Dates not confirmed yet. This edition is expected in July 2027, based on when it has run before. Check the organizer before making plans.

Food & Drink

Tacos y Tamales Festival

#tacos#tamales#pilsen#streetfestival#latinmusic#freeentry

Date

Expected July 2027

Location

Blue Island Avenue between Ashland and Wolcott, Pilsen
Blue Island Ave & S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Organized by

Green Curtain Events

About this happenin

Tacos and tamales take over Blue Island Avenue in Pilsen for three days each July, with the street closed from Wolcott to Ashland. The organiser models the festival on a tianguis, the traditional open-air market. Dozens of vendors cook dishes from different Latin American regions, with handmade tortillas, pambazos, churros and elotes beside the tacos, and the street cantinas pour micheladas and margaritas. Mariachi and norteño share the stages with cumbia, rock en español and DJs, and dancers and street performers pop up along the street. Friday runs 5 to 10 p.m. and the weekend noon to 10. Entry is free, with a suggested donation at the gate for Pilsen Arts & Community House and Frida Community Organization. Daytime is for families. After sunset the crowd gets older, and anyone drinking needs ID showing 21. The Pink Line's 18th and Damen stops are a short walk away, and a paid lot sits at 2110 S. Loomis.