Lakeview Taco Fest

Details

Fri, August 22, 2025 | 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat, August 23, 2025 | 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sun, August 24, 2025 | 11:00am to 9:00pm
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Overview

click here for the digital guide

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 12th 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 – Blackberry Jam
8:30pm – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute

Saturday
11:30am – Mariachi Los Palmeros
1:00pm – The Gingers
3:00pm – Yacht Rock-ettes
5:00pm – Critics Choice “Best Taco” Winner Announced
5:30pm – Ryan Herrick Band
8:00pm – Boy Band Review

Sunday
11:30am – Mariachi Los Palmeros
1:00pm – One Night Band
2:30pm – The Strangers: Tribute To The Cure
4:30pm – Mellencougar: John Cougar Mellencamp Tribute
6:15pm – People’s Choice “Best Taco” Winner Announced
7:00pm – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press

Friday
6:00pm – RICO!
8:00pm – Starlight City

Saturday
1:00pm – School of Rock Chicago
2:30pm – Love In October
4:00pm – Fletcher Rockwell
6:00pm – Second Hand Soul Band
8:00pm – Hello Weekend

Sunday
11:30am – School of Rock Chicago
1:30pm – XOCHI
3:00pm – Chicago Latin Groove
5:00pm – Soul Sacrifice – Santana Tribute
7:30pm – Mike & Joe

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 speciality margaritas)
– Private Bar
– Seating and shade
– Private Bathroom
– Limited Taco and Mexican Food Samples from local restaurants

Banges Mexican Food
You may wonder why we have so many authentic Mexican restaurants that participate in Lakeview Taco Fest?  The reason – they all put their unique touch on the stuffed tortilla.  And Banges Mexican Food is no different.  They’re a festival favorite for a reason!

Beat Kitchen
Located in the heart of Roscoe Village, Beat Kitchen has been serving Chicago with an excellent variety of live music, food and beer since 1994. The historic building was constructed in 1889, with the back room previously serving as a neighborhood butcher shop prior to being converted into a live music space. Both touring and local musicians, comedians and artists grace the stage with shows almost every night. Owned by Robert Gomez, Beat Kitchen has been the home to every genre of music, hosting some of the biggest names in live music & comedy! Stop by for a show or pop-in for a drink & you’ll often find regulars from the close-knit Roscoe Village community posted up at the bar.

Cabos Tacos
Cabos Tacos in Chicago is a casual taco spot near DePaul known for fresh, flavorful seafood and halal options. Popular picks include lobster and shrimp tacos topped with slaw, pico, and house-made mayo, alongside beef, chicken, and vegetarian options. With generous portions and affordable prices, it’s a go-to for quick, satisfying bites in a laid-back setting.

Carnitas Roldan
Their name says it all!  They are known for their delicious carnitas tacos among other fest favorites including their refreshing and flavorful agua fescas beverages.

El Campeon
El Campeón is a local Chicago company founded in 1993, in the Pilsen Neighborhood. They have participated in special events in the city, providing specialty food items ever since. In 1999, they created our authentic Piña Colada Acapulco Style and have never looked back! From the Windy City to the surrounding suburbs, across the Midwest, to Miami on the East Coast and Los Angeles on the West Coast, their exotic and tasteful drink has now become a staple every event we partake in!

Iztatl Cocina Mexicana
Hailing from Jefferson Park, Iztatl Cocina Mexicana proudly serves traditional dishes including tacos, burritos, tortas, tostadas, sopes, gorditas, all-day breakfast, and much more.  Being around since 2021, you know their food is fresh and tasty every time!

Enrique’s Place Latin Grill
Whether it’s their beef, chicken or pork tacos, authentic is the name of their game.  They bring slow cooked meats and fresh ingredients sandwiched between a tortilla.  In addition to great taco, be sure to check out their burritos and quesadillas – which, somehow, take on different flavors with pretty similar ingredients!

Fernando’s Blue Agave Restaurant
Fernando’s Blue Agave in Lakeview is a longtime Chicago favorite known for its lively vibe, strong margaritas, and flavorful Mexican dishes. The menu features crowd-pleasers like queso fundido, tamarindo-glazed chicken, tacos, and fajitas, all served in a fun, casual setting. With generous portions and friendly service, it’s a go-to spot for both locals and visitors craving bold flavors and great drinks.

La Cebollita Grill
Located on the outskirts of Marquette Park in Chicago, La Cebollita Grill has been coming back to the Lakeview Taco Fest for many years.  Why?  They want to spread their love to Chicago’s Northside every year!

Prime Tacos
Prime Tacos started when two Taquero brothers, Anthony and Eric Cardenas, decided to team up and bring their Mexican roots and dishes to the city of Chicago. You know what they say; nothing brings people together like good food, especially delicious authentic Mexican food. Quickly, customers who tasted Prime Tacos delights started coming back for more. In a blink of an eye, what first started as occasionally cooking in their backyard and for parties began to grow into one of the city’s main attractions for food lovers.

Taqueria Arceo
Located in Aurora, IL, family-owned Taqueria Arceo is as authentic as it gets.  Their traditional Mexican style tacos and homemade rice and beans will have you wanted more after just one taste.

Teotihuacán Mexican Cafe & Restaurant
Teotihuacán Mexican Café & Restaurant in Chicago is a local favorite known for its generous portions and authentic Mexican flavors. The menu features everything from carne asada and seafood specialties to enchiladas, build-your-own tacos, and decadent desserts like flan and tres leches. Standout dishes include the chile relleno, caldo de res, and salsa negra, with handmade tortillas and fresh sides rounding out the experience. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving bold, traditional Mexican fare in a casual, welcoming setting.

Tikki Masala Taco House by Tandoor Char House
Reigning champs!  As all great storytellers will tell you, the best place to start is the beginning.  Fahim and Faraz’s Indian father and Pakistani mother were famous amongst their friends for their delicious dinners and generous natures.  Only their mother was able to meet and exceed their father’s high culinary standards through the use of the best ingredients and the implementation of the most ancient of techniques. Amazed and inspired by the deliciously sumptuous stews simmering in their mother’s Karhai, and their father’s rare and delectably deep marination of Halal meats charred to perfection according to tradition, Fahim and Faraz breathed life into Tandoor Char House.  See how they’ve transformed these flavors into tacos (you will not be disappointed)!

Tuco & Blondie
Lakeview Taco Fest wouldn’t be Taco Fest without Tuco & Blondie.  Their Southport roots and unique spin on tacos make them a welcome addition to this fest.  Be sure to check out their traditional steak, chicken tinga and beef tacos but also their crispy cauliflower taco with chipotle mayo, jicama slaw, cilantro lime crema is one not to miss.

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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 South Stage located at Southport & Roscoe at 5:00pm!

2025 Winner: Cabos Tacos

A special thanks for this year’s judges:

  • Brian Seay – writer and producer for WGN Morning News
  • Josh Hernandez – News Desk Associate/CBS Chicago
  • Stephanie Biederman, board president of Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce

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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.

 

Unfortunately, the event has reached full capacity, and we are no longer accepting applications.
We appreciate your understanding.

For any questions contact exhibitors@chicagoevents.com

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