Taste of Lincoln Avenue 2025: Chicago’s Street Fest Powerhouse Returns with Food, Whiskey & Live Music

Chicago, get ready to crank up the volume and raise a glass—Taste of Lincoln Avenue is back for its 41st year, and this isn’t your average neighborhood street fest. Set in the bustling heart of the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood, the iconic summer celebration returns July 25–26, transforming 2500 N. Lincoln Avenue, between Fullerton and Wrightwood, into a full-blown sensory experience.

This isn’t just a food fest—it’s a four-in-one cultural mashup. Picture this: the boldest flavors from local restaurants, spirits tastings that’ll knock your socks off, live bands that bring the funk, the rock, and everything in between, plus a family-friendly carnival that turns the weekend into a playground for all ages.

Hungry festivalgoers can dig into dishes from some of Chicago’s neighborhood heroes, including Paula’s Thai Kitchen, Medi Kitchen + Cocktail, Sapori Trattoria, Tandoor Charhouse, and Butcher and the Bear. These aren’t your average vendors—they’re the flavor architects of Lincoln Park, ready to serve street food with soul.

The real buzz, though, comes from the whiskey and spirits experiences. On Friday, July 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., you can indulge in the Taste of Lincoln Avenue Spirits Tasting. For just $22, sample over 16 varieties of vodka, tequila, and bourbon—then ride that warm glow straight to the main stage, where the music will be kicking into high gear.

But if you’re a serious whiskey head, Saturday, July 26, is where the action’s at. From 3 to 5 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m., the fest hosts “Whiskies on Lincoln – A Midwest Tasting Event,” featuring curated samples from some of the Midwest’s best distilleries. And guess who’s behind it? Delilah’s Chicago, the city’s legendary punk-meets-whiskey dive, voted Bar of the Year at the 2019 Icons of Whiskey Awards. The price is just $22 in advance or $25 at the door—and for that, you’re tasting greatness.

Not to be outdone, Saturday morning also goes to the dogs—literally. At 11 a.m., the annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue Dog Parade brings four-legged fashionistas to the spotlight. It’s free, it’s adorable, and it’s one of the most beloved traditions of the fest. Register your pup and strut that tail down Lincoln Avenue like it’s a runway.

For families, the fun doesn’t stop. The Kids Area is alive all weekend with inflatable bounce houses, arts and crafts stations, and classic carnival games. It’s all the joy of a summer fair with the energy of the big city.

And of course, no Chicago festival is complete without a killer soundtrack. As the sun sets, the stages come alive with a lineup of live bands across multiple genres—from indie grooves to classic rock to funk that’ll get your feet moving. Whether you’re sipping whiskey, chasing your kid through the carnival, or dancing in the streets, the vibe is electric and the memories are guaranteed.

So mark your calendars. This isn’t just another summer weekend—it’s Taste of Lincoln Avenue, and it’s where Chicago comes alive.

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