8 Chicago Food Festivals We’re Excited About

Deep Dish Pizza at Taste of Chicago

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

Chicago Food Truck Festival
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Food Truck Festival.

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

Naperville Ribfest
Photo courtesy of 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 DownLee Brice and more.

Taste of Chicago

Taste of Chicago
Photo courtesy of City 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

Highwood Bloody Mary Festival
Photo courtesy of 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

Chicago Hot Dog Fest
Photo courtesy of 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

Highwood Garlic Fest
Photo courtesy of Highwood 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

Taste of Greektown
Photo courtesy of Special Events Management.

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

Taste of Highland Park
Photo courtesy of Amdur Productions.

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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