The Brief Taste of Chicago returns July 8-12 at Grant Park. Mayor Johnson called the festival season "a celebration of who we are as a city,"emphasizing community, local artists and Chicago's overall energy. Chicago residents got an early taste of summer Tuesday as city officials announced the 2026 festival calendar, with Taste of Chicago returning to its traditional July dates. Other returning favorites include the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Air and Water Show, Chicago SummerDance, farmers markets and free outdoor concerts and films in Millennium Park. What they're saying:"Chicago’s festival season is a celebration of who we are as a city," Mayor Johnson said.