Taste of Chicago Returns to July for First Time Since 2022

The iconic food festival will reclaim its traditional summer dates after being pushed to September for 3 years due to NASCAR race.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:31pm

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After being held in September for the past three years due to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, the Taste of Chicago is returning to its traditional July dates in 2026, the city announced. The Taste will take place from July 8-12 in Grant Park, reclaiming its longstanding spot around the 4th of July holiday.

Why it matters

The Taste of Chicago is a beloved 46-year-old summer tradition in the city, drawing millions of attendees over the years. Its shift to September in recent years due to the NASCAR race had disrupted the event's typical timing and programming. This move back to July will restore the Taste's place as a key part of Chicago's summer festivities.

The details

The Taste of Chicago food festival will be held from July 8-12, 2026 in Grant Park after being pushed to September for the past three years due to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. The auto race, officially called the Grand Park 165, had taken over the roads around Grant Park around the 4th of July holiday. However, NASCAR announced the race will not return to downtown Chicago in 2026, allowing the Taste to reclaim its traditional summer dates.

  • The Taste of Chicago was held in September from 2023-2025 due to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
  • The Taste will return to its July dates from July 8-12, 2026.
  • The Taste of Chicago has been a Chicago tradition for 46 years, starting in 1980.

The players

Jane Byrne

The mayor of Chicago who started the Taste of Chicago festival in 1980.

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The city department that announced the Taste of Chicago will return to its July dates in 2026.

NASCAR

The auto racing organization that held the Chicago Street Race, officially called the Grand Park 165, in Grant Park from 2023-2025, leading to the Taste being pushed to September.

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What’s next

The concert schedule for the 2026 Taste of Chicago has not yet been announced.

The takeaway

The return of the Taste of Chicago to its traditional July dates in 2026 will restore a beloved summertime tradition in Chicago after it was disrupted by the NASCAR race in recent years. This move reinforces the Taste's status as a key part of the city's vibrant summer festival lineup.