Taste Of Chicago Will Return To Being Held In July

The Taste of Chicago will return to its traditional July schedule in 2026, following a shift to September due to the NASCAR Street Race. Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth announced the projected timing during a City Council budget hearing, citing the event's significance as a summer highlight for Chicagoans. This year, the Taste achieved $2. 8 million in food and drink sales, benefiting from a new 10 percent commission on vendors. Hedspeth indicated that moving back to July could enhance sales further, reflecting a positive trend.

The city has not yet decided whether the Taste will remain in July after 2026. Additionally, the Department of Cultural Affairs is evaluating the possibility of reintroducing smaller Taste events in neighborhoods. The Taste's return to summer aligns with its historical role in Chicago's cultural landscape. This change reflects a broader commitment to fostering local events that celebrate community and culinary diversity.