Fri Sep 05 10:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Taste of Chicago is returning to Grant Park this weekend (September 5-7) for its 45th year. The free-admission food festival, now held in September due to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, will feature a wide variety of local food vendors and live music performances, including Lupe Fiasco, JoJo, and Elvis Crespo. New this year is a drone and fireworks show Saturday night. No more tickets needed, you can now pay vendors directly using credit cards.
***

**News Article:**

**Taste of Chicago Returns to Grant Park This Weekend with New Drone Show and Star-Studded Lineup**

**CHICAGO, IL** – The 45th annual Taste of Chicago is set to tantalize taste buds and entertain crowds in Grant Park this weekend, September 5-7. The city’s iconic culinary celebration, now a September staple after a shift to accommodate the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, promises a diverse selection of local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere.

Admission remains free, inviting Chicagoans and visitors alike to sample offerings from over 40 local restaurants and a dozen food trucks. In a change from previous years, the City of Chicago has eliminated the Taste ticket system. Attendees can now purchase food and beverages directly from vendors using credit cards, with cash accepted at very few locations.

Beyond the food, Taste of Chicago will feature a stellar lineup of live music performances. Grammy-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco will kick off the weekend on Friday at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage. Saturday night belongs to singer JoJo at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage, while Elvis Crespo will close out the festivities on Sunday at 7 p.m.

A new addition to the festival this year is a drone and fireworks show, scheduled for 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, promising a spectacular end to the second night.

Entrance gates are located on Jackson Drive west of Columbus Drive, on Ida B. Wells east of Michigan Avenue, and at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Balbo Drive.

A full list of vendors and performers can be found on the City of Chicago’s website. Don’t miss out on this year’s Taste of Chicago.

Read More