Chicago City Wire

The Taste of Chicago will return to Grant Park from September 5 to 7, 2025, for its 45th year. The festival, which is free and open to the public, will feature over 50 food vendors and food trucks that represent a range of cuisines from across Chicago.

In addition to the food offerings, the event will include live music performances on multiple stages. The Goose Island Stage will host local deejays such as HotRod & DJ BMan, Janesita, and Gant Man. Performances will span genres including hip hop, R&B, house music, jazz, bachata, and urban sierreño. Full details about performers can be found at TasteOfChicago.us.

A Ferris wheel standing 112 feet tall will offer city views for attendees of all ages. An ADA-accessible gondola ensures access for people with disabilities. Tickets are priced at $10 for children and $12 for adults.

Families can visit the Disney Resorts Family Village where interactive inflatables, games like Pop-A-Shot mini basketball, bouncy houses, slides, obstacle courses, and inflatable axe throwing will be available throughout the festival.

On Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m., Eli’s Cheesecake—a founding vendor—will mark both its own 45th anniversary and that of Taste of Chicago by cutting a one-thousand-pound birthday cheesecake featuring their special “Cheesecake Sundae” flavor along with Original Plain and Chocolate Chip varieties. Free slices will be distributed while supplies last after a cake-cutting ceremony.

A new addition this year is a drone and fireworks show scheduled for Saturday night at 8:15 p.m., combining technology with musical elements. Fireworks over Lake Michigan will follow the drone display.

Karaoke competitions hosted by People’s Stage Karaoke and Kombi Chicago return this year under the banner “The Taste of Karaoke.” Participants aged 18 or older can compete in three rounds for a $500 prize. Online registration is available but all contestants must check in on-site with valid ID before performing. Neighborhood Trivia games focusing on each of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods will also take place at the karaoke stage.

Run Mag Mile presented by HOKA partners with Taste of Chicago on Saturday morning. The run begins at Buckingham Fountain inside Grant Park at 7 a.m., offering both 5K and 10K options for more than 6,500 participants who receive exclusive merchandise and post-race access to select food vendors as well as performances by The Divas and Joey Purp. More information is available at www.runmagmile.com.

Somos Arte Chicago will provide family-friendly art workshops encouraging creativity among children and parents through crafts designed to celebrate culture and community.

The Design Museum of Chicago presents “Flag Feast: A–Z,” an outdoor exhibition allowing guests to create flags alongside members of the Chicago Graphic Design Club while viewing works from 26 artists interpreting different letters of the alphabet through design reflecting various cultural backgrounds.

Beverage selections this year include craft cocktails such as the Malört-based “Chicago Spritz,” adult slushies in new flavors, sangria, wine varietals, Pepsi products, non-alcoholic blueberry strawberry-lemonade, and more.

Goose Island Beer Hall returns with eight types of beer along with guest brewery Hop Butcher for the World serving two specialty brews inspired by local themes. A converted L train car operated by Goose Island offers additional draft beers and tasting flights within Grant Park.

Main stage headliners include Lupe Fiasco performing Friday; JoJo on Saturday; and Elvis Crespo closing out Sunday evening with his merengue hits.

Food vendors span establishments such as African Food Palace, Billy Goat Tavern, Harold’s Chicken, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Star of Siam as well as food trucks representing many communities across Chicago.

Festival sponsors include Goose Island (stage sponsor), Disney Resorts (family village sponsor), Capital Vacations, CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), White Sox (Chicago White Sox), Eli’s Cheesecake (Eli's Cheesecake), Humana (Humana), Illinois Lottery (Illinois Lottery), Millennium Garages (Millennium Garages), NRG Energy (NRG Energy), Pepsi (Pepsi) and Rivian (Rivian) among others.

“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.”

“Founded in 1914, the Illinois Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting protecting educating improving restaurant industry Illinois Association manages food portion Taste Chicago Department Cultural Affairs Special Events For more information visit www illinoisrestaurants org follow Facebook Twitter Instagram.”

For further information about event schedules or participating vendors visit Chicago.gov/Taste or find updates on Facebook at Taste of Chicago.