Taste of Chicago
Held each year at Grant Park in downtown Chicago, the Taste of Chicago brings together dozens of local food trucks and vendors serving everything from pizza and burgers to seafood, pasta, desserts, and more. Since launching in 1980, the festival has become a beloved Chicago tradition featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and a chance to experience the city’s diverse food culture. RV travel is ideal for the event because it gives visitors flexibility, convenience, and an affordable way to explore both the festival and the city. It’s especially great for families, food lovers, tailgaters, and first-time RV travelers looking for a fun and easy getaway.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
More than 45 food vendors participate in the Taste of Chicago event each year. Popular participating restaurants have included African Food Palace, Churro Factory, Connie's Pizza, Harold’s Chicken, JJ Thai Street Food, Lexington Betty Smoke House, Pork Chop, Prime Tacos, Original Rainbow Cone, and Eli's Cheesecake.
LOCATION
Taste of Chicago is located in Grant Park in downtown Chicago, with the main festival area centered around Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive. Major entrance points are along Michigan Avenue at Congress Parkway, Jackson Boulevard, and Monroe Street.
FAQs About RVing to Taste of Chicago
Does Grant Park have RV facilities?
No RV parking or hookups are available in Grant Park during Taste of Chicago. Visitors traveling by RV should plan to stay at a campground outside the city and use a smaller vehicle or public transportation to reach the festival.
Can I park my RV near Grant Park?
There isn't any formal RV parking near Grant Park. However, you may be able to park a Class B vehicle or travel trailer in a nearby public parking lot.
Where can I find parking for my large RV in downtown Chicago?
Check if McCormick Place has RV parking available for the Taste of Chicago event. If you park your vehicle here, you'll have to take public transportation to the event.
Is Taste of Chicago family and pet-friendly?
Taste of Chicago is a wonderful event for families. Only service animals are allowed at the event, though.
LINEUP
The 2026 lineup for the Taste of Chicago will be announced soon. For the latest updates, visit the official event page.
RVING AT THE EVENT
Because Taste of Chicago is held on the lakefront in the city's downtown, you'll find no on-site RV camping. You must find a campsite outside the city and bring an additional vehicle to get to the event. All vehicles in Chicago must have liability and uninsured motorist insurance.
Where to Camp Near Taste of Chicago
Although you won't find any campgrounds within the city, you'll find several in nearby suburbs that may suit your needs. Rent an RV in Chicago, and find a local campground. • Camp Bullfrog Lake is a public campground run by Cook County nestled on the shores of a lake that bears its name. It's located in Willow Springs, to the west of the city. Campsites with electrical hookups are available, and there’s also a camp store, concession stand, restrooms, showers, and on-site activities, such as boat rentals. • Camp Sullivan is another Cook County Forest Preserve campground in Orland Park, only minutes from downtown Chicago. RV sites with electrical hookups start at $40 per night for Cook County residents and $50 per night for outside visitors for weekday rentals during the Taste of Chicago festival. • Lakeshore Camp Resort may be across state lines in Portage, IN, but it’s still only a 45-minute drive to Grant Park, thanks to easy interstate access. The campground has numerous amenities, four outdoor swimming pools, a 22-acre lake, fishing, boat rental, daily activities, laundry facilities, and just about every other amenity you could ask for. It's also only 10 miles from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
RV Rental Tips for Taste of Chicago
Plan to book your RV site early, as Taste of Chicago takes place during the busy summer travel season and campgrounds around Chicago fill up quickly. Allow at least 45 minutes for travel to the festival, since traffic in and around downtown can be heavy throughout the day. RVs of all sizes work well for this event, from compact camper vans for couples to larger motorhomes and travel trailers for families or groups. Many nearby campgrounds offer full hookups, while forest preserve campgrounds often provide more basic amenities with limited water, sewer, or electrical hookups. Be sure to confirm hookup availability before booking and pack your supplies for hot summer weather.
WHERE TO STAY
Some festival goers may prefer to stay in local hotels, as local RV parks are located a considerable distance from Grant Park. However, you have plenty of alternatives in downtown Chicago. As one of the largest cities in the nation, you'll find Chicago full of accommodations to fit every budget. To get you started, here are a few recommendations. • The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a historic property that is part of the Hyatt family. It's one of the most beautiful, distinguished hotels in the city, with original marble staircases, wood-carved features, and ballrooms dating from 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 on Illinois Street just west of 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. Guests enjoy free breakfast, easy access to the Magnificent Mile, and proximity to all downtown attractions. • The Congress Plaza Hotel is directly across from Millennium Park, near the Taste of Chicago site. This historic property also offers an affordable experience with stunning city and lake views, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, expansive bathrooms, and on-site dining options.
HOW TO GET THERE
Grant Park is located just east of US-41 in downtown Chicago. If you're arriving from I-55, continue north into downtown Chicago and follow signs toward Lake Shore Drive and Grant Park. From I-290, head east into downtown, continue toward Columbus Drive, and follow local signage to the festival entrances and nearby parking areas.
PARKING
Millennium Garages offer the closest parking to Taste of Chicago. Reserve parking in advance to ensure your spot and receive a discount. Note that this parking facility has height restrictions.
TICKETS & PRICING
Entrance is free, but make sure you bring money for food and beverages.
WRAP UP
Taste of Chicago brings dozens of cuisines to Grant Park, allowing you to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. You'll find plenty to do in Chicago, so visit our city guide. This event is free, so park your RV at a local campground and bring the whole family. Follow Taste of Chicago on the Choose Chicago website to get the full menu.
6-Day RV Itinerary for Taste of Chicago
• Day 1 (Tuesday): Arrive at your RV park and settle in. Scope out routes to the festival to make traveling easy. If you arrive early enough, visit a Taste of Chicago pop-up event or have dinner at a neighborhood restaurant. • Day 2 (Wednesday): Arrive as the gates open at 11 a.m. to avoid the noontime rush. Sample classic Chicago cuisine from vendors, and then walk your food along the lakeshore. Attend the opening night concert at the Petrillo Music Shell. • Day 3 (Thursday): Focus on pop-up vendors that only appear for a day or two. Sample cuisines that interest you, and remember to get a taste-sized portion. Enjoy music from local bands at the Goose Island Stage, then watch the sun set over the Chicago skyline while sitting near Buckingham Fountain. • Day 4 (Friday): Attend a festival cooking demonstration in the afternoon. Buy food from iconic vendors like Lou Malnati's or Harold's Chicken. Get away from the crowds at night by visiting Buddy Guy's or another local music club. • Day 5 (Saturday): Focus on your family today with the festival opening an hour earlier. Explore activities for the kids in the Family Village. Explore Food Truck Row for a variety of small bites, and then ride some of the carnival attractions. • Day 6 (Sunday): Return to your favorite vendors for a final farewell. As the festival starts winding down, relax near one of the music stages before heading back to your RV to pack up and go home.
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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