Let’s get real: festivals are about food. Summer is really just a giant excuse to eat a bunch of fried food and food on sticks. These summer events serve the best festival food around Illinois.
1. Taste of Chicago
This is the granddaddy of them all: the world's largest food festival. In addition to vendors from upscale restaurants to your typical fried food offerings, there are rides and great musical acts. July 6-10, 2016.
2. Chicago Food Truck Festival
Food trucks are amazing. But what about a festival that brings the best food trucks from all around? Get all the great food offerings you want, all in one place! June 25-26, 2016.
3. International Horseradish Festival
Horseradish is something people love or hate, but you might now know that Illinois is the horseradish growing capital of the world. Eat all sorts of interesting horseradish offerings like...nachos? June 3-5, 2016.
4. Naperville's Ribfest
Naperville Ribfest definitely has some incredible ribs for you to try. But they also get some great musical acts, like Sheryl Crow and Lee Brice this year. July 1-4, 2016.
5. Chicago Food and Wine Festival
Definitely the most sophisticated food and wine celebration on this list, unleash your inner food critic at this festival in in Lincoln Park. Food celebrities like Graham Elliot and Rick Bayless will be there. Date TBD.
6. New Orleans North
Taste the delicious flavors of New Orleans right over in Joliet. They've got your covered as far as gumbo, but they also make the streets come alive with performers. June 10, 2016.
7. Champaign Blues, Brews and BBQs
This is a great festival if you are a fan of good music and some awesome BBQ. There is also a motorcycle show. June 24-25, 2016.
8. SausageFest Chicago
Chicago is known for sausage, and you can try all sorts of varieties at SausageFest. Wash all that meat down with some of the best brews around. July 18-19, 2016.
9. Taste of Galesburg
With 20+ area restaurants, a beer garden, and music, you can't go wrong. There are even activities for the kids.
July 28, 2016.
10. Downtown Bacon Throwdown and Music Fest
All you need to know about this festival is that there is loads of bacon. 20+ area restaurants give you their best bacon dish. July 10-11, 2016.
11. Chicago Festa Italiana
This awesome festival takes place on Taylor Street in Little Italy, Chicago. Eat your weight in pasta, pizza, and enjoy this giant cannoli. August 18-21, 2016.
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