Taste of Highland Park
Friday, June 19 | 5 PM - 10 PM
Saturday, June 20 | 3 PM - 10 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
The Taste of Highland Park is downtown Highland Park’s premiere dining and music festival. Mark your calendars for 2026’s event: Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20.
The City of Highland Park is bringing the ultimate outdoor entertainment and dining experience to Downtown Highland Park with the Taste of Highland Park June 19 from 5 PM - 10 PM & June 20 from 3 PM - 10 PM. Located along Central Avenue, between Second St. and St. Johns Ave., and in Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.), sample over a dozen local food and beverage vendors and get a taste of what sets Highland Park’s restaurant scene apart on Chicago’s North Shore.
Get ready for more food, more music, and even more fun for 2026!
New for 2026: Enhance your experience with air conditioned seating & dining areas, as well as an all-new photography exhibit showcasing the winners of the Capture the Heart of Highland Park photography contest. Plus, families will enjoy special children-focused programming from 3 PM - 5 PM on Saturday. Lastly, Highland Park’s very own Bitter Jester Music Festival, celebrating 20 years in HP, will program 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM on Saturday.
2026 Entertainment Lineup
Check back soon for the 2026 entertainment lineup. If you would like to participate as a performer, please contact the City’s contracted event management team, Ripple Public Relations, at info@ripplepublicrelations.com or 847.432.6000
2026 Restaurant Lineup
Check back soon for a list of 2026 food & beverage vendors. If you would like to participate as a restaurant, please contact the City’s contracted event management team, Ripple Public Relations, at info@ripplepublicrelations.com or 847.432.6000
Getting to the Taste & Parking
The Taste of Highland Park will take place at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.) as well as along Central Ave. between First St. and Second St.
Ample parking can be found throughout downtown Highland Park, including a parking garage underneath Port Clinton Square, nearby surface lots, a two-level parking deck south of Central on First St. and St. Johns, and a large lot located at 525 Central Ave. The City encourages guests to use non-motorized transportation where available. Bike racks are available at The Lot and in the immediate vicinity, and the Metra is a viable option, too. Information about parking in the City of Highland Park is available here.
Downtown Highland Park is also easily accessible via public and non-motorized transport.
Metra - take UP-N to the Highland Park station, located a 4 minute walk from The Lot.
Pace Bus - take Highland Park/Highwood Route 472 to the St. Johns/Central stop, across the street from The Lot.
Bike/Walk - from the north, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail south to Vine Ave. Head east on Vine, turning south onto St. Johns Ave. From the south, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail north along St. Johns Ave. Bike racks are available at The Lot and in the immediate vicinity.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!
For sponsorship opportunities and packages, please contact Ripple Public Relations - info@ripplepublicrelations.com / 847.432.6000