Lakeview Taco Fest

Details

Fri, August 21, 2026 | 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat, August 22, 2026 | 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sun, August 23, 2026 | 11:00am to 9:00pm
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Overview

Savor the Flavors: The Lakeview Taco Fest Returns!

With its eclectic mix of trendy stores, charming boutiques, and delectable restaurants, the Southport Corridor is one of Chicago’s most sought-after destinations. This August, it gets even hotter as tacos take center stage at the 13th Annual Lakeview Taco Fest, a celebration of flavor, fun, and community.

Prepare your taste buds for a three-day fiesta that pays tribute to everyone’s favorite tortilla-wrapped delight. Whether you’re a fan of traditional fillings like chicken, steak, chorizo, and beef or crave innovative creations, this festival has it all! Over 10 of Chicago’s finest eateries will compete to craft the city’s most mouthwatering tacos.

🌮 Highlights of the Fest:

  • Beer & Taco Pairings: Enjoy seasonal brews that perfectly complement the festival’s flavorful offerings.
  • Live Entertainment: Two music stages featuring talented artists and performers will keep the energy alive.
  • Lucha Libre Action: Don’t miss the thrilling spectacle of Mexican wrestling—always a crowd favorite!
  • Family Fun: Activities for kids ensure fun for the whole family.
  • Best Taco Competition: Cast your vote via text and help crown Chicago’s “Best Taco.”

This vibrant celebration is more than just a food festival—it’s a seasonal tradition and a beloved fixture of the Windy City’s culinary scene. Plus, your $10 suggested donation supports the Friends of Lakeview, giving back to the community while you indulge in the fun.

Mark your calendar and join us in the Southport Corridor for a taco-filled weekend you won’t want to miss!

For additional information for this year’s Lakeview Taco Fest, including schedule, entertainment, participating vendors, and directions, see below.

Friday
6:00pm – Run Forrest Run
8:00pm – Boy Band Review

Saturday
11:30pm – UpBeat Music & Arts Academy
1:00pm – The Strangers: Music of The Cure
3:00pm – Funky Monks: Red Hot Chili Peppers Trib.
5:30pm – The Rumours Five: Fleetwood Mac Trib.
8:00pm – 16 Candles

Sunday
11:30pm – Mariachi Los Palmeros
1:00pm – The Prisscillas
2:30pm – Chicago Latin Groove
4:30pm – The Divas
7:00pm – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press

Friday
6:00pm – Super Creeps: Music of David Bowie
8:00pm – Too Fighters: Foo Fighters Tribute

Saturday
1:00pm – Mariachi Los Palmeros
2:30pm – RAVIV – Electric Cellos
4:30pm – Love In October
6:00pm – Into The Heart – U2 Tribute
8:00pm – Maggie Speaks

Sunday
11:30pm – School of Rock
1:30pm – Bucket Number Six
3:00pm – Cecy Santana Band
5:00pm – Rearview: Pearl Jam Tribute
7:00pm – iPop

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

 

The Lakeview Taco Fest VIP Experience offers an elevated taco-loving weekend in the heart of Lakeview, Chicago.

Ideal for those who want to taco-and-tequila without the usual festival hassle—VIP guests can focus on tasting top local tacos and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere in comfort and style.

For $50, you’ll receive:

– 2 complimentary drinks (choose from a variety of beers and specialty margaritas)
– Private Bar
– Seating and shade
– Private Bathroom
– Limited Taco and Mexican Food Samples from local restaurants

Banges – A Chicago-area food vendor serving flavorful tacos and Mexican-inspired favorites. Known for approachable street-fest fare that’s easy to enjoy on the go.

Beat Kitchen – A longtime Chicago neighborhood restaurant and live music venue known for casual American fare, burgers, sandwiches and a lively atmosphere.

Cafe Tola – A colorful Chicago favorite best known for its hand-rolled empanadas, tacos and Latin-inspired comfort food. The local concept began on Southport Avenue and has expanded to multiple locations.

Cabos Tacos – A festival-friendly concept serving tacos alongside Chicago-style favorites. Chicago’s Dog House is also known for creative hot dogs and casual street food.

Carnitas Roldan – A local Mexican food vendor specializing in traditional carnitas and tacos packed with slow-cooked, savory flavor.

Delicias Tacos – A Chicago-area Mexican food vendor offering tacos and other familiar Mexican favorites with bold, traditional flavors.

El Campeon – A local Mexican food vendor serving freshly prepared tacos and other classic street-food favorites.

Fernando’s Blue Agave – A Mexican restaurant known for tacos, fajitas, margaritas and a broad selection of traditional Mexican dishes in a casual setting.

La Cebollita Grill – A neighborhood Mexican grill serving tacos, burritos, tortas and other traditional favorites made for a quick, satisfying meal.

Tandoor Char House – A Chicago restaurant blending traditional Indian and Pakistani flavors with a modern steakhouse approach. Its menu features tandoori specialties, grilled meats and Zabiha Halal cuisine.

Taqueria Arceo – A traditional Chicago taqueria serving tacos and other Mexican staples in a casual, neighborhood-style setting.

Taqueria Teotihuacan – A Chicago Mexican restaurant known for traditional tacos, hearty Mexican dishes and authentic flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.

Tuco & Blondie – A lively Southport Corridor restaurant specializing in Tex-Mex favorites including tacos, sizzling fajitas, enchiladas and margaritas. Its colorful, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a neighborhood favorite.

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Join us each evening at 5pm at the intersection of Southport & Cornelia to see who will reign supreme!  This family-fun heart-stopping wrestling IN THE STREETS OF LAKEVIEW is guaranteed to go great with a taco and brew!

You be the judge … or leave it for the experts!

The People’s Choice text-to-vote for best taco throughout the weekend!  Winner will be announced at 4:45pm on Sunday at the Luche Libre ring located at Southport & Cornelia!

2025 Winner: Beat Kitchen

OR, have the critics decide!  The Critics Choice judging will take place on Saturday.  Winner will be announced at the Licha Libre ring located at Southport & Cornelia at 4:45pm!

2025 Winner: Cabos Tacos

A special thanks for this year’s judges:

Joshua Hernandez – Assignment Editor, CBS Chicago
Joshua Hernandez is a Chicago-based media professional with CBS Chicago, helping coordinate daily news coverage, breaking stories and assignments across the city and surrounding communities.

John Moug – Morning Host, Moug & Karla Mornings on B96
John Moug is a Chicago radio personality and co-host of Moug & Karla Mornings on B96, bringing humor, pop culture, music and listener-driven conversation to weekday mornings.

Lisa Santos – Friends of Lakeview Board President
Lisa Santos serves as Board President of Friends of Lakeview, helping support community initiatives, neighborhood events and programs that strengthen and enhance Chicago’s Lakeview community.

Flo Lawnicki – Content Creator, @flos_favorites
Flo Lawnicki is a Chicago-based content creator behind @flos_favorites, where she shares recommendations for restaurants, local experiences, travel destinations and things to do in Chicago and beyond.

fol newlogo horizontal fullcolor smallFriends of Lakeview is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and partner of the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce and Special Service Area (SSA) 27. By leveraging individual and corporate donations, grants, and other sources of funding, it supports a resilient local economy and high quality of life for the benefit of businesses and residents in Chicago’s Lakeview community by improving and enhancing public streets and spaces, creating memorable experiences, and promoting the neighborhood. For more information, visit https://www.friendsoflakeview.org

 

Looking to connect with active consumers at this event? For pricing and a customized benefits package, please contact Karyn Terrones at karyn@chicagoevents.com or 773-584-6625.

 

We have reached capacity and are no longer accepting applications for this event. 

Please note that all applications are subject to acceptance and availability.

We do not provide guaranteed exclusivity to any participant/exhibitor or category. We work on a first come first serve basis when approving vendors. We would highly recommend everyone apply as early as possible. Do not wait until the last minute as sometimes the event will be completely booked and applications will close earlier than the deadline.

 

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