Grab your stretchy pants and mark your calendars, Chicago’s food fest season is heating up, and it's not just the grills. From BBQ bonanzas to food truck feasts and late-night street markets, the city is dishing out something for every palate. Whether you're into ribs, bao buns, or fusion eats on wheels, here are the top food festivals you must hit this summer.
1. Taste of Chicago Neighborhood Pop-Ups
Dates: June 28 (Marquette Park), July 19 (Pullman Park), August 9 (Albany Park)
Locations: Various Neighborhoods
Chicago’s iconic food fest goes hyperlocal, bringing a taste of the big event to different neighborhoods. Expect a block party vibe with diverse food vendors, live music, and fun for the whole family.
2. Chicago Food Truck Festival
Dates: June 28–29
Location: 2300 S. Indiana Ave., South Loop
One of the largest gatherings of gourmet food trucks in the Midwest returns for its 12th year. From empanadas to lobster rolls, this street-eats celebration is packed with variety and flavor.
3. Windy City Hot Dog Fest
Date: May 30 - June 1
Location: 4000 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago’s most delicious rivalry takes center stage as hot dog vendors battle for bragging rights and your vote. With live music, family fun, and mouthwatering toppings galore, this sausage showdown is a must for food lovers.
4. Argyle Night Market
Dates: Thursdays, July 3 – Aug. 28
Location: Argyle St, Uptown
Celebrate Uptown’s Asian heritage under the stars with sizzling skewers, street food, and global eats. Live performances and artisan vendors make this a weekly summer ritual.
5. West Fest Chicago
Dates: July 18–20
Location: 1800-2000 W Chicago Ave.
This hip neighborhood festival blends Chicago’s indie food scene with top-notch music. Come for the food, stay for the DJs and the unbeatable West Side energy.
6. Ravenswood On Tap
Dates: July 19–20
Location: Ravenswood Corridor
Beer lovers, this one’s for you. Sample local brews, dig into food from neighborhood favorites, and vibe to live music — all in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor.
7. Chi Food Truck Fest
Dates: Fridays, May 16–Oct. 3
Location: 50 W. Washington St.
Skip your sad desk lunch — downtown’s longest-running food truck fest rolls out weekly with everything from tacos to tiramisu. Great for quick bites, people-watching, and supporting local small businesses.
8. Windy City Smokeout
Dates: July 10–13
Location: United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street
BBQ dreams come true at this four-day meat-and-music extravaganza featuring 22 award-winning pitmasters from across the country. Bonus: live country tunes and themed events like “The Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” and a boozy brunch.
9. Chinatown Summer Fair
Dates: July 26 (12–10 p.m.), July 27
Location: 2200 S. Wentworth Ave.
From savory dumplings to traditional lion dances, this weekend fair is a cultural and culinary explosion in the heart of Chinatown. Don’t miss the street eats and stunning performances.
10. Ribfest Chicago
Dates: June 6–8
Location: 4000 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago’s reigning rib champion turns 25. More than 20 vendors compete for BBQ glory while families enjoy a kid-friendly zone and a full music lineup. Come hungry — leave with sauce on your face.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.