Taste of Chicago • Chicago IL

Taste of Chicago (known to locals as "The Taste") is the largest food festival on the planet. Nearly 4 million people from all over the world visit Chicago to taste some of the best food around. But there's more than food here. Big-name music acts like Robert Plant and Santana have played during The Taste, along with LL Cool J and numerous hip-hop acts.

The festival is free to enter, so bring the whole family along for some great food and music in the heart of Downtown Chicago. This works great since you can save your money for some of the rides and games scattered throughout the festival. The sightseeing here helps make the fair world-class as well. Held in Grant Park in the Loop District, you get an awesome view of Lake Michigan and the skyline of Downtown Chicago in the background.

Great Food

Around 70 food vendors set up shop each year for The Taste. While the goal behind the festival since 1980 (its first year) has always been to deliver a taste of the best food in Chicago, you'll find much more than Midwest fare. Be on the lookout for the newly added "Pop-Ups", booths in which a new restaurant sets up shop on a different day. Another new addition is the Chef Du Jour event. Sit down at an upscale restaurant in Downtown and have world-famous chefs prepare a three-course meal for you and your guests.

While you'll find no shortage of Chicago deep-dish pizzas, Chicago dogs and all sorts of BBQ options, you can still find ethnic fare like Caribbean food and Latin food. And if you just can't resist it, keep your eyes peeled for the SPAM truck and their signature SPAM fries. You'll also find various Asian food fare like Korean and Thai restaurants that open booths for the festival.

Great Music

Although Taste of Chicago is rightfully the world's biggest food festival, the music and attractions make this a full-fledged summer festival. Huge music acts have played at festival in the past, so expect some big names in the years to come. Artists like John Mayer, Robin Thicke, Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie and pop magnates like Stevie Wonder, LeAnn Rimes and Salt-n-Peppa have played at The Taste in past years. The music takes places all around the city. Typically, headliners play at the Petrillo Music Shell, while lesser known or cult acts play all throughout the city at local venus and even a few bars and taverns. The event only lasts for about five days, so be sure you catch up on the schedule and book a trip for when your favorite music act plays.

Being one of America's largest cities, expect driving and parking to be a nightmare at Taste of Chicago. Save yourself some time and frustration by booking a trip in one of our luxurious party buses and have a night out like you mean it. But if you're looking for a more intimate affair, perhaps a trip to one of the Chef du Jour events, our personal car and limo services are a great option. With Chicago party bus services, there's no need to worry about designated drivers, parking fees or remembering just exactly where the heck you parked.

Back to Chicago