7 can’t-miss summer food festivals in Chicago neighborhoods — including 2 this weekend
From Little Village to Little India on Devon, Chicago is steeped in rich dining tradition. In a community brimming with dining options, it can be hard to grab a taste of all the city has to offer.
As Chicagoans attempt to enjoy the summer sunshine while indulging in the city’s celebrated cuisine, in come a barrage of food festivals, each claiming to offer the best on-the-go dining experience the region has to offer.
If you feel overwhelmed by the options at your disposal, look no further — we’ve compiled a list of Chicago’s most worth-your-time summer food festivals, so all you have to worry about is how to pack it all in.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest
Stop in to a traditional Greek feast made with lots of love by the folks at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, from gyros and spanakopita to Greek-style lasagna known as pastitsios and homemade baklava for dessert. But the food is just one element to tickle your senses at the three-day fest; Greek folk and dad-rock bands will perform, along with traditional Greek folk dance troupe showcases from the Deerfield-based Perifania School of Hellenic Music & Dance Troupe. Can’t make it this weekend? Check out the Taste of Greektown at the end of August for more tasty Mediterranean morsels.
Friday-Sunday. $10 suggested donation. 2701 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-525-1793, lincolnparkgreekfest.com
Windy City Hot Dog Fest
At the city’s second annual hot dog festival, indulge in the creations of Chicago’s beloved vendors — Byron’s Hot Dogs, Chicago Doghouse — along with some fascinating takes on the dish making waves on the sausage scene. Stop by Carnitas Roldan and try a bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog (a 20th century Mexican creation). Swing by Lee Concessions and try an Asian-inspired hot dog, or snack on Tandoor Char House’s Tikka Masala Dogs. While chowing down on the Chicago classics, enjoy a listen to the local musicians featured on the main stage, pay a visit to the festival’s arts and crafts vendors, and keep an eye out for the heavily anticipated hot-dog-eating contest.
Saturday-Sunday. $10 suggested donation. 4000 N. Milwaukee Ave., sixcornerschamber.com
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo
If you’re craving a drink, a change of scenery or simply some four-legged company, Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo may be for you. Continuing its annual tradition, Lincoln Park Zoo will open its gates in mid-June for its craft brew festival. As guests enjoy over 100 craft beers and ciders, they will have the opportunity to explore the Chicago staple’s beloved animal exhibits. Find local heavyweights such as Half Acre alongside lesser-known brewers such as Obscurity Brewing and Soundgrowler.
June 17. Tickets $55. 2001 N. Clark St., lpzoo.org
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
This summer, the 30th annual African/Caribbean International Festival of Life has joined forces with the Jerk, Seafood and Vegan Festival. While the latter is reaching its seventh year, it has been celebrated for its efforts to encourage healthy eating among the African diaspora and beyond. The festival can be separated into three key components: Jamaican jerk cuisine, seafood and plant-based dining. Pay a visit to The Jerk Shack, popular for Jamaican patties and JackShack “Nice It Up” sauce. The self-described “Carnival of the Nations” will complement its food component with live performances spanning a wealth of genres that act as fixtures in Black and African culture, including hip-hop, R&B, reggae and Afro beats.
July 1-4. $20 general admission ticket. Washington Park, 55th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue, 312-427-0266, internationalfestivaloflife.com
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
If you’re searching for an all-American dining experience this July, pop over to the Roscoe Village neighborhood and explore the offerings of nine Chicagoland burger joints. At Roscoe Village Burger Fest, you can unleash your inner food critic as you vote on the festival’s much anticipated People’s Choice Best Burger award. If you want to find out the results of the vote, stick around for Sunday evening’s grand reveal. Alongside your classic beef patties, Roscoe Village Burger Fest features Indian-style Aloo Tikki sliders prepared by Tandoor Char House, and the award-winning Select Cut Steakhouse burger. However, the festival’s offerings don’t stop at food — you can also visit the arts and crafts stations, two stages packed with live performances and the Kids Zone.
July 7-9. $10 suggested donation. 2000 W. Belmont Ave., 773-472-7171, lakeviewroscoevillage.org
Tacos y Tamales Festival
On a weekend stroll through the Pilsen neighborhood, Chicagoans will have an opportunity to taste a wide range of Latin American cuisine at the Tacos and Tamales Festival. While sampling the neighborhood delicacies, visitors may observe local art installations, unwind in the beer garden and dance along to featured performances. A key feature of this festival is its focus on returning investment to the community in which it is hosted. Following the event, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Pilsen community groups and preservation projects.
July 21-23. $10 suggested donation. West 16th and South Peoria streets, 312-579-3635, chicagotacofest.com
Chicago Food Truck Festival
If you find yourself constantly scanning your peripheral vision (or, more likely, your social media feed) for the latest trending food truck, this is the festival for you. This nationally recognized event, regarded as one of America’s top food truck festivals, can be found right in the South Loop. Last year’s lineup included opportunities to indulge your sweet tooth at Ms. Tittle’s Cupcakes — a Black woman-owned mobile bakery — while also featuring stations teeming with savory delights, such as Yum Dum’s Thai Chicken Basil dumplings and The Happy Lobster’s classic street-style lobster roll. Entering its 10th season, this festival features a family-friendly environment, dishes prepared by tasting chefs, and many of Chicago’s top gourmet food trucks.
July 29-30. Free with general admission ticket. 2300 S. Indiana Ave., chgofoodtruckfest.com
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