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Presented by John Deere

June 11, 18 & 25: Taste of Chicago in the neighborhood

July 8 – 10: A Bite-sized Taste of Chicago in Grant Park

 

Taste Returns with Six Days Showcasing Chicago’s Culinary Talents Citywide

 

Music highlights include Nelly, Aterciopelados, Drive-By Truckers,

Sadie Woods, Soul City Blues and more—Free Admission

 

CHICAGO—Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are pleased to announce the food vendor and entertainment lineup for the 2022 Taste of Chicago, presented by John Deere. Established in 1980, this uniquely-Chicago summertime tradition returns with an impressive array of eateries showcasing the city’s culinary excellence and diversity. Along with delicious eats, attendees will enjoy free admission to top tier musical talent, Chicago SummerDance lessons, family activities and more over six days of Taste of Chicago in the neighborhoods of Austin (June 11), Pullman (June 18) and Little Village (June 25) and a bite-sized Taste of Chicago in Grant Park (July 8-10).

“Taste of Chicago is a celebration of our city's incredible culinary scene and cultural vibrancy that attracts thousands of residents and tourists alike," said Mayor Lightfoot. "I cannot wait to welcome everyone to this iconic festival and enjoy classic Chicago eats alongside new cutting-edge dishes. Year after year, I discover something new and have a great time, and I hope our revelers do too.”

“After an all-virtual Taste in 2020 and community pop-ups in 2021, we are thrilled to bring Taste back to Grant Park and back into our neighborhoods in 2022,” shared DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “We are excited to showcase the food and music of Pullman, Austin and Little Village this summer, and spotlight other DCASE summertime traditions like Blues Festival and SummerDance in our programming. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s Taste, throughout the city.”

This June, Taste of Chicago expands with a series of three free events on consecutive Saturdays from 12noon–8pm in the Chicago neighborhoods of Austin (June 11) featuring music by Soul City Blues, part of the Chicago Blues Festival; Pullman (June 18) featuring Chicago SummerDance; and Little Village (June 25) showcasing the best flavors of the neighborhood. Schedules enclosed; more details at TasteofChicago.us.

Additionally, Taste of Chicago returns to its well-known home in Grant Park alongside the Buckingham Fountain from Friday – Sunday, July 8–10 with over 30 vendors and three stages presenting free performances, dance classes, family activities and more. Full lineup enclosed. Note: There will not be Taste tickets this year; cash or credit card are accepted by all food vendors. All performances are free admission this year. Details at TasteofChicago.us.

The Taste of Chicago reflects the vibrant diversity of the City of Chicago as the free event draws visitors from across the region, the United States and even the world. At least a third of the eateries at Taste are minority owned and about a quarter owned by women.

“John Deere and Taste of Chicago have a shared passion for feeding the world and supporting our local communities,” said Johanna Acevedo, Group Engineering Manager, Global IT Chicago at John Deere. “With our new office in Chicago, this event allows us to support the city while also raising awareness of where food comes from – and the people who work tirelessly to provide for our communities.”

 

Taste of Chicago Austin

Saturday, June 11

12–8pm

Featuring Soul City Blues

Austin neighborhood, 5720 W Chicago Ave

Free admission

Taste of Chicago comes to Austin with top local food vendors and live Blues music. Celebrating the living legacy of the Chicago Blues on the city’s west side, top talent from the Chicago Blues Festival perform throughout the day while guests enjoy everything from Caribbean bites and savory soul food to the best tacos, mouthwatering gumbo and more.

Food vendors include Catered By Kish, Cooking from the Soul Catering, Cynthia's Gumbo Express, Doom Street Eats, Josephine's Southern Cooking, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food, Ms Tittle's Cupcakes, Razpachos, Robinson's No.1 Ribs, Schweet Foods, The Sole Ingredient Catering and Whadda Jerk.

 

Taste of Chicago Austin Music schedule - Presented by Soul City Blues

• 12-1pm - Mzz Reese
• 1:20-2:20pm - Joe Pratt and The Source One Band
• 2:40-3:40pm - Mary Lane and The No Static Blues Band
• 4:00-5:00pm - Tail Dragger
• 5:20-6:20pm - Demetria Taylor
• 6:40-7:55pm - Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials

 

Taste of Chicago Pullman

Saturday, June 18

12–8pm

Pullman Park, 11101 S Cottage Grove

Free admission

Taste of Chicago Pullman brings food vendors, music and Chicago SummerDance classes to the neighborhood. Guests can fill up on tasty ribs, artesian sandwiches, exotic and gourmet sausages/hot dogs and more, then dance it off with free introductory lessons followed by music. Taste of Chicago Pullman features a fun variety of DJ and live music performances hosted by Charise Bennett of Komikal1 Entertainment.

Food vendors include Auntie Vee's Kitchen, Burp Restaurant and catering, Catered By Kish, Chicago's Doghouse, Coffee Co, Cynthia's Gumbo Express Inc, Decadent Flavor, Don Paleta, Doom Street Eats, Healthy Haven Juices, JUS SANDWICHES, La Guerita Mexican Shack, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food Truck, Ms Tittle's Cupcakes, Razpachos, Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and Southside Grinds.

 

Taste of Chicago Pullman Music schedule
Hosted by Charise Bennett of Komikal1 Entertainment

• 1-1:45pm - DJ Steve Miggidy Maestro
• 1:50-2pm - Lizzie G
• 2:05-2:15pm - DJ Steve Miggidy Maestro
• 2:20-2:30pm - Peter Jerico
• 2:35-3:30pm - DJ Steve Miggidy Maestro
• 3:35-3:45pm - Jabba44x
• 3:50-4pm - Russoul
• 4:10-4:20pm - King Melik
• 4:25-4:45pm - DJ Steve Miggidy Maestro
• 5:00-5:45pm - Erthe St. James
  
• 6-6:45pm - Meagan McNeal & Friends
  
• 7-7:45pm - Aniba & The Soul Starz

 

SummerDance at Taste of Chicago Pullman - Schedule

Free introductory dance lessons for all ages and skill levels followed by music

• 12pm - Salsa / Urbanity Dance Chicago
• 1pm - Line Dancing / Fre2Dance
• 2pm - Steppin' / Dawud & Lura Shareef
• 3pm - Footwork / The Urban Ark
• 12–4pm - Music by The Urban Ark

 

Taste of Chicago Little Village

Saturday, June 25

12–8pm

Ortiz De Dominguez School, 3000 S Lawndale Ave

Little Village neighborhood

Free Admission

Enjoy a slice of Taste of Chicago in the Little Village neighborhood with an exciting array of local and citywide food vendors showcasing the diversity of Chicago’s culinary scene. Attendees can taste everything from authentic Mexican desserts such as Gazpacho Moreliano from Razpachos and Don Paletas’s refreshing Mexican-style ice pops to Auntie Vee’s mac & cheese and Chicago’s Doghouse gourmet sausages. With a full lineup of free musical performances including Jarochicanos, celebrating the musical tradition of Son Jarocho, Malafacha bringing their Reggae and Latin rhythms and more, it’s an event not to be missed. Full schedule below.

Note: No alcohol permitted onsite at this event.

Food vendors include Don Paleta, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food, Ms Tittle's Cupcakes, Auntie Vee's Kitchen, Razpachos, Mr E Chef Catering LLC, Chicago's Doghouse, Healthy Substance, La Guerita Mexican Snacks, and Ann's Flavored Cheesecakes.

 

Taste of Chicago Little Village – Music Schedule

• 12-12:15pm - Intro's
• 12:15-1:45pm - DJ Greedy
• 1-2pm - Jarochicanos
• 2:30-3:30pm - Braided Janes
• 4-5pm - Quinto Imperio
• 5:30-6:30pm - Malafacha
• 6:30-7:45pm - DJ Jes

 

Taste of Chicago Grant Park

Friday, July 8 – Sunday, July 10

11am–9pm

Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain (Jackson & Columbus)

Free Admission

After two years, Taste of Chicago proudly returns to Grant Park with three days of incredible food, music and activities around the iconic Buckingham Fountain. In addition to the more than 30 food vendors, guests can enjoy a designated beer hall, wine tent, cocktail lounge and NBC Chicago Family Village in Grant Park.

Each evening presents a diverse mix of chart-topping, crowd-pleasing nightly concerts on the Taste Main Stage and the Goose Island Stage. Chicago Made, a DCASE initiative that supports Chicago’s makers and dreamers, presents top emerging talent as openers for the Taste Main Stage. Music lineups below; free admission to all concerts. Note: There will not be Taste tickets this year; cash or credit card are accepted by all food vendors. Details at TasteofChicago.us.

Food vendors include Eli’s Cheesecake Company, Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs, Yum Dum, The Sole Ingredient Catering LLC, Prime Tacos, Tandoor Char House, Josephine's Southern Cooking, Porkchop, Churro Factory, Seoul Taco, Mr. E Chef Catering LLC, Puffs of Doom, Doom Street Eats, Billy Goat, Chicago’s Dog House, Arun’s Thai Restaurant, Esperanza Kitchen Delights, Connie’s Pizza, BJ’s Market & Bakery, Healthy Substance, Franco’s Ristorante, Harold's Chicken, Don Paleta, Cynthia's Gumbo Express Inc, Ms. Tittle's Cupcakes, La Cocinita Food Truck, Buona Beef, Whadda Jerk, Haire's Gulf Shrimp, Auntie Vee's Kitchen, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food and Decadent Flavor.

Throughout the day, Chicago SummerDance, the largest annual outdoor live music and dancing series, turns Buckingham Fountain Plaza into a dance party with free dance lessons and live music. Highlights include classes featuring the four unique dance styles born in Chicago, the Chicago Children’s Theatre & The Q Brothers presenting a special family show and more.

“The Taste of Chicago is a wonderful tradition that showcases the diversity of our dynamic restaurant community. It's one of my favorite summertime pastimes,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “This year's Taste in the neighborhoods and Grant Park will offer a special bite of the city's restaurant scenes and the reason why we are the greatest culinary city in the world.” 

 

Taste Main Stage – Schedule of Performances

Friday, July 8

Host and DJ for the evening: DJ Mike P

• 5pm - Shaylin B and John The Author, presented by Chicago Made
• 6pm - AMI
• 7:15pm - Nelly

 

Saturday, July 9

DJ for the evening: Sandra Treviño

• 5pm - Vivian Garcia and Pinqy Ring, presented by Chicago Made
• 6pm - Girl K
• 7:15pm - Aterciopelados

 

Sunday, July 10

DJ for the evening: Miss Alex White (White Mystery)

• 5pm - Rebecca Brunner and Marina City, presented by Chicago Made
• 6pm - Local H
• 7:15pm - Drive-By Truckers

 

Goose Island Stage – Schedule of Performances

Friday, July 8

• 11am-12:30pm - DJ Janesita
                             Featured Marching Band: Bandwith Chicago
• 12:30-2:15pm - DJ Ayana Contreras
• 2:15-4pm - DJ Jill Hopkins
• 4-5pm - Happy Hour Karaoke with The People's Stage
• 5-6pm - Stroll Exhibition, hosted by Lizzie G with DJ Breathlezz
• 6-8:30pm - Trqpiteca

 

Saturday, July 9

• 10:45am-2pm - DJ Johnny Jones Lingo Chicago
                              Featured Marching Band: Lane Tech Varsity Band
• 12:30-2pm - Eli's Cheesecake Birthday Celebration
• 2-3:30pm - DJ Lady D
• 3:30-4:30pm - Happy Hour Karaoke with The People's Stage
• 4:30-6:30pm - Sadie Woods
• 6:30-8:30pm - DJ Mike P

 

Sunday, July 10

• 10:45am-12:15pm - DJ Chuck Wren
                                   Featured Marching Band: Lakeside Pride Marching Band
• 12:15-2pm - DJ Machede
• 2-3:30pm - DJ Selah Say
• 3:30-4:30pm - Happy Hour Karaoke with The People's Stage
• 4:30-6:30pm - Duane Powell
• 6:30-8:30pm - Jamal Smallz

 

Chicago SummerDance at Taste – Schedule

Friday, July 8

SummerDance kicks off Taste with four dance styles born in Chicago! Guest emcee Jennifer Billock, author of “Here Are 4 Dance Styles Born In Chicago To Mark The ‘Year Of Chicago Dance’” (Block Club Chicago)

• 12pm - Line Dancing, featuring the Cha-Cha Slide / Janelle E. Brown
• 1pm - Steppin’ / Shaun Ballentine
• 2pm - Polka Hop / Arletta Gromek
• 3pm - Footwork / Christopher “Mad Dog” Thomas
• 12-4pm - Music by DJ Mwelwa

 

Saturday, July 9 

• 11:30–1pm - A Walkie Talkie Dancey Party! Presented by Chicago Children’s Theatre & The Q Brothers
• 1pm -  Ballroom Basics (for kids and families) / Dancing With Class 
• 2pm -  East Coast Swing / May I Have This Dance 
• 3pm - Merengue / May I Have This Dance 
• 1–4pm - Music by May I Have This Dance

 

Sunday, July 10

• 12pm -  Salsa / La Mecca Dance Chicago
• 1pm -  Kizomba / Shafeeha Monae
• 2pm -  Bachata / Chicago Dance
• 3pm -  Afrobeat / Stacy “Jukeboxx” Letrice
• 12–4pm -  Music by DJ Kimani Rashad

 

Taste of Chicago 2022 is presented by John Deere and produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in coordination with the Illinois Restaurant Association, which manages food operations. The festival is sponsored in part by Goose Island Beer Company, Pepsi, NBC 5 & Telemundo Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, Eli's Cheesecake, Illinois Lottery, Millennium Garages and WGN TV.

For more information on the FREE-admission festival, visit TasteofChicago.us. and follow on Facebook at Taste of Chicago, on Twitter @TasteofChi and Instagram @ChicagoDCASE (#TasteofChicago).

 

Deere & Company

Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news/.

 

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.

 

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. Visit chicago.gov/dcase.

 

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