July 8 – 10: A Bite-sized Taste of Chicago in Grant Park
Taste Returns with Six Days Showcasing Chicago’s Culinary Talents Citywide
Music highlights include Nelly, Aterciopelados, Drive-By Truckers,
Sadie Woods, Soul City Blues and more—Free Admission
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are pleased to announce the food vendor and entertainment lineup for the 2022 Taste of Chicago, presented by John Deere. Established in 1980, this uniquely-Chicago summertime tradition returns with an impressive array of eateries showcasing the city’s culinary excellence and diversity. Along with delicious eats, attendees will enjoy free admission to top tier musical talent, Chicago SummerDance lessons, family activities and more over six days of Taste of Chicago in the neighborhoods of Austin (June 11), Pullman (June 18) and Little Village (June 25) and a bite-sized Taste of Chicago in Grant Park (July 8-10).
“Taste of Chicago is a celebration of our city’s incredible culinary scene and cultural vibrancy that attracts thousands of residents and tourists alike,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “I cannot wait to welcome everyone to this iconic festival and enjoy classic Chicago eats alongside new cutting-edge dishes. Year after year, I discover something new and have a great time, and I hope our revelers do too.”
“After an all-virtual Taste in 2020 and community pop-ups in 2021, we are thrilled to bring Taste back to Grant Park and back into our neighborhoods in 2022,” shared DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “We are excited to showcase the food and music of Pullman, Austin and Little Village this summer, and spotlight other DCASE summertime traditions like Blues Festival and SummerDance in our programming. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s Taste, throughout the city.”
This June, Taste of Chicago expands with a series of three free events on consecutive Saturdays from 12noon – 8pm in the Chicago neighborhoods of Austin (June 11) featuring music by Soul City Blues, part of the Chicago Blues Festival; Pullman (June 18) featuring Chicago SummerDance; and Little Village (June 25) showcasing the best flavors of the neighborhood. Schedules enclosed; more details at TasteofChicago.us.
Additionally, Taste of Chicago returns to its well-known home in Grant Park alongside the Buckingham Fountain from Friday – Sunday, July 8 – 10 with over 30 vendors and three stages presenting free performances, dance classes, family activities and more. Full lineup enclosed. Note: There will not be Taste tickets this year; cash or credit card are accepted by all food vendors. All performances are free admission this year. Details at TasteofChicago.us.
The Taste of Chicago reflects the vibrant diversity of the City of Chicago as the free event draws visitors from across the region, the United States and even the world. At least a third of the eateries at Taste are minority owned and about a quarter owned by women.
“John Deere and Taste of Chicago have a shared passion for feeding the world and supporting our local communities,” said Johanna Acevedo, Group Engineering Manager, Global IT Chicago at John Deere. “With our new office in Chicago, this event allows us to support the city while also raising awareness of where food comes from – and the people who work tirelessly to provide for our communities.”
Taste of Chicago Austin
Saturday, June 11
12pm – 8pm
Featuring Soul City Blues
Austin neighborhood, 5720 W Chicago Ave
Free admission
Taste of Chicago comes to Austin with top local food vendors and live Blues music. Celebrating the living legacy of the Chicago Blues on the city’s west side, top talent from the Chicago Blues Festival perform throughout the day while guests enjoy everything from Caribbean bites and savory soul food to the best tacos, mouthwatering gumbo and more.
Taste of Chicago Austin Food vendors include Catered By Kish, Cooking from the Soul Catering, Cynthia’s Gumbo Express, Doom Street Eats, Josephine’s Southern Cooking, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food, Ms Tittle’s Cupcakes, Razpachos, Robinson’s No.1 Ribs, Schweet Foods, The Sole Ingredient Catering and Whadda Jerk.
Taste of Chicago Austin Music schedule – Presented by Soul City Blues
12-1pm Mzz Reese
1:20-2:20pm Joe Pratt and The Source One Band
2:40-3:40pm Mary Lane and The No Static Blues Band
4:00-5:00pm Tail Dragger
5:20-6:20pm Demetria Taylor
6:40-7:55pm Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
Taste of Chicago Pullman
Saturday, June 18
12pm – 8pm
Pullman Park, 11101 S Cottage Grove
Free admission
Taste of Chicago Pullman brings food vendors, music and Chicago SummerDance classes to the neighborhood. Guests can fill up on tasty ribs, artesian sandwiches, exotic and gourmet sausages/hot dogs and more, then dance it off with free introductory lessons followed by music. Taste of Chicago Pullman features a fun variety of DJ and live music performances hosted by Charise Bennett of Komikal1 Entertainment.
Food vendors include Don Paleta, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food, Ms Tittle’s Cupcakes, Cynthia’s Gumbo Express Inc, AUNTIE VEE’S KITCHEN, Catered By Kish, Taco Sublime, Razpachos, Robinson’s No.1 Ribs, Yum Dum, Chicago’s Doghouse, Southside Grinds, Coffee Co, JUS SANDWICHES, Burp Restaurant and catering, TRUTH Ribzzz and more.
Taste of Chicago Pullman Music schedule
Hosted by Charise Bennett of Komikal1 Entertainment
1-1:45pm DJ Steve Miggidy Maestro
1:50-2pm Lizzie G
2:05-2:15pm DJ Steve Miggidy Maestro
2:20-2:30pm Peter Jerico
2:35-3:30pm DJ Steve Miggidy Maestro
3:35-3:45pm Jabba44x
4:00-4:10pm Kine Melik
4:20-5:00pm DJ Steve Miggidy Maestro
5:15-6pm Chicago Band Roster Spotlight
6-6:45pm Meagan McNeal
7-8pm Aniba & The Soul Starz
SummerDance at Taste of Chicago Pullman – Schedule
Free introductory dance lessons for all ages and skill levels followed by music
12pm Salsa / Urbanity Dance Chicago
1pm Line Dancing / Fre2Dance
2pm Steppin’ / Dawud & Lura Shareef
3pm Footwork / The Urban Ark
12 – 4pm Music by The Urban Ark
Taste of Chicago Little Village
Saturday, June 25
12pm – 8pm
Ortiz De Dominguez School, 3000 S Lawndale Ave
Little Village neighborhood
Free Admission
Enjoy a slice of Taste of Chicago in the Little Village neighborhood with local food vendors and music. Note: No alcohol permitted onsite at this event.
Food vendors include Don Paleta, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food, Ms Tittle’s Cupcakes, AUNTIE VEE’S KITCHEN, Taco Sublime, Razpachos, Yum Dum, Mr. E Chef Catering LLC, Healthy Haven, Chicago’s Doghouse, Prime tacos, Healthy Substance, Carnitas Y Tacos, Maravatio and Ann’s Flavored Cheesecakes.
Taste of Chicago Little Village – Music Schedule
12-12:15pm Intro’s
12:15-1:45pm DJ Greedy
1-2pm Jarochicanos
2:30 – 3:30pm Braided Janes
4 – 5pm Quinto Imperio
5:30 – 6:30pm Malafacha
6:30pm – 7:45pm DJ Jes
Taste of Chicago Grant Park
Friday, July 8 – Sunday, July 10
12pm – 8pm
Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain (Jackson & Columbus)
Free Admission
After two years, Taste of Chicago proudly returns to Grant Park with three days of incredible food, music and activities around the iconic Buckingham Fountain. In addition to the more than 30 food vendors, guests can enjoy a designated beer hall, wine tent, cocktail lounge and NBC Chicago Family Village in Grant Park.
Each evening presents a diverse mix of chart-topping, crowd-pleasing nightly concerts on the Taste Main Stage and the Goose Island Stage. Chicago Made, a DCASE initiative that supports Chicago’s makers and dreamers, presents top emerging talent as openers for the Taste Main Stage. Music lineups below; free admission to all concerts. Note: There will not be Taste tickets this year; cash or credit card are accepted by all food vendors. Details at [tasteofchicago.us]TasteofChicago.us.
Food vendors include Whadda Jerk, The Original Rainbow Cone, Don Paleta, Mr. Quiles Mexican Food, Decadent Flavor, Ms Tittle’s Cupcakes, Haire’s Gulf Shrimp, Buona Beef, Cynthia’s Gumbo Express Inc, AUNTIE VEE’S KITCHEN, La Cocinita Food Truck, Taco Sublime, Josephine’s Cooking, Robinson’s No.1 Ribs, Churro Factory, Yum Dum, Mr E Chef Catering LLC, The Sole Ingredient Catering LLC, Doom Street Eats, Chicago’s Doghouse, Prime tacos, Healthy Substance, Seoul Taco Chicago LLC, Eli’s Cheesecake Company, Barangaroos Aussie Pies, BJ’s Market & Bakery, SJL Inc DBA Arun’s Thai Restaurant, Classic Cobbler Baked Goods Company, Tandoor Char House, Porkchop, Esperanza Kitchen Delights, Connie’s Pizza, and Restaurante Franco Inc.
Throughout the day, Chicago SummerDance, the largest annual outdoor live music and dancing series, turns Buckingham Fountain Plaza into a dance party with free dance lessons and live music. Highlights include classes featuring the four unique dance styles born in Chicago, the Chicago Children’s Theatre & The Q Brothers presenting a special family show and more.
“The Taste of Chicago is a wonderful tradition that showcases the diversity of our dynamic restaurant community. It’s one of my favorite summertime pastimes,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “This year’s Taste in the neighborhoods and Grant Park will offer a special bite of the city’s restaurant scenes and the reason why we are the greatest culinary city in the world.”
Taste Main Stage – Schedule of Performances
Friday, July 8
Host and DJ for the evening: DJ Mike P
5pm Shayln B and John The Author, presented by Chicago Made
6pm AMI
7:15pm Nelly
Saturday, July 9
DJ for the evening: Sandra Treviño
5pm Vivian Garcia and Pinqy Ring, presented by Chicago Made
6pm Girl K
7:15pm Aterciopelados
Sunday, July 10
DJ for the evening: Miss Alex White (White Mystery)
5pm Rebecca Brunner and Marina City, presented by Chicago Made
6pm Local H
7:15pm Drive-By Truckers
Goose Island Stage – Schedule of Performances
Friday, July 8
10:45am – 1pm DJ Janesita
Bandwith Chicago
12:30 – 2:15pm DJ Ayana Contreras
4 – 5pm Happy Hour Karaoke with The People’s Stage
5 – 6pm Stroll Exhibition, hosted by Lizzie G with DJ Breathlezz
6 – 8:30pm Trqpiteca
Saturday, July 9
10:45am – 2pm DJ Johnny Jones Lingo Chicago
Lane Tech Varsity Band
12:30-2pm Eli’s Cheesecake Birthday Celebration
2-3:30pm DJ Lady D
3:30-4:30pm Happy Hour Karaoke with The People’s Stage
4:30-6:30pm Sadie Woods
6:30-8:30pm DJ Mike P
Sunday, July 10
10:45am – 12:15pm DJ Chuck Wren
Lakeside Pride Marching Band
12:15-2pm DJ Machede
2-3:30pm DJ Selah Say
Chicago SummerDance at Taste – Schedule
Friday, July 8
SummerDance kicks off Taste with four dance styles born in Chicago! Guest emcee Jennifer Billock, author of “Here Are 4 Dance Styles Born In Chicago To Mark The ‘Year Of Chicago Dance’” (Block Club Chicago)
12pm Line Dancing, featuring the Cha-Cha Slide / Janelle E. Brown
1pm Steppin’ / Shaun Ballentine
2pm Polka Hop / Arletta Gromek
3pm Footwork / Christopher “Mad Dog” Thomas
12- 4pm Music by DJ Mwelwa
Saturday, July 9
11:30 – 1pm A Walkie Talkie Dancey Party! Presented by Chicago Children’s Theatre & The Q Brothers
1pm Ballroom Basics (for kids and families) / Dancing With Class
2pm East Coast Swing / May I Have This Dance
3pm Merengue / May I Have This Dance
1 – 4pm Music by May I Have This Dance
Sunday, July 10
12pm Salsa / La Mecca Dance Chicago
1pm Kizomba / Shafeeha Monae
2pm Bachata / Chicago Dance
3pm Afrobeat / Stacy “Jukeboxx” Letrice
12 – 4pm Music by DJ Kimani Rashad
Taste of Chicago 2022 is presented by John Deere and produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in coordination with the Illinois Restaurant Association, which manages food operations. The festival is sponsored in part by Goose Island Beer Company, Pepsi, NBC 5 & Telemundo Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, Eli’s Cheesecake, Illinois Lottery, Millennium Garages and
WGN TV.
For more information on the FREE-admission festival, visit TasteofChicago.us. and follow on Facebook at Taste of Chicago, on Twitter @TasteofChi and Instagram @ChicagoDCASE (#TasteofChicago).
Deere & Company
Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways we help meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news/.
Illinois Restaurant Association
Founded in 1914, the Illinois Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, educating and improving the restaurant industry in Illinois. The Association manages the food and beverage portion of Taste of Chicago for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. For more information, visit www.illinoisrestaurants.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. Visit chicago.gov/dcase.
