What started as a way to enhance the already existing Summer Sidewalk Sale back in 2000, the Taste of Park Ridge (aka “Park Ridge Fest”) has become a cherished event, celebrating food, entertainment, and community.
Sure, you can commute to downtown Chicago for the Taste of Chicago… but why do that, when on the same weekend, you can enjoy dozens of local food and drink options, watch live performances, and support the community, right here in Park Ridge?
Correct answer: you wouldn’t!
The Taste of Park Ridge is the place to be, come early July. Keep reading to get all the details you need to enjoy this cherished Park Ridge event.
Location
Uptown Park Ridge, on Summit Ave between Touhy and Prospect, and adjacent to the Metra station.
Dates & Hours
- Thursday, July 11: 11:00am – 10:30pm
- Friday, July 12: 11:00am – 11:00pm
- Saturday, July 13: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Cost
- Admission is free;
- $5 for 8 tickets to purchase food and drink
Parking
Park on a local, residential street, or you may use the underground garage at the Shops of Uptown.
Vendors
Charcoal Delights
While I personally enjoy a meat-free diet, there’s no escaping the glorious, summery smell of charcoal-broiled meat. Grab a sandwich and throw on some of their famous sauce for a “meatatarian” delight.
Cream of the Crepe
Enjoy a crepe for your meal or dessert; that’s my favorite part of the crepe experience… you’re not limited to savory or sweet!
Dairy Queen
We all know and love Dairy Queen for their frozen treats. At the Taste of Park Ridge, you’ll find kids and grown-ups alike swarming this stand, waiting for their signature “Dilly Bar” or “Blizzard”.
Dolcetti Patisserie & Cafe
Looking for a slightly more sophisticated dessert? Pick an eye-catching morsel, with just the right amount European finesse.
Hay Caramba
A Park Ridge staple, enjoy a cheesy, Mexican meal, or just go for the margaritas! Or, as my 3-year-old says: “how bout both??”
Himalayan Restaurant
If you’re smelling a savory, exotic, spiced aroma, it’s probably the Himalayan. They offer both meat, and vegetarian-friendly sample platters, so you don’t have to pick just one thing.
Holt’s
Holt’s has made my list of favorite bars and restaurants in Park Ridge… and it’s one of my favorite places to grab a bite at the Taste of Park Ridge. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu!
Joseph’s Finest Meats
Back to you meat-lovers: Joseph’s Finest Meats is an old-fashioned neighborhood butcher shop, so when you stop by this booth, you know you’re getting a quality cut.
Lisa’s Italian Ice
At Lisa’s, you’ll find the perfect treat for a hot day at a festival: homemade Italian ice!
Panino’s Pizzeria
A Park Ridge favorite for pizza, Panino’s is always a popular item at the Taste of Park Ridge, and a slice of pizza is a great accompaniment to just about anything.
Rex Italian Foods
Rex Italian Foods had a moment of glory when it was featured on the show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Fun Fact: Our favorite Rex worker happens to strongly resemble Guy Fierri. Most importantly, the things they do with eggplant are amazing.
Spike’s Smokey Barbeque
This is another one of those smells that you can’t ignore: smokey barbecued meat. Need I say more?
Spuntino Pizza
Ok, so we have a few great pizza spots on the list. Good thing the festival is three days because you can try all of them! This one holds a special place in my heart because my brother delivered their pizza in high school, so I had a chance to sample it quite a bit.
St. John Chrystosomos Monastery
Well, you have to trust these guys, cause they’re working for the Big Man, right? A new to the line-up, I look forward to what they add to the Taste of Park Ridge!
Sunrise Grill
Now this place is a favorite of my parents… and all of their friends. I’m pretty sure they could keep the Sunrise Grill in business, though they don’t have to because the delicious, accessible, gourmet food speaks for itself.
The Sandlot
The Sandlot is known for its good old-fashioned American food—cheeseburgers, fries, and shakes. A perfect meal to grab after a baseball game.
Twisted Trunk & Co. Catering
Last, but certainly not least, is Twisted Trunk. This catering company has excellently handcrafted food, to please every palate. With quite the extensive menu, I’m excited to see what they bring to the Taste of Park Ridge this year.
Entertainment
Music
While the full entertainment line-up is yet to be announced, there are already some exciting headliners booked, including classic rock cover band, Arra on Thursday, Chicago-based rock/pop cover band, Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press on Friday, and Chicago-based original pop group, 7th Heaven on Saturday.
The days are sure to be filled with a variety of exciting musical and dance performances. Feel free to visit the Taste of Park Ridge all three days so you don’t miss out on any of them!
Vendor Fair
Aside from the stage performances, you’ll find other ways to stay busy while enjoying your yummy bites. On Saturday of the festival, you’ll find a vendors fair where you can learn about local businesses and probably get a freebie or two.
For the Kids
In Hodges Park, you’ll find the Kids Zone, which includes blow-up bounce houses and playgrounds, a choo choo train, and LOTS of space to run around and have a blast.
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The Taste of Park Ridge is a convenient, fun, tasty event, that is sure to please the whole family. Stop by this Summer to sample the food and drink, but stay for great performances, playtime for the kids, and strike up conversations with plenty of familiar faces. I’ll see you there!
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