Chicago’s 2025 Food Festivals & Markets: Your Guide to Application Success
Chicago’s vibrant food is shaping up to be better than ever in 2025, with exciting festivals and markets that present unparalleled opportunities for food vendors on the horizon. Whether you're the owner of a food truck, a pop-up, or an established business, these events offer the perfect platform to showcase your culinary prowess, engage new customers, and elevate your brand.
To streamline your journey through the application process, explore our curated list of the premier food festivals and markets set to take place in Chicago in 2025. Each listing is complete with event specifics, application deadlines, and compelling reasons to apply.
1. Taste of Chicago
Description: Taste of Chicago is the city's iconic food festival, renowned for its diverse cuisines, live music, and entertainment throughout a series of summer events.
Location and schedule:
Millennium Park, Chicago
Running June–September 2025
Application details:
Applications will be accessible via the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).
The 2025 deadline is pending, but anticipate a similar timeframe to the 2024 deadline of April 26.
Stay informed by visiting the official website.
Why apply:
Celebrated as one of the largest and most esteemed food festivals nationwide.
Offers outstanding exposure for food enterprises.
Guarantees significant foot traffic across multiple weekends.
2. Do Division Street Fest
Description: A dynamic street festival featuring local music, artisan vendors, and diverse food selections.
Location and schedule:
Division Street, Chicago
May 30 - June 1, 2025
Application details:
The 2025 deadline is to be determined, but anticipate a similar timeline to the 2024 season which was in early April.
Applications are currently open. Click here to apply.
Why apply:
Excellent community engagement; and an ideal opportunity for small food businesses.
It Combines music, shopping, and food, drawing substantial crowds.
3. Logan Square Arts Fest
Description: A lively celebration of art, music, and food within the Logan Square neighborhood.
Location and schedule:
Logan Square, Chicago
June 28-30
Application details:
Applications are currently open, click here to apply.
Why apply:
Engage with a diverse, artistic community.
Showcase innovative and creative culinary offerings.
5. Argyle Night Market
Description: An evening market celebrating Uptown's cultural diversity with food, performances, and artisans.
Location and schedule:
Argyle Street, Chicago
Thursdays, July – August 2025
Application details:
Applications are currently open, click here to apply.
Why Apply:
Experience a unique night market vibe.
Forge connections with a community valuing diverse culinary traditions.
6. Forest Park Music Fest
Description: A three-day festival showcasing live music, artisan vendors, and delectable food options.
Location and schedule:
Forest Park, Chicago
July 20-22, 2025
Application details:
Coordinated through StarEvents.
The 2025 deadline is TBD, historically mid-May in 2024. Apply here.
Why apply:
Draws a diverse and spirited crowd.
Ideal for vendors with festival-friendly food offerings.
7. West Fest Chicago
Description: A community festival celebrating local food, retail, and music in the vibrant West Town area.
Location and schedule:
West Town, Chicago
July 12-14
Application details:
Applications are currently open. Click here to apply.
Why apply:
Be part of an established community event.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with dedicated attendees.
8. Ravenswood On Tap
Description: A festival spotlighting local breweries, food vendors, and live music in Ravenswood.
Location and schedule:
Ravenswood, Chicago
July 19 & 20, 2025
Application details:
Applications are currently open, click here to apply.
Why apply:
Align your offerings with craft beer aficionados.
Engage a community that supports local businesses.
9. Vegandale Festival
Description: A grand festival dedicated to vegan cuisine, drinks, and lifestyle brands.
Location and schedule:
Chicago, IL (exact location TBD)
June 21 & 22
Application details:
Applications are currently open. Click here to apply.
Why apply:
Ideal for plant-based and health-conscious culinary enterprises.
Attracts a passionate audience focused on vegan and sustainable living.
10. Wicker Park Fest
Description: One of Chicago's top street festivals featuring innovative performances and high-quality food.
Location and schedule:
Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park, Chicago
July 25 – 27, 2025
Application details:
Applications are currently open, click here to apply.
Why apply:
Reach a broad, diverse audience in a thriving neighborhood.
Showcase culinary talents alongside top-tier entertainment.
Need a commercial kitchen space for production? Nimbus has you covered
Securing a spot at one of these events is just the first step—having the right kitchen space to prepare your food is just as important. That’s where Nimbus comes in.
Nimbus offers state-of-the-art, fully licensed commercial kitchens designed for food entrepreneurs, small businesses, and caterers. Whether you need a dedicated space for high-volume production or a flexible kitchen to support your festival operations, Nimbus provides affordable, on-demand kitchen rentals to help you scale efficiently.
Why choose Nimbus?
Fully equipped kitchens with top-tier appliances
Flexible rental plans to fit your production schedule
Health department-compliant spaces to meet licensing requirements
Prime location in River North for easy access to your event sites
Supportive food business community with networking opportunities
Get ready for your next event with Nimbus
As you prepare to showcase your brand at Chicago’s best food festivals and markets, make sure your kitchen operations are seamless. Join the Nimbus community today and take your food business to the next level!
Click here to get in touch with our team about becoming a member!
With so many exciting events on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for Chicago’s food entrepreneurs. Start planning now, submit your applications early, and secure the kitchen space you need to make your next big event a success!
