Overview
- A cluster of major events this weekend has kept Chicago busy through Sunday July 12, led by the five-day Taste of Chicago in Grant Park and the Windy City Smokeout at the United Center.
- Taste of Chicago returned to its traditional July slot with free entry, expanded vendor booths, headline performers including Common and scheduled R&B star Babyface, and food highlights such as a 1,000‑pound Eli’s Cheesecake.
- The 13th annual Windy City Smokeout served thousands with award‑winning barbecue and country music headliners, with Blake Shelton scheduled to close the festival on Sunday.
- Other large draws included John Mulaney’s Mister Whatever Tour stop at Wrigley Field, the BTN Big 10K along the lakefront, and neighborhood celebrations like the Barrio Arts Fest, Chosen Few picnic and Japan Fest.
- Organizers and city services are managing higher visitor traffic, street closures and crowded transit as warm weather brings more out‑of‑town visitors and long lines for vendors through the weekend.