Taste of Chicago Kicks Off in Grant Park with Food and Live Music

Chicago’s signature food festival opened Friday, drawing thousands to Grant Park for tastes from over 50 vendors, live performances from Lupe Fiasco and community dance lessons under sunny, mild skies.

Nut Graf: The 45th annual Taste of Chicago returned Sept. 5 in Grant Park, offering a free, cashless showcase of the city’s diverse culinary scene alongside a star-studded music lineup. The festival’s opening day underscored its role as a cornerstone of Chicago’s fall calendar, blending renowned eateries, neighborhood favorites and family-friendly activities in one lakeside destination.

Opening Day Highlights

  • Festival hours ran from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., welcoming Chicagoans and visitors to sample small bites and enjoy waterfront views. Attendance swelled into the early afternoon, buoyed by a clear, mild day ideal for outdoor dining.
  • Food booths and trucks numbered more than 50, including returning staples such as Harold’s Chicken #55 and new entrants like Lexington Betty Smoke House and Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining.

Music Lineup

Lupe Fiasco, the Grammy-winning Chicago native, headlined the main stage at 7 p.m., delivering a hometown set that opened the festival’s nightly concert series. Afternoon programming featured Chicago SummerDance lessons-ranging from salsa to footwork-encouraging festivalgoers to join in on the dance floor.

Culinary Highlights

Vendors dished up everything from classic deep-dish pizza to global flavors. Attendees sampled Lexington Betty’s brisket sliders and Prime Tacos’ Hot Cheeto burger, while commenting on the cashless format. “I’m trying Puerto Rican rice-it’s really good,” said festivalgoer Nya Haywood, highlighting the event’s neighborhood appeal.

Community Activities

In addition to food and music, Taste of Chicago offered interactive pop-ups and family zones, including the Disney Resorts Family Village with games and inflatables. A Ferris wheel provided aerial views of Grant Park, and the Goose Island Stage showcased local DJs throughout the day.

Taste of Chicago continues through Sunday, Sept. 7, with headliners JoJo and Elvis Crespo scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings, respectively. Admission remains free, though all food and beverage purchases are cashless.