Taste Of Chicago Is To-Go This Summer

CHICAGO — One of the world's largest free-admission food festivals will look a little different this year.

Every summer, hundreds of Chicago restaurants, bars, ice cream shops and more pack Grant Park for five days of the Taste of Chicago. Last year the "Taste" was cancelled, but as Chicago vows to open completely by July for summer of 2021, the Taste of Chicago will be taken to go.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Wednesday an initiative to revitalize Chicago's arts and culture scene after major losses during the pandemic. This included bringing back the Taste, but with many restaurants offering to-go options and pop-up events to reduce crowding.

"Taste of Chicago To-Go will return this summer with special events around the city — including pop-up cooking demonstrations, the return of the 'Community Eats' community meals program, and other special events promoting Chicago’s amazing restaurant industry," Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events said in a release.

The updated events will take place throughout July, August and September to avoid the thousands of out-of-town visitors the festival normally brings.