Get those taste buds in high gear!
Want the lowdown on the best food festivals in Chicago?
From hidden foodie events to global extravaganzas, our guide has you covered.
Prepare for a mouth-watering schedule, from bratwurst at the West Loop Bavarian Block Party to avocado greens & salsa reds at Chicago Gourmet.
Let’s tuck in!
PS - You may want to bookmark this page as I plan on updating it every year.
Lesser-known and underrated Chicago food fests
Stock image.
Looking for food parties beyond Taste of Chicago?
Let us tell you about the mouthwatering pizzas at Pizza City Fest and the authentic Thai cuisine at Thai Festival Chicago.
These criminally underrated and lesser-known Chicago food fests are a food lover's dream come true.
Pizza City Fest
A pizza lover’s dream!
Pizza City Fest in Chicago showcases various pizza styles from across the Windy City.
And it’s not just food stalls—expect speakers, seminars, and even “doughcent”-led pizza tours!
#DidYouKnow: Chicago has more than ten different kinds of pizza, from Deep-Dish to Sicilian, and even Artisan.
Website: Visit their website
2025 Dates: Fall 2025.
Location: In the West Loop
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo
Sip and stroll among the Zoo’s residents and lush habitats, after-hours!
Enjoy over a hundred craft beers and ciders, live music, yard games, and delicious bites from local food trucks.
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo is an unforgettable night out in late spring for Chicago’s foodies and animal lovers!
Pro tip: Grab an early access ticket to get started an hour early.
Website: Visit their website
2024 Dates: Saturday, June 15th.
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
Taste of Melrose Park
Searching for a food festival in Chicago’s suburbs? You’ve hit the jackpot with Taste of Melrose Park!
Have your fill from a variety of food vendors offering everything from artichoke casserole & ravioli to steak teriyaki & stuffed mushrooms. They even have a stall manned by nuns from a local convent!
And then enjoy family-friendly music, carnival rides, and even a grand fireworks show.
Website: Visit their website
2024 Dates: Friday, August 30th, to Sunday, September 1st.
Location: 1000 North 25th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160 (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
EEEEEATSCON
An awesome Chicago food party and convention, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
EEEEEATSCON bills itself as a music festival, but with restaurants for headliners.
Expect innovative dishes, with imports from across the country, backed up with live music.
And if you’re interested, join some of the panels on various aspects of the restaurant industry.
Pro tip: Entry is free for children under 6 and service dogs (of any age).
Website: Visit their website
2024 Dates: Saturday, July 13th, and Sunday, July 14th.
Location: The Salt Shed (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
Chef BBQ
The Windy City’s top restaurants, winemakers, and mixologists converge on Green City Market in early fall for one of the best food and wine festivals in Chicago—Chef BBQ.
Enjoy seasonal Midwest dishes, made locally and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Just like at EEEEEATSCON, you can expect vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options.
Plus - All proceeds support Green City Market’s sustainable farming and food education initiatives.
Website: Visit their website
2024 Dates: Thursday, September 5th.
Location: Green City Market in Lincoln Park (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
World Dumpling Fest
Could you ever have thought that there would be an entire food festival based solely on dumplings?
Check out the World Dumpling Fest!
This all-ages food event brings together neighborhood restaurants from across Chicago, offering delicious dumplings from around the world.
Enjoy food & music, and explore various cultures while supporting the Chicago Cultural Alliance.
Website: Visit their website
2024 Dates: Saturday, September 21st.
Location: Logan Square (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
Thai Festival Chicago
Now here’s a food festival with a bit of a kick!
Authentic Thai cuisine like stir-fries, salads and tropical fruit drinks, backed up by Muay Thai (kick-boxing) and music.
If that sounds like a fascinating afternoon, mark your calendar for Chicago’s Thai Festival.
Website: Visit their Facebook
2024 Dates: Saturday, June 8th, and Sunday, July 9th.
Location: 851 W Irving Park Rd (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival
Indulge yourself in this Windy City festival dedicated to fine wines at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Enjoy over a hundred and fifty wine selections, exclusive after-hours museum access, live DJ, and gourmet food vendors.
Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival is epic fun—and not just for wine connoisseurs.
Pro tip: Admission tiers include General, Early, and VIP. Check the website for details.
Website: Visit their website
2024 Date: Saturday, March 9th.
Location: Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
Blood Mary Fest
Blood Mary Fest is the ultimate brunch festival in Chicago—with a side of yoga!
Have a whiff of the city's finest Bloody Mary cocktails, enjoy brunch bites, and vote for the best mix.
The Fest also features an artisan market, lawn games, and fitness activities (including yoga) in the morning.
Website: Visit their website
2024 Dates: Although the 2024 dates are unknown as of now, their Instagram profile clearly says they’ll be back this year.
Location: Theater on the Lake (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer
Experience the finest in barrel-aged brews at this beer fest in Chicago. The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer is the largest festival of its kind in North America.
Sample from hundreds of beers, ciders, meads, and perries while enjoying live music and engaging events.
Note: While their website still shows the 2023 dates, they announced on their Facebook that it’s happening this year!
Website: Visit their website
2024 Dates: Friday, November 22nd, and Saturday, November 23rd.
Location: UIC Credit Union 1 Arena (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)
Ravenswood On Tap
Ravenswood On Tap is a lively beer fest in the suburbs, held annually in the Ravenswood Corridor.
Enjoy craft beers from Malt Row breweries, KOVAL Distillery cocktails, live music, street food, and fun activities like axe-throwing.
A fantastic mix of local brews, entertainment, and support for local community and small business initiatives.
Website: Visit their website
2024 Dates: Saturday, July 20th, and Sunday, July 21st.
Location: 4200 N Ravenswood Ave (Check address / Plan route on Google Maps)