Taste of Chicago

Taste of Chicago is the world’s largest free food festival and one of the city’s most enduring summer traditions—a vibrant celebration of Chicago’s culinary identity, cultural diversity, and community pride. Launched in 1980 as a one-day event, it now draws over 1.5 million attendees each year to Grant Park, transforming the lakefront into a dynamic showcase of food, music, and local spirit.

The festival spotlights 70+ restaurants, ranging from deep-dish legends to Michelin-starred innovators, with more than 30% of vendors Black- or Latinx-owned. Attendees can explore signature creations like Lou Malnati’s “Pizza Ice Cream,” Lem’s Smoked Turkey Leg Tacos, and Alinea’s futuristic “Hot Dog Cart of Tomorrow”, capturing both Chicago’s roots and its reinvention.

Each day of the festival highlights a different cultural theme—Global Chicago, Women Chef Dominance, Black Culinary Excellence, Latin Flavors Fiesta, and Future of Food Tech—bringing together the city’s most influential culinary voices and international flavors. Complementing the food are live performances from 50+ emerging artists, chef demos, and interactive activations that engage audiences across generations.

More than just a feast, Taste of Chicago drives real impact. The event has raised over $2 million for local food banks and champions sustainability through its Zero Waste initiative, achieving a 90% waste diversion goal.

For brands, the festival offers unmatched exposure and engagement within a massive, inclusive audience that reflects the energy, creativity, and flavor of the city itself—making Taste of Chicago not just an event, but a culinary love letter to one of the world’s great food capitals.