like rapper and actor Common are set to perform on Friday. Local talent will also be showcased on the Goose Island Stage with appearances by Chicago poet laureate Mayda Del Valle and artists such as Ur Mom, Kristen Lowe, Ryan Alexander, Clairice, and Mike DFG. A combined drone and fireworks show is planned near Buckingham Fountain Friday at 9:15 p.m.

Among featured dishes, Badou Senegalese Cuisine offers a jerk jollof rice platter accompanied by grilled chicken, cabbage, and carrots for $20. Owner Badou Diakhate emphasized the health-conscious and vegan-friendly approach of his West African menu, which also includes popular chicken pastels and plantains priced at $5 each.

Esperanza Kitchen Delights, operated by Martha Stolfe, serves Mexican mangonadas—a mango ice dessert topped with chamoy sauce and Tajín seasoning—available in small and large sizes for $6 and $12, respectively. Stolfe has participated in the festival since 2018 and currently operates two outlets at Soldier Field.

For dessert, The Sole Ingredient Catering offers Georgia peach bread pudding drizzled with caramel bourbon sauce priced at $6 per slice. The company is a home-based catering service run by owner Lorene DeVaroe, providing meals for private events.

Thimi’s Empanadas presents Argentine-style baked empanadas, sold fried at the festival for convenience. Options include beef, chicken, ham and cheese, spinach, and corn and cheese varieties, priced between $6 and $8 each or $20 for a trio. Co-owner Jorge Ferreyra noted the family-run business started three years ago and now operates two locations in Chicago.

Lexington Betty Smokehouse from Pullman features a brisket mac and cheese dish priced at $18. The restaurant, founded in 2016 by Chef Dominique Leach and Tanisha Griffin Leach, is known for smoked meats and Southern sides. Manager Erica Taylor highlighted the dish’s combination of creamy macaroni, tender brisket, and crunchy bread crumbs, recommending the accompanying barbecue sauce to complete the meal.

The Taste of Chicago runs through the weekend, continuing to celebrate the city’s culinary diversity alongside a broad entertainment schedule.