16th Annual Taste of River North
River North's Signature Summer Event to Celebrate Neighborhood Food & Culture
The annual Taste of River North, presented by the River North Residents Association and produced by Ravenswood Special Events and Duff Entertainment, will showcase one of Chicago’s most entertaining destination neighborhoods in a variety of flavors for a 16th consecutive year, Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23.
From the area’s most dynamic restaurants and chefs to artisans and bands, Taste of River North features many of River North’s leading attractions in one spot, over one long weekend. With the Chicago River glistening on one end and Chicago’s mesmerizing skyline dancing off the other, the festival location – Montgomery Ward Park – is second to none.
Key Details
What: 2017 Taste of River North
When: Friday, July 21st - Sunday, July 23rd
Friday: 5 pm-10 pm
Saturday: noon-10 pm
Sunday: 11 am-8 pm
Where: Montgomery Ward Park at Erie & Kingsbury in Chicago, IL 60654
How Much: $5 suggested donation at the gate
NEW for 2017:
- Taste of River North this year will be the 1st ever Best of the Taste - giving attendees the ability to vote for their favorite vendors across a number of categories. Stay tuned for the categories!
- Celebrate the River North Residents Association 20th Anniversary at their booth – Visual History of River North, River North Trivia, the launch of the NEW My River North mobile app and more!
The Food & Drink
Taste of River North’s focus is on the local restaurant and chef-driven food scene. Everything featured at the Taste of River North is curated based on its quality and popularity in the neighborhood. The 2017 participating restaurant vendors include:
Big & Little's
Da Lobsta
El Campeon
El Hefe
Hutch American Cafe
Motel Bar
Pinstripes
Pranzi
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
SafeHouse Chicago
Sholado
The Lifeway Kefir Shop
Local River North hot spots, Hubbard Inn and Joy District, are also sponsoring the Taste of River North Beer Garden at the fest. After the fest, they are inviting festgoers to join them at the bar for no cover and drink specials all night long.
Friday: 10PM - close @ Hubbard Inn
Saturday: 10PM - close @ Hubbard Inn
Sunday: 8PM - close @ Joy District
The Music
The live music stage at Taste of River North features some of Chicago’s most popular party bands, headlined* on Friday by throwback heartthrobs, Boy Band Review; on Saturday by 80’s cover powerhouse, Sixteen Candles; and on Sunday by the legendary funk machine, The Heard. This year’s full weekend lineup is as follows:
Friday, July 21
5:00 Don’t Speak (No Doubt Tribute)
6:00 Funky Monks (RHCP Tribute)
7:00 Our Name is Jonas (Weezer Tribute)
8:30 Boy Band Review*
Saturday, July 22
12:00 To the 9s
2:00 Senn Alan Band
4:00 Stache
6:00 Hello Weekend
8:00 Sixteen Candles*
Sunday, July 23
12:00 Swingabilly Slim
2:00 The North 41
4:30 Nasty Snacks
6:00 The Heard*
The Kids Zone
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago & Kohl’s Cares, the philanthropic arm of Kohl's Department Stores, have teamed up to once again proudly present Lurie's Kids Activities at the Taste of River North. The Lurie's Kids Activity Area, located right next to Ward Park’s incredible playground, also includes amusing family entertainment like the bubble guy and various demonstrations from local organizations.
Saturday, July 22
11:00 - 5:00 Kids Zone programming (various vendors & partners)
12:00 - 2:30 Glowby the Bubbler
2:00 - 4:00 Balloon Making sponsored by State Farm
Sunday, July 23
11:00 - 5:00 Kids Zone programming (various vendors & partners)
12:00 - 3:00 Glowby the Bubbler
The Pet Experience
River North is a pet lover’s paradise and Taste of River North recognizes that pet friendliness with a full slate of activities for pets and their owners.
Saturday, July 22
12:00 -6:00 BLVD Pet photo booth
12:00 - 3:00 Tails Up Chicago &Bentley’s Pet Stuff bone bar
Sunday, July 23
12:00 - 6:00 BLVD Pet photo booth
11:00 -2:00 Tails Up Chicago &Bentley’s Pet Stuff bone bar
The Echoes Art on the Riverwalk
Echoes of Chicago , a local nonprofit organization, will activate Montgomery Park’s Riverwalk area through a celebration of local art, with contributions from Chicago artists, artisans, and craftspeople. In addition to a variety of performances and purchasable art. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to join this celebration of local art.
Saturday, July 22
Music:
1:20 - 2:30 JBrinae
5:30 - 6:00 Forever (Alt Rock)
7:30 - 8:00 Prelude to a Million
Arts & Crafts (all day):
Kite Decoration, Paper Bag Lantern Decoration, #ChiLoveYou postcard mural, Sugar Skull Decoration, Screenprint Station, Photobooth
Evening Activity:
Illuminated Balloons
Sunday, July 23
Music:
11:00 - 12:00 Animal Farm (popular kids band)
1:00 - 1:05 PMG (family-friend singalong)
1:05 - 2:00 Rob (instrumental)
4:00 - 4:30 The Perry Dontae Experience
5:30 - 6:00 The Pack Drumline
Arts & Crafts (all day):
Kite Decoration, Paper Bag Lantern Decoration, #ChiLoveYou postcard mural, Sugar Skull Decoration, Screenprint Station, Photobooth
Echoes of Chicago is a 100% volunteer run nonprofit whose mission is to create affordable, innovative arts and music events that promote Chicago culture and community while raising awareness and funds for local nonprofits.
The Morning Workouts
Back by popular demand are morning workouts in the park hosted by fest sponsor, East Bank Club. For those who want to start the day energized, East Bank trainers will lead a rigorous outdoor workout program for free – in front of the main stage. The workouts will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10:15 am before Taste of River North opens.
