The Ultimate Guide to Taste of Chicago Parking

Chicago’s tastiest end-of-summer tradition is back! The Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park this year from September 8-10, 2023. Visitors to the annual festival can eat their way through Chicago’s diverse culinary scene, and enjoy other attractions like live music, pop-up restaurants, rides, games, and much more!

SpotHero is here to help with everything you need to know to have a great Taste weekend, full of delicious food and fun!

Admission and Costs

Admission to Taste of Chicago is free. Food and beverages are a la carte. Unlike previous years, Taste will not be selling any food and drink tickets, and instead all vendors will be accepting cash and credit cards. 

What to Expect

Many vendors and food trucks offer small “tasting” options in addition to mains so that visitors have plenty of room to sample more options for less, so save room! Visitors can also enjoy live music, dancing, a karaoke contest with a $500 prize, and special activities for kids, including face painting and inflatables. You can click here for additional event details.

Dates and Times

Taste of Chicago will be held in Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain from Friday, September 8 until Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Alcohol sales end at 8:45 p.m. 

Getting to Taste of Chicago

Located near the Loop, Grant Park is a short walk from multiple public transit spots:

From the CTA elevated lines (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines): exit at Washington/Wabash and walk east.

From the CTA subway: exit at Lake (Red Line) or Washington (Blue Line) and walk east.

From the Metra: Exit at Van Buren Street Station (Metra Line ME) or LaSalle Street Station (Metra Line RI) and walk east. All other lines exit at Union Station (Metra lines BNSF, HC, MD-N, MD-W, NCS, and SWS) and walk or travel east. 

Grant Park is also served by CTA bus lines 3, 4, 6, J14, 20, 56, 60, 124, 146, 147, 151, and 157.

If you’re driving, there are a large number of nearby spots available for a fee. The closest parking garages are Grant Park North Garage (25 N. Michigan Ave.), Grant Park South Garage (325 S. Michigan Ave.) and Millennium Park Garage & Millennium Lakeside Garage (5 S. Columbus Dr.).

For more summer fun, check out our Ultimate Guide to Grant Park Summer Events!

SpotHero is here to help you find a spot for all of your favorite summertime events. Book parking here or download our app on iOS or Android today!