Taste of Chicago

Event Overview: The City of Chicago and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events presents the annual Taste of Chicago. Each day more than 70 local restaurateurs offer a delicious combination of ethnic items, family favorites, exotic and Chicago specialties feeding more than 3 million people in Grant Park, in downtown Chicago. Live entertainment is also provided every day by a variety of musical performances on multiple stages. Be sure to check the website for updated information concerning musical guests and other Taste of Chicago events.

What to Expect: The Taste of Chicago Food Fest not only has tons of different cuisines and dishes to choose from, but live music entertainment is another major draw to the event. It's free to go, and if you are hungry, which you will be, the food tickets are cheap.

• Food: At the Taste of Chicago Fest you'll find yourself overwhelmed with food options, but eventually you will find the perfect taste to suit your cravings. The Taste of Chicago is the best way to try all the different Chicago cuisines.
• Entertainment: The live music entertainment at the Taste of Chicago will serenade you as you grub. In 2011 Natalie Cole and Loretta Lynn performed, and there was music in a range of genres that spanned from gospel to Celtic to country.
  
• Prices: The Taste of Chicago is FREE, but the food is not. If you want to sample the food, which you will, the tickets are $8 for 12 tickets, and most of the booths sell their samples for 2-4 tickets.

Inside Knowledge: The Taste of Chicago Fest and its enormous popularity with the local Chicagoans has caused many cities throughout the nation to follow suit with their own "taste" festivals.

Event Hints: 

• Don't drive because parking at the Taste of Chicago Fest is horrendous. It would be best to use public transportation, or walk if you are close enough.
• Bring some cash so you can buy tickets for food. The vendors only take food tickets.