It’s Peak Festival Season in Chicago. Here Are Food Festivals to Try Out in July.
Meredith Francis
June 28, 2024
July is one of the busiest months for street festivals in Chicago, so we’ve rounded up a list of all the food-centric festivals – highlighting wine, craft beer, tacos, margaritas, burgers, and more – happening in the city and suburbs.
Are we missing an event? Email us for consideration at [email protected].
Taste of Oak Brook
Wednesday, July 3 | Village Sports Core Fields, 700 Oak Brook Rd.
Try out some of Oak Brook’s favorite restaurants at this food and beverage festival complete with a beer garden, live music, and private cabanas.
Chicago Craft Beer Fest
Friday July 5 through Sunday, July 7 | Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.
This festival in Jonquil Park returns for its 11th year to highlight the city’s craft breweries. The ticketed, 21+ event has 2-hour tasting sessions so you can choose your preferred window.
Windy City Smokeout
Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14 | United Center Parking Lot C, 1901 West Madison St.
This country music festival outside the United Center doubles as a BBQ festival, with pitmasters from all over the country.
Naperville Ale Festival
Saturday, July 13 | Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St.
The Naperville Ale Festival returns to Naper Settlement with more than 100 craft beers and several food trucks.
Eeeeeatscon
Saturday July 13 and Sunday, July 14 | The Salt Shed, 1357 North Elston Ave.
This two-day food festival at the Salt Shed hosted by The Infatuation says it has “the spirit of a music festival, but with restaurants as the headliners.”
Margarita Night
Wednesday, July 17 | Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood
This margarita-centric festival in Highwood boasts a tropical, summery theme and margaritas in the park.
Highwood Days with Taco Fest
Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21 | Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood
Highwood’s taco festival joins forces with Highwood Days to serve up all manner of tacos alongside a carnival-like atmosphere.
Horner Brew Fest
Friday, July 19 | Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Enjoy craft beer and cider in Horner Park as part of a fundraiser for the park’s advisory council, which is working to preserve the park’s ash trees.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21 | 2000 W. Belmont Ave.
This “patty party” is back for its 17th year with nearly a dozen local burger joints slated to serve up burgers alongside live music and more.
Tacos y Tamales Festival
Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21 | 16th Ave. and Peoria St.
The Tacos y Tamales festival in Pilsen celebrates “all the best and most authentic Latin cuisine Chicago has to offer,” with a variety of styles of tacos and tamales, handmade tortillas, music, art installations, and more.
Taste of River North
Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21 | 627 N. Wells St.
This festival in River North highlights the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants and will also feature art vendors and live music.
Chicago Food Truck Festival
Saturday, July 20 | 2300 S. Indiana Ave.
Chicago’s food trucks and tent vendors assemble at this gathering in the South Loop. The event is also partnering with the Chicago Margarita Festival to provide perfect pairings for the food.
Ravenswood on Tap
Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 | Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues
Enjoy the many beverages of Chicago’s Malt Row with this festival. Street food vendors, specialty cocktails from KOVAL, axe-throwing, and more round out the entertainment.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28 | Lincoln and Fullerton Avenues
The Taste of Lincoln Avenue is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The event highlights neighborhood restaurants and includes arts and crafts; whiskey, wine, and other beverage pairings; and kids’ activities.
Summer Wine Fest
Friday, July 26 | Lincoln Park Zoo
Roam the Lincoln Park Zoo at this 21+ event, which promises 50 different varietals from 20 wineries.
Bantu Fest
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 | 60th St and Ellis Ave., Midway Plaisance
This multicultural festival includes a taste of some 30 different countries, including South Africa, Haiti, Belize, Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and many more.
