Summer in Chicago means festival season, with every weekend bringing celebrations ranging from block parties to giant concerts. The city’s diverse food and beverage offerings get plenty of time to shine, with festivals devoted to specific foods such as tacos and burgers or providing the chance to taste beers from dozens of local breweries. Beyond offering a huge array of options from local restaurants, the festivals also include plenty of other fun in the sun, including live music, games and eating contests.
Mark your calendar and prepare to spend the season chowing down at these 34 festivals. Samantha Klotz, of Kinzie Chophouse, with a platter of burgers during Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park on Sept. 29, 2018.
(John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) The kicks off from 7-10 p.m.
Sept. 26 with a night of tacos prepared by local chefs paired with cocktails and agave spirits. The next day, diners can feast on burgers and vote for their favorites from 6-9 p.
m. and then continue the party with bites and cocktails at TAO Chicago from 9 p.m.
to midnight. Get dressed up for a fashion magazine-themed grand cru tasting of wine and spirits 7-10 p.m.
Sept. 28 and get a last taste of the celebration with brunch from 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Sept.
29. Feast on a whole live East Coast lobster served with corn, potatoes and a drink ($61) or just order a la carte from an array of seafood dishes, snacks and sweets while listening to live music. Bryan Balderson, from left, Anna Ledford, and Claire Balderso.