Chicago and the suburbs offer an endless lineup of great summer festivals, activities and entertainment for the whole family. Having trouble choosing from so many amazing options? Everyone loves to eat, so you’ll never go wrong with a food festival. We’ve taken a look at some of the area’s best food fests and have picked out the tastiest of the bunch.
Chicago Food Truck Fest
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., June 25-26
Where: 2200 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago
Why: Food trucks are awesome and they’re always innovating. When a bunch congregate together, you can do a gourmet food tour in a single spot. Festival organizers estimate they will have more than 50 trucks this year.
Naperville Ribfest
When: July 1-4
Where: Knoch Park, 724 S. West St., Naperville
Why: We’re not wishing the meat sweats on anyone, but it’s all about ribs, ribs and more ribs at this annual festival, which has been around for almost 30 years. We also love that the event gives back and raises money to eliminate child abuse and domestic violence. Musical acts this year include Sheryl Crow, 3 Doors Down, Lee Brice and more.
Taste of Chicago
When: July 6-10
Where: Grant Park, Jackson Street and Columbus Drive, Chicago
Why: Is any Chicago food festival list complete without Taste of Chicago? It’s a summer mainstay and features restaurants from around the city.
Highwood Bloody Mary Fest
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 31
Where: Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood
Why: Elaborate Bloody Marys with the right fixings can definitely be considered a meal. This fest includes a Best Bloody Mary competition and also benefits the North Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA), which provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Make It Better columnist Marjie Killeen will also be judging the competition!
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
When: Aug. 5-7
Where: 1701 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago
Why: Chicago can be quite particular when it comes to its hot dogs. At these event, you can keep it traditional or try one of the specialty dogs. Vienna Beef hot dogs will be served exclusively. The event benefits the Chicago History Museum.
Garlic Fest
When: 4 to 9 p.m., Aug. 24
Where: Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood.
Why: For all the garlic lovers out there, this one’s for you. Taste everything from garlicky pasta and bread to, for the more adventurous, garlic ice cream and pastries.
Taste of Greektown
When: Noon to 11 p.m., Aug. 27-28
Where: 400 S. Halsted St., Chicago
Why: Opa! If you love Mediterranean food, this is place to be.
Taste of Highland Park
When: Aug. 26-28
Where: Port Clinton Square, downtown Highland Park
Why: Get a taste of all of Highland Park’s fabulous restaurants while perusing art at this annual festival.
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