Each year, dozens of food trucks and vendors arrive at Grant Park for Taste of Chicago. Local vendors offer limited menus with entrees, sides, beverages and desserts. Whether you're craving seafood, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, soup or pizza, Taste of Chicago has something for everyone. This free event offers live music and family activities, so swing by to grab a meal and enjoy a relaxing day in the park. Learn about Chicago's restaurants and their unique culture and history. You can grab a beef hot dog with relish, but if you're feeling more adventurous, a world of gumbo, jambalaya, steamed buns, tamales, jerk chicken and other dishes awaits.
Taste of Chicago hosts dozens of food vendors that serve local, regional and international cuisine. Try a classic Chicago hot dog or deep-dish pizza, or sample French, African, Thai, Cajun or Italian dishes. DJs and musicians perform live sets throughout the event. For more fun, kids will find interactive games and activities at the family village.
Amenities include a first-aid station, an information booth, restrooms, seating areas, an emergency exit and cooling stations. If you start feeling overheated, head to a bench, shady area or cooling station to relax. Bring a water bottle for free refills at the water fountains. Guests can bring sunscreen, strollers, plastic bottles, baby supplies, prescription medication, paper fans, beach towels and lawn chairs. Prohibited items include firearms, drones, grills, hammocks, fireworks, skateboards and bicycles. Visit the City of Chicago website for the full list. The park itself overlooks Lake Michigan, so take some time to grab pictures of the harbor. Grant Park offers gardens, fields, courts, walking paths and fountains, and the Art Institute of Chicago rests within walking distance.
Taste of Chicago takes place at Grant Park, which is located at Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605. Several roads cut through the park, so expect heavy traffic.
The 2025 lineup for the Taste of Chicago will be announced soon. For the latest updates, visit the official event page.
Because Taste of Chicago is held in the heart of this major metropolis, there’s no on-site RV camping. However, you can camp near the event. If you don't plan on bringing a vehicle, make sure you arrange transportation ahead of time. All vehicles in Chicago must have liability and uninsured motorist insurance. Here are some campgrounds we recommend: • Camp Bullfrog Lake is a public campground nestled on the shores of this lake to the west of the heart of the city. Campsites with electrical hookups are available, and there’s also a camp store, concession stand, restroom, showers and on-site activities, such as boat rentals. • Camp Sullivan is another public campground in the Orland Park area, only minutes from downtown Chicago. RV sites with electrical hookups start at $30 per night for Cook County residents and $40 per night for outside visitors. • Lakeshore Camp Resort may be across state lines in Indiana, but it’s still only a 45-minute drive to Grant Park. Plus, you’ll be living in the lap of luxury after your long days of wandering the festival booths; the campground features four outdoor swimming pools, family activities, laundry facilities and just about every other amenity you could ask for.
If you’re not planning on bringing an RV to the event, you’ve got plenty of alternative accommodations to choose from. Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the country, and it’s chock-full of hotels and inns of every class and caliber. To get you started on your search for the perfect place to stay, here are a few options in the Loop neighborhood, which is where Grant Park is situated: • Hostelling International, also known as HI Chicago, offers ultra-affordable, dorm-style rooms with all sorts of extras, such as free in-room Wi-Fi, complimentary continental breakfasts, concierge service and more. Private bedrooms are available at higher rates. • The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is one of the most beautiful, distinguished hotels in the city, whose original marble staircases, wood-carved features and ballrooms date all the way back to 1893. If you want to round out your tasting tour with a touch of class and culture, these are the digs for you. • The Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown at North Loop and Michigan Avenue offers a relatively affordable lodging experience. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness room, free Wi-Fi and an in-room coffee maker and refrigerator.
Grant Park sits right off US-41. If you're coming from I-55, keep driving east until you reach the shore. From I-290, drive east until you reach 110, then keep driving east and turn left on Columbus Drive.
Millennium Garages offer close parking to the event. Buy parking in advance to reserve your space and potentially earn a discount. If you can't find a space, Chicago has plenty of other parking garages, but you might need transportation to the festival.
Entrance is free, but make sure you bring money for food and beverages.
Taste of Chicago brings dozens of cuisines to Grant Park, allowing you to take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure. This event is free, so park your RV at a local campground and bring the whole family. Follow Taste of Chicago on Facebook and Twitter/X to get the full menu.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .
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