The Taste of Chicago will return in the summer of 2025. It will showcase the city’s diverse food scene at Grant Park and various neighborhood spots. Food lovers and culture fans will have a fantastic time at one of the must-see events in Chicago this summer.
Taste of Chicago 2025: A Culinary Extravaganza
For more than 40 years,
Taste of Chicago has been a summer favorite. It gathers top local restaurants, food trucks, and chefs for a citywide feast. This year, the event expands with neighborhood pop-ups leading up to the main festival in Grant Park.
Neighborhood Pop-Ups
Taste of Chicago 2025 starts with three pop-up events in various neighborhoods. You can savor tasty bites and explore different city areas.
- Marquette Park: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Pullman Park: Saturday, July 19, 2025
- Albany Park: Saturday, August 9, 2025
These pop-ups give a preview of the festival. They showcase local restaurants, feature live entertainment, and include family-friendly activities.
Main Food Festival in Grant Park
The main event will be held in Grant Park from September 5 to 7, 2025. The biggest food festival in Chicago will take over Grant Park for three days of delicious food, live music, and summer fun.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Chicago’s Best Bites: Indulge in deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, gourmet dishes, and international flavors from over 30 of the city’s best restaurants and food vendors.
- Chicago Summer Dance: Each festival day offers live music, dancing, and lessons. Join and enjoy dancing to salsa, flamenco, bachata, Afrobeats, hip hop, house, and K-pop.
- Cooking Demos: Watch top chefs showcase their skills and learn how to make your favorite dishes at home.
- Eli’s Cheesecake Birthday Celebration: On September 7, Eli’s Cheesecake will host its annual tradition of cutting a giant 1,000-pound cheesecake. Everyone gets free slices!
- Lifeway Foods Family Village: A fun area for kids! Enjoy games, art, and inflatable attractions.
- Live Music & Performances: Enjoy free concerts featuring national and local artists.
Taste of Chicago 2025 is free to enter, making it one of the most exciting and accessible summer events in Chicago for all ages.
Elevate Your Experience at Skydeck Chicago
Don’t miss seeing the city from new heights at Skydeck Chicago, one of the most breathtaking Chicago summer attractions.
Once you’ve savored Chicago’s flavors, head to Skydeck Chicago, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. This 3-in-1 attraction has much to offer first-time visitors to Chicagoland and Windy City residents. Here’s what to expect:
- Breathtaking 360° Views: See the entire Chicago skyline and beyond—on a clear day, you can spot four states!
- The Ledge: Step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony that juts four feet from the building.
- The Chicago Museum: Learn about the rich history of the Willis Tower through immersive displays.
More 2025 Chicago Summer Attractions
Beyond Taste of Chicago 2025 and Skydeck Chicago, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago in the summer. Some other must-visit spots and activities include:
- Chicago Air and Water Show: Catch breathtaking aerial performances over Lake Michigan in August
- Chicago Jazz Festival: Celebrate the city’s rich jazz history with free performances
- Chicago Riverwalk: Stroll along the water, take a boat tour, or grab a drink at a riverside bar
- Millennium Park: Visit The Bean, catch an outdoor concert, or relax in the park
- Navy Pier: Ride the Ferris wheel, explore dining options, and enjoy the lakefront views
Plan Your Ultimate Chicago Summer
Chicago has something for everyone. You can explore Taste of Chicago 2025, visit Skydeck, and enjoy other summer activities in Chicago. Mark your calendar,
grab your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable summer in the Windy City!