23rd Annual Taste of River North™ July 17, 2026

More info

The ultimate foodie fest, Taste of River North™ allows attendees to sample the best of everything trendy River North offers. The event will take place on Wells Street (627 N. Wells) between Ontario and Chicago Avenue. Taste of River North will occur on Friday, July 17 from 5 to 10 pm and Saturday, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Presented by River North Residents Association (RNRA and East Bank Club), visitors will enjoy two days of great River North restaurants, live bands, DJs, artists, local merchants, and a family fun area, while Chicago’s best party bands rock the place. Expect many popular local restaurants serving up their delicious fare for you to taste including Chick-Fil-A, Fogo De Chao, Avli, Lure Fishbar, Mercadito, Moe’s Cantina, Seoul Taco, Masala Pizza, Ambar

On Friday, July 17 from 6 -9:30 p.m., the fest will offer Wine Tasting.  Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. You will receive 8 tastings. Register here

On Saturday, July 18 at 11 a.m., bring your furry friend to the main stage for a Dog Parade presented by Dog.Hotel | Daycare Register here to participate for a chance to win prizes. For 100 dogs. All entrants receive a goodie bag!

Spray, Stencil, and Take It Home!  Step up to the Studio W.I.P. station on Erie and Wells and customize a t-shirt or tote bag using real street art techniques on Saturday. Line up your stencils, choose your colors, and let our artists guide you as you build something raw and original. No experience needed — just bring your style. Every piece is yours to keep the moment the paint dries. *Guests have a choice of T-shirt, or Tote Bag* Register here

The Kids Zone hours: Fri: 5-8 p.m. and Sat: 11 a.m-7 p.m.

Music acts include:

Main Stage Music:

Friday
6:00pm – The Birkenrocks
8:00pm – Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press

Saturday
12 pm – Dog Parade presented by Dog.
12:30pm – School of Rock
2:30pm – Fletcher Rockwell
4:30pm – Funky Monks
6 pm – The Divas
8 pm – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute

DJ Stage Presented by Spybar Chicago:

Dennis Ferrer (Fri Headliner) + Stacey Pullen (Sat Headliner)

Inphinity, The Avina Brothers, Garrett Belschner & Mikey Hahn, NOSL33P, L3XX, + more

“We are thrilled to celebrate the Taste of River North™ for its 23^rd year,” said Mickie Gordon, Executive Director for the River North Residents Association (RNRA). Thanks to all fest attendees, the suggested $10 gate donation helps keep this annual fest possible for all to enjoy and is essential to cover the cost of the bands, security and clean-up. This is RNRA’s largest fundraiser supporting our neighborhood advocacy, which includes public safety, responsible development, responsible hospitality, infrastructure, environment, green space, and community building with free events such as Movies in the Park and Family events at Montgomery Ward Park.”

As a non-profit organization that is not city funded, donations from you help these festivals stay around for all to enjoy.

East Bank Club is a proud sponsor of this year’s Taste of River North. “East Bank Club has sponsored the Taste of River North for more than 20 years as a way to give back to our vibrant neighborhood and support the River North Residents Association. It’s a fantastic event that brings our community together, and we’re always grateful to be a part of it,” said Nathan Aydelott, Director of Marketing for East Bank Club.

For more information, please visit https://www.tasteofrivernorth.com/ and for more details on all that RNRA does visit https://rnrachicago.org/

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