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Taste of Chicago to take place in Marquette Park (June 28), Pullman Park (July 19), and Albany Park (Aug. 9) featuring local food vendors, family activities, and Chicago SummerDance lessons

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are proud to announce the return of Taste of Chicago, the City’s signature food and music festival, with a dynamic lineup of events across Chicago neighborhoods and a grand finale in Grant Park, Sept. 5–7, 2025. All events are free admission and open to the public.

“Taste of Chicago is a celebration of everything that makes our city vibrant—our neighborhoods, our food and our music,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This year’s Taste honors our communities, while also bringing the city together at our beautiful lakefront.”

This year’s Taste Main Stage will feature an electrifying mix of Grammy-winning and chart-topping talent: Lupe Fiasco, the Chicago-born rapper and cultural voice, headlines Friday; JoJo, the pop-R&B singer with powerhouse vocals, performs on Saturday; and international Latin superstar Elvis Crespo brings his high-energy merengue hits to close out the weekend on Sunday. Evening performances begin at 5 p.m. each night.

“We’re thrilled to showcase the incredible culinary and cultural diversity of Chicago through this year’s Taste,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “Whether you’re dancing in Albany Park or enjoying a sweet treat in Grant Park, Taste of Chicago is where Chicagoans come together to experience the flavor of our city. Each bite, beat, and moment reflects the rich stories and neighborhoods that make Chicago home.”

In addition to the Grant Park weekend, Taste of Chicago continues its tradition of celebrating the city's diverse communities through neighborhood pop-up events in Marquette Park (June 28), Pullman Park (July 19), and Albany Park (Aug. 9). Each location will feature beloved local food vendors, live music and dance performances and Chicago SummerDance programming — offering free dance lessons and music in various cultural styles.

This year’s Taste of Chicago will feature a total of 45 vendor booths, including 41 traditional food booths and an expanded Snack Shack section with four featured vendors — one more than in 2024. Additionally, 17 food trucks will be serving up diverse, on-the-go culinary experiences throughout the weekend. Of the total food participants, approximately 20% are new to Taste this year, including 10 new food booth vendors and two new food truck vendors, offering fresh flavors and unique bites to explore.

“Taste of Chicago is a celebration of the restaurants, chefs and cultures that shape our city’s vibrant food scene,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “It’s a beloved tradition that brings together neighbors and visitors alike to experience the flavors of all 77 neighborhoods -- reminding us why Chicago continues to lead as the culinary capital of the world.”

New food vendors for Grant Part include Beat Kitchen Cantina, ChefLife19, Chillafry, Crave Cookies, Dao Thai Restaurant, Hubbard Inn, Khmai, Lexington Betty Smoke House, Nitro Nostalgia Ice Cream and Board Game Cafe, and Thimi’s Empanadas. Returning food vendors include Eli’s Cheesecake, African Food Palace, BJ’s Market & Bakery, Churro Factory, Connie’s Pizza, Franco’s Ristorante, Harold’s Chicken #55, JJ Thai Street Food, Porkchop, Prime Tacos, Moore Poppin Gourmet Popcorn, The Original Rainbow Cone, Yum Dum, and so many more.

Taste of Chicago 2025 is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and partners, whose contributions help enhance the festival experience for all attendees. Featured sponsored areas include the Goose Island Stage, showcasing local and emerging musical talent, and the Disney Resorts Family Village, a lively destination offering family-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the weekend. Additional support is provided by Capital Vacations, Chicago Transit Authority, Disney Resorts, Eli’s Cheesecake, Goose Island Beer Company, Illinois Lottery, Millennium Garages, NRG Energy, and Pepsi — each helping to bring this beloved Chicago tradition to life.

For more information and the full event lineup, visit Chicago.gov/Taste and follow this flavorful festival on Facebook at the Taste of Chicago.

Taste of Chicago Neighborhood Events:

Before the main event in Grant Park, Taste of Chicago hits the road with three vibrant neighborhood pop-up events celebrating the city’s rich cultural tapestry through local food, music, and dance. Each neighborhood event features a curated lineup of live entertainment, family activities, community partners, and Chicago SummerDance programming — bringing the joy of movement to parks and public spaces across the city.

Marquette Park
6743 S. Kedzie Ave.
Saturday, June 28 | noon–8 p.m.
The Taste season kicks off in Marquette Park with a high-energy afternoon of music, including performances by ALäZ, Keya Trammell, and DJ Boolumaster, plus a reggaeton party with Perreo 101. Chicago SummerDance invites guests to hit the dance floor with footwork, steppin’, line dancing, and punta, led by local teaching artists.
Emcees: Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) and Pinqy Ring

Pullman Park
11101 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Saturday, July 19 | noon–8 p.m.
Set against the historic backdrop of Pullman, this event features performances from Meagan McNeal & Friends, Johnny Blas and the Afro Libre Orchestra, and a day-long DJ set from Duane Powell. SummerDance styles include Bhangra, merengue, swing, and footwork — perfect for families and dancers of all ages.

Albany Park
Kimball Ave. between Lawrence & Leland
Saturday, Aug. 9 | noon–8 p.m.
Known as one of Chicago’s most diverse communities, Albany Park’s Taste event offers a global soundtrack featuring Los Gaiteros de Pueblo Santo, Chicago Immigrant Orchestra, Surabhi Ensemble, and FUGU DUGU. Chicago SummerDance adds a cultural twist with sessions in cumbia, Bollywood, Mexican folk, and open dance led by DJ BMazed.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

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 and beverage 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.