Below is a list of the top and leading Food Festivals in Chicago. To help you find the best Food Festivals located near you in Chicago, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Chicago’s Best Food Festivals:
The top rated Food Festivals in Chicago, IL are:
- Taste of Chicago Festival – the nation’s premier free-admission food festival featuring the diversity of Chicago’s dining scene, cooking demonstrations, music concerts, art activations, and family fun.
- Festa Italiana – an Italian festival destination for drinking, dancing, and dining throughout Chicago
- German American Fest – an annual celebration of the German heritage that promotes the usage and continuance of the German language, customs, and songs in Chicago
- Chicago Food Truck Fest – brings the culture and the culinary food trucks to the local community of Chicago
- Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival – one of the largest summer art festivals in Chicago
Taste of Chicago Festival
Taste of Chicago Festival is the nation’s premier free-admission food festival featuring the diversity of Chicago’s dining scene, cooking demonstrations, music concerts, art activities, dn family fun. As the world’s largest free-admission outdoor food festival, they have managed to fill up all the flavors of the city, from classic Chicago specialties to international cuisine mashed by creative chefs. Other entertainment options thought ht festival include performances by established artists, outdoor live music and dancing series, a silent disco, and a playground, especially for families and kids.
Product/Services:
Events, Food Festivals, Night Market
LOCATION:
Address: 500 S Columbus Dr Grant Park Chicago, IL 60605 United States
Phone: (312) 567-8500
Website: choosechicago.com
REVIEW:
“This was my first time going to this event. Enjoyed myself. I forgot to take pictures of most of the things we tasted because I was so involved with trying to taste as many things as I could. I only got photos at the very end.” – Tinisha B.
Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana is an Italian festival destination for drinking, dancing, and dining through Chicago. The historic festival has been long revered for its fabulous variety of food and wines capable of satisfying the most cultured palates. With thousands of attendees each year, they are proud to celebrate the festival with a 3-day extravaganza. The festival features live Italian and rock music, family-friendly entertainment, great merchants, and authentic Italian restaurants. They also offer a real beer selection that was both plentiful and delicious.
Product/Services:
Events, Food Festivals, Night Market
LOCATION:
Address: Taylor Street At Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (773) 665-4682
Website: starevents.com/event/festa-italiana/s
REVIEW:
“This is fun! Be aware there is a booth selling g knock-off bags. Other than that I picked up some awesome things like a vegan leather clutch that also transfers as a modern fanny. The food has been amazing! First I tried the baked clams with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Then the peppers and sausage with sauce and cheese. Finally, chocolate star cookies to take with me. There has been everything here from food, jewelry, clothing, and art. Dogs are welcome too!” – Jamie M.
German American Fest
German American Fest is an annual celebration of the German heritage that promotes the usage and continuance of the German language, customs, and songs in Chicago. The festival helps fund the continued education of the youth and culture to keep such traditions alive. They offer a variety of activities for everyone including their authentic German food, and traditional drinks, live German bands, and a fabulous festival to be enjoyed with friends. Traditional singing and dancing groups will also perform after the festival’s parade.
Product/Services:
Events, Food Festivals, Night Market
LOCATION:
Address: N Lincoln Ave And W Leland Ave Chicago, IL 60625 United States
Phone: (346) 406 4822
Website: germanday.com
REVIEW:
“Summer celebrations start with Maifest and end with German American fest up in L Square. Sure the lines can be long, sure it can be crowded but it is tradition.
We happily grab our large reusable steins and wander over 2x a year with cash in our pockets and a smile on our faces.
Chances are high we will run into friends without making plans to do so.” – Tim S.
Chicago Food Truck Fest
Chicago Food Truck Fest brings the culture and the culinary food trucks to the local community of Chicago. The food truck festival offers catering from over 150 gourmet food trucks serving every cultural dish imaginable. Their process is simple from accepting corporate requests, institutional requests, and private requests. Admission is free to the general public with a general admission ticket while tickets last. Admission tickets include access to gourmet food trucks, live music, delicious beverages, free give-aways, and a chill day in the park. VIP tickets are also available with benefits including early entry and drink tickets.
Product/Services:
Events, Food Festivals, Night Market
LOCATION:
Address: 2400 S Dearborn St Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 380-9762
Website: chgofoodtruckfest.com
REVIEW:
“This was my first time at the Chicago Food Truck Fest and I had a really great time. There was so much good food to choose from and the Sangria wine they had was delicious and Ummm potent. Especially after two or three cups ha!! I wish they had smaller portions so I could have tried more. Everything I had was great from the shrimp bowl prepared by the Master Chef champion as well as the bread pudding-like mama used to make. The music was on point as well. I look forward to going again next year” – Urusla P.
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival is one of the largest summer art festivals in Chicago. The festival brings together more than 250 artists, 3 live music stages, food trucks that offer some of the best food available in Chicago, as well as great beer brewed at the local brewery Revolution. It is also a relaxing, family-oriented festival with a nice neighborhood vibe appropriate for all ages. Specializing in art of all kinds, they have regular pop-up tents with jewelry, paintings, picnic tables, and some indoor exhibits.
Product/Services:
Events, Food Festivals, Night Market
LOCATION:
Address: 2348-2352 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (847) 675-2580
Website: milwaukeeavenueartsfestival.org
REVIEW:
“I enjoyed the Arts festival again this year even though I thought the break up between the main hubs was a little strange. We mainly hung out in the square at Kedzie, logan blvd, and Milwaukee ave. The music was good, the beer was flowing, and the food was tasty. I wish there were more food options and maybe there were but we went on Sunday evening and there were only 3 options were food. I think this is a great festival I just wish there was more going on between the main hubs.” – Steven M.
Carol has lived in Denver his whole life. He has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Carol covers national and local business reviews.