This year's Taste of Chicago won't just feature a new date, it will also feature a number of new restaurants, in addition to familiar staples and a slate of performers, according to a newly released lineup.
The city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events unveiled the lineups for both food and music at this year's festival Wednesday, with headlining acts like Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50, Lupita Infante, Proyecto Uno and Whitney.
“Since 1980, Taste of Chicago has been a beloved tradition showcasing our city’s incredible culinary and cultural offerings,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to invite Chicagoans and visitors alike to Grant Park once again to enjoy familiar Taste of Chicago favorites, new vendor additions and exciting entertainment for everyone to enjoy."
The festival will continue in its longtime home near Grant Parks' Buckingham Fountain, bringing more than 35 vendors and 15 food trucks along with three stages for musical performances, dance classes and more, officials announced. There will also be a beer hall, wine garden, cocktail lounge and a new frozen adult beverage station. For families, there will be bounce houses and a number of games offered up.
As is tradition, the fan-favorite Eli's Cheesecake giveaway in honor of the iconic establishment's birthday, will also see free cheesecake handed out to guests while supplies lasts.
This year's Taste of Chicago will take place from 12-8 p.m. from Sept. 8-10, marking a shift from the festival's usual time due to NASCAR's downtown Chicago street race last month. Admission is free and there will be no tickets to purchase from vendors, which now accept cash or credit cards.
“Taste of Chicago is a can’t-miss Chicago summer staple that continues to put the diversity of our dynamic restaurant community on full display. It's one of my favorite summertime traditions,” Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, said in a statement. “Chicago is truly the greatest culinary city in the world, and we are excited and honored to help bring it to Grant Park.”
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Here's the full music and food lineup:
Food vendors
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- Cumin Club Indian Kitchen
- Sapori Trattoria
- Arun’s Thai Restaurant
- The Original Rainbow Cone
- Healthy Substance Kitchen
- LC Pho Restaurant
- Yum Dum, Churro Factory (Xurro)
- African Food Palace
- Porkchop
- The Eli’s Cheesecake Company
- Esperanza
- Robinson No. 1 Ribs
- Classic Cobbler
- Baked Goods Company
- Tacotlan
- JJ Thai Street Food
- Doom Street Eats
- Badou
- Senegalese Cuisine
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
- Billy Goat Tavern
- Chicago Eats
- Gaby’s
- Funnel Cakes
- Frannie’s Café
- Prime Tacos
- The Sole Ingredient Catering
- BJ’s
- Market & Bakery
- Connie’s Pizza
- Seoul Taco Chicago
- Chicago’s Doghouse
- Tandoor Char House
- Pies of London
- Banato
- Mr. E Chef Catering
- Josephine’s Cooking
- Yvolina’s Tamales
There will also be a "wide variety of food trucks."
Taste of Chicago Main Stage Schedule
Friday, September 8
DJ for the evening: Selah Say
5pm Slique Jay Adams and Mamii, both presented by Chicago Made
6pm Meagan McNeal
7pm Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50
featuring Doug E. Fresh, EPMD, KRS-One and Slick Rick
Saturday, September 9
DJ for the evening: DJ Janesita
5pm ÉSSO, presented by Chicago Made
6pm Lupita Infante with Mariachi Sirenas
7pm Proyecto Uno
Sunday, September 10
DJ for the evening: DJ Mike P
5pm Nola Adé and Cloud Farmers, both presented by Chicago Made
6pm White Mystery
7:15pm Whitney
Chicago SummerDance
Friday, September 8, 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
11 a.m. DJ and Open Dancing
12 p.m. Line Dancing / Fre2Dance
1 p.m. Peruvian Folk Dance / Center of Peruvian Arts
2 p.m. Balboa (Swing) / Desiree Roffers
3 p.m. Reggaeton / Latin Street
4 p.m. DJ and Open Dancing
Saturday, September 9, 1 – 4:45 p.m.
1 p.m. Salsa / Latin Rhythms
2 p.m. Country Two-Step / Second City Country Dance Association
3 p.m. Zouk / Urbanity Dance Chicago
4 p.m. Dabke / Phaedra Darwish
Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
11 a.m. DJ and Open Dancing
12 p.m. Steppin’ / Majestic Gents
1 p.m. Eastern European Folk Dance / Ethnic Dance Chicago
2 p.m. Bollywood / Meher Dance Company
3 p.m. Bachata / Desueño Dance
4 p.m. DJ and Open Dancing
