Your Guide to Chicago Food Events This July

July is always a jam-packed month for Chicago area food festivals, so we’ve rounded up a list of events happening in the city and suburbs, including long-standing favorites and an inaugural Italian beef festival. Be sure to check the ticket information before you go. 

Are we missing an event? Email us for consideration at [email protected]. 

July 3rd Celebration and Food Truck Fest

Friday, July 3 | Main Park, 10925 La Porte Rd., Mokena
This family friendly event in Mokena features more than a dozen food trucks, plus live entertainment and a fireworks show.

Taste of Oak Brook

Friday, July 3 | Village Sports Core Fields, 700 Oak Brook Rd., Oak Brook
This event doubles as a celebration of the restaurants of Oak Brook and of America’s 250th anniversary. It also includes a drone and fireworks show.

Taste of Chicago

Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday, July 12 | Grant Park
This Chicago summer tradition since 1980 returns to Grant Park for another year of showcasing the city’s eateries. 

Windy City Smokeout

Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday, July 12 | Outside of the United Center
This country music festival outside the United Center is also a BBQ festival, with pitmasters from all over the country.

Horner Brew Fest

Friday, July 17 | Horner Park 
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.

Taste of River North

Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 | 627 N Wells St.
Sample food from the River North culinary scene with this 21st annual street festival, which also includes a Saturday morning dog parade.

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19 | 2000 W Belmont Ave.
The city’s “Best Patty Party” returns for its 19th year, with burgers and other food offerings from more than a dozen Chicago restaurants.

Tacos y Tamales Festival

Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19 | Blue Island Ave. between Wolcott and Ashland avenues
Modeled after a traditional Tianguis market, the Tacos y Tamales Festival is back to celebrate authentic Latin American cuisine with a variety of styles of tacos, tamales, handmade tortillas, music, art installations, and more.

Taste of Highwood

Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19 | Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood
This celebration of the restaurants in north suburban Highwood coincides with the community’s Highwood Days carnival, as well as a 5K run and walk.

Summer Wine Fest

Saturday, July 18 | Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo hosts this 21+ soiree for wine enthusiasts, along with a garden tour and a ballroom dancing workshop.

Ravenswood on Tap

Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 | Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues
Enjoy the many beverages of Chicago’s Malt Row with this festival. Street food vendors, cocktails from KOVAL, mini golf, and more round out the entertainment.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26 | 2500 N. Lincoln Avenue
This popular street festival now in its 42nd year highlights restaurants on a stretch of Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park and includes whiskey and spirit tasting, live bands, and a children’s carnival. This event also features a dog parade on Saturday morning. 

Margarita Night

Wednesday, July 29 | Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood
This margarita-centric festival in Highwood boasts a tropical theme, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, and margaritas in the park.

Chicago Italian Beef Fest

Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2 | Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.
This inaugural festival will celebrate one of Chicago’s beloved favorites: the Italian beef.