18 Food Events in Chicago to Dig Into This July

Meredith Francis

June 26, 2023

A person's hands pouring a beer out of a tap

Image: Courtesy of Ravenswood on Tap

Between at least three taco-centric events, beer festivals, farmers markets, and an entire street fest devoted to burgers, there is plenty to dig into this month in and around Chicago. Be sure to double-check the event pages for times, locations, and admission information.

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1. Taste of Oak Brook

Monday, July 3 | 700 Oak Brook Rd., Oak Brook
Kick off your Fourth of July a day early with the Taste of Oak Brook, which features restaurants from the western suburb. Fireworks and music will also be a part of the festivities.

2. Pullman City Market

Beginning Wednesday, July 5 through October 25 | 11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
This weekly, city-run farmers market returns to Pullman starting Wednesday, July 5 and runs through October. It is held every Wednesday.

3. Roscoe Village Burger Fest

Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7 | 2000 W. Belmont Ave.
Billed as the “Midwest’s Best Patty Party,” this burger festival returns for its 16th year. A variety of vendors will be grilling up burgers, and there will be games and other entertainment.

4. Square Roots Festival

Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 9 | Lincoln Avenue between Wilson and Montrose
This music and craft beer festival in Lincoln Square features beer from Half Acre, Dovetail, Begyle, Maplewood, Pilot Project and Northman Cider Co. Dozens of bands will perform, and food will be available from nearby restaurants.

5. Naperville Ale Fest

Saturday, July 8 | Naper Settlement, Naperville
More than 150 craft beers will be on tap for this beer festival in Naperville. Food will also be served from local favorites for this rain or shine event.

6. Bronzeville City Market

Beginning Sunday, July 9 through Sunday, October 15 | 4700 S. King Dr.
This weekly, city-run farmers market returns to Bronzeville starting Sunday, July 9 and runs through October. It is held every Sunday.

7. Windy City Smokeout

Thursday, July 13 through Sunday, July 16 | 1901 W. Madison St.
BBQ and beer meet country music for this four-day festival, located just outside the United Center. Zach Bryan, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, and Zac Brown Band headline the music portion of the event. More than two dozen vendors from all around the country will serve up a variety of BBQ styles.

8. Taste of Chicago – Pullman Park

Saturday, July 15 | 11101 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
One of the city’s three smaller, neighborhood-based Taste of Chicago events will take place in Pullman Park this month.

9. Chicago Craft Beer Fest

Friday, July 15 through July 16 | 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.
This beer festival will be located in Jonquil Park in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

10. World Music and Food Fest

Saturday, July 15 | The Lot, Highland Park
Music and food from all over the world come together for this festival in downtown Highland Park.

11. Margarita Night

Wednesday, July 19 | Everts Park, Highwood
Take a midweek break with a margarita for this Jimmy Buffet-themed event. The event features margaritas, Mexican food, key lime pie, and more.

12. Taco Crawl

Thursday, July 20 | Clark St. between Devon Ave. and Touhy Ave
Celebrate all things tacos with the Taco Crawl in Rogers Park. There will be two different routes participants can take.

13. Highwood Days & Taco Fest

Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23 | Everts Park
Highwood’s annual Highwood Days carnival combines with Taco Fest this year for one, big, four-day festival featuring more than 20 taco vendors. The booze tent will feature Cutwater Spirits, margaritas, palomas and mules, Mexican beer, and more.

14. Horner Brew Fest

Friday, July 21 | Horner Park
Enjoy craft beer and cider from more than thirty of the city’s breweries under the trees in Horner Park. This beer festival doubles as a fundraiser for environmental causes in the neighborhood.

15. Tacos y Tamales Festival

Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23 | 16th and Peoria Streets, Pilsen
An array of tamales from different regions in Latin America, handmade tortillas, and plenty of tacos will be served up at this Pilsen festival.

16. Taste of Lincoln Avenue

Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23 | 2500 N Lincoln Ave.
This annual event returns to Lincoln Avenue for its 39th year and features neighborhood restaurants. Separate tickets will also get you into a wine tasting or a whiskey tasting event.

17. Ravenswood on Tap

Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 | Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues
Visit one of the busiest brewing corridors in the city on Malt Row on Ravenswood with this event. KOVAL, Begyle, Dovetail, Half Acre, Hop Butcher for the World, and others will be featured.