Taste of Chicago Kicks Off Amid High Turnout in Grant Park

Lead: Thousands flocked to Grant Park Friday as the 45th annual Taste of Chicago opened with more than 45 food booths, headline performances and family-friendly activities.

Nut Graf: The long-running festival, free to the public, celebrates Chicago’s culinary diversity and community spirit. With vendors offering everything from deep-dish pizza to Cambodian cuisine and a star-studded music lineup, organizers aim to reignite summer traditions and support local businesses.

Opening Day Highlights

  • Vendor Variety: Over 45 traditional booths and 17 food trucks served classic Chicago bites and global flavors, including new entries like Lexington Betty Smoke House, Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining and Beat Kitchen Cantina alongside staples such as Harold’s Chicken #55 and Eli’s Cheesecake.
  • Music on Main Stage: Grammy-winning Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco headlined Friday at 5 p.m., kicking off three nights of free concerts featuring JoJo on Saturday and Elvis Crespo on Sunday.
  • Weather Conditions: Sunny skies and mild temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit created ideal outdoor festival weather, with light breezes through the afternoon easing into calmer conditions for evening performances.

Family Fun and Community Events

  • Disney Resorts Family Village: Inflatables, art workshops and interactive games kept children engaged throughout the afternoon.
  • Chicago SummerDance Lessons: Attendees sampled salsa, bachata, footwork and K-pop dance styles in pop-up sessions around Buckingham Fountain.
  • Special Attractions: A 112-foot Ferris wheel, karaoke contests with cash prizes and a drone-and-fireworks show on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. offered diverse entertainment options.

Logistics and Access

  • Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Sunday, Sept. 7.
  • Cashless Transactions: All vendors accept credit and debit cards only; attendees were reminded to bring plastic or mobile payment options.
  • Transportation and Parking: Grant Park is accessible via CTA bus and train services; street closures around Columbus and Jackson streets were in effect, and limited on-site parking encouraged use of public transit.

Organizers and vendors alike celebrated a successful opening day, underscoring Taste of Chicago’s role as a beloved tradition that brings together residents and visitors to sample the city’s best culinary offerings and live performances.