Taste of Chicago: What to know and where to eat

What to try: The classics will be on hand, including Robinson's No. 1 Ribs, Harold's, Rainbow Cone and Eli's, but try out some new spots like Chillafry, Lexington Betty Smoke House and Khmai.

• Food trucks will be posted up in the park, such as Caseras Sabor Real, Happy Lobster and Ms. Tittle's Cupcakes.

Zoom in: Music headliners include Lupe Fiasco (7pm Friday), JoJo (7pm Saturday) and Elvis Crespo (7pm Sunday).

• A DJ keeps the music going every night on the main stage, and DJs offer the beats for SummerDance classes in the afternoons, including line dancing, salsa, disco and, of course, footwork.

Plus, karaoke and neighborhood trivia!

• Is there anything more Chicago than eating ribs, sipping Old Style and showing off that you know where Chris Zorich went to high school?

Flashback: Taste of Chicago moved to September in 2023 after the city announced the NASCAR Chicago Street Race would take over Grant Park and the Loop over the July Fourth holiday, which caused a drop in attendance that year.

The intrigue: The city tried something new and brought Taste to the neighborhoods, including Pullman, Marquette Park and Albany Park this summer.

If you go: No tickets, and most vendors will only take credit cards.

• Gates open at 11am Friday. Set your game plan by checking out the map before, which includes a QR code for menus and best ways to get there.
• We're not saying don't drive, but don't say we didn't warn you when you're stuck on the Kennedy with a full belly and bladder.