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The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are proud to announce the return of Taste of Chicago, the city’s signature food and music festival, with a dynamic lineup of events across Chicago neighborhoods and a grand finale in Grant Park, Sept. 5–7, 2025. All events are free admission and open to the public. This year’s Taste Main Stage will feature an electrifying mix of Grammy-winning and chart-topping talent: Lupe Fiasco, the Chicago-born rapper and cultural voice, headlines Friday; JoJo, the pop-R&B singer with powerhouse vocals, performs on Saturday; and international Latin superstar Elvis Crespo brings his high-energy merengue hits to close out the weekend on Sunday. Evening performances begin at 5 p.m. each night. In addition to the Grant Park weekend, Taste of Chicago continues its tradition of celebrating the city’s diverse communities through neighborhood pop-up events in Marquette Park (June 28), Pullman Park (July 19), and Albany Park (Aug. 9). For more information and the full event lineup, visit Chicago.gov/Taste and follow this flavorful festival on Facebook at the Taste of Chicago.

Photo Credit: The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The summer is officially in full swing during Independence Week at Navy Pier, as the iconic Chicago landmark proudly presents a diverse mix of free programming from July 2nd through 6th. Highlights include NASCAR Family Fest, a 15-minute extended award-winning fireworks show, five days of live music, and more. 

Independence Week Fireworks Celebrations -Saturday, July 5 – 10:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. 
Navy Pier kicks off its Independence Week festivities with a dazzling free fireworks show on Wednesday, July 2nd. On July 5, Navy Pier is partnering with Choose Chicago, the Chicago Sports Commission and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race to present a show-stopping, extended 15-minute Independence Celebration fireworks show.  

Live on the Lake! – Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6 (Navy Pier Beer Garden) 
All summer long, Navy Pier’s free music series, Live on the Lake!, brings a variety of genres and styles of music together against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. Bring your friends and come enjoy the beautiful views and some of the eclectic sounds of the city. 

Skyline Sessions – Thursday, July 3 – 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage) 
Every Thursday and Friday throughout the summer, the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage hosts live performances by local artists and ensembles. The Independence Week performances promise to be a highlight for all music fans. 

• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Marcus Bailey (Pop/Rock) 

• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.; 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. – The Shades (Pop) 

For the full list of events and ticket information, visit www.navypier.org

Photo Credit: Navy Pier

As residents and visitors make plans to celebrate the fourth of July, the City of Chicago and NASCAR officials finalize preparations for the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, which takes place Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 in Grant Park. As Chicago hosts the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series Street Races for the third year, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents, spectators, and motorists to be aware of the street closures, traffic restrictions and additional crowds in the area and to plan accordingly.

Remaining Street Closures

• Thursday, July 3 – Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Full closure of SB DuSable Lake Shore Dr. between Randolph St. and McFetridge Rd. Full closure of Columbus Dr from Monroe St to Jackson Dr. Full closure of Monroe St from Michigan Ave to Columbus Dr.

• Thursday, July 3 – Beginning at 10 p.m. Full closure of NB DuSable Lake Shore Dr. between Randolph St. and McFetridge Rd Full Closure of NB and SB Michigan Ave. from Roosevelt Rd. to Jackson Dr. and.

Race Weekend Street Closures – Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6

• SB DuSable Lake Shore Dr. from Randolph St. to McFetridge Dr.

• NB DuSable Lake Shore Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Randolph St.

• NB Michigan Ave. from Roosevelt Rd. to Monroe St.

• SB Michigan Ave. from south of Monroe St. to 8th St.

• Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.

• Columbus Dr. from Roosevelt Rd. to Monroe St.

• Roosevelt Rd. from DuSable Lake Shore Dr. to Michigan Ave.

• Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.

• Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.

• Ida B. Wells Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.

• Congress Plaza Dr. from Harrison St. to Van Buren St.

• NB Indiana Ave. from Roosevelt Rd. to 13th St.

• Post Place: Entrance and exit of Lower Wacker Dr.

• Garvey Ct.: Entrance and exit of Lower Wacker Dr.

For more information on street closures, visit www.chicago.gov.

NASCAR returns to the streets of Chicago for the third installment of the Chicago Street Race this weekend, July 5-6, 2025. The Chicago Street Race will once again bring NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series racing to the same 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course, for a must-see family-friendly experience in the heart of downtown. New for 2025, NASCAR is rolling out more viewing options, reduced prices, and an even shorter park build schedule.

• Kids 12 & FREE All Weekend! — Following the successful introduction of youth pricing in 2024, kids 12 & under will be free the entire weekend, with the purchase of a Grounds Pass ticket by an accompanying adult.

• Reduced Prices and Even More Affordable Tickets — Based on feedback from past attendees and local residents, NASCAR has significantly reduced ticket prices (some sections by nearly 50%), added a single-day reserved seat option, and created more Grounds Pass (formerly known as “General Admission”) viewing options to introduce NASCAR to new audiences.

For tickets or general information, visit www.nascarchicago.com.

On Tuesday, June 17, LIV Golf hosted a special media day at Bolingbrook Golf Club, offering an exclusive preview of what fans can expect when LIV Golf Chicago returns to Bolingbrook this August 8th through 10th. The event brought together community leaders, local students, and media for an afternoon of high-energy interaction and behind-the-scenes access. Legion XIII star Caleb Surratt headlined the day with an interactive putting clinic for area high school golf students, sharing on-the-green insights and pro tips. The clinic culminated in a “closest to the pin” putting challenge, where Jett Utrata, an incoming junior at Plainfield East High School, took home Surratt’s personal driver as a special prize. Surratt was joined by Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta for a media panel that spotlighted the distinctive elements of the LIV Golf experience, which returns to the Chicago area. The discussion underscored how LIV Golf is reimagining the sport from the ground up, with a new approach of individual and team-based format, fan-first energy, and unforgettable moments on and off the course.

Photo Credit: LIV Golf

By: Ashmar Mandou

Nestled in the heart of the Little Village neighborhood, beloved local gem, La Catedral Café and Restaurant received statewide acknowledgement recently as the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic opportunity (DCEO) Office of Tourism welcomed it as one of 20 small businesses into the Illinois Made Makers program.

“We feel profoundly grateful for this recognition,” said La Catedral Café Chef-Owner Ambrocio “Bocho” Gonzalez. “During these challenging times, it’s an honor that we as Latinos are recognized for our work ethic, our contributions…it’s incredible. I feel very grateful, because in reality this recognition is not just for me, it’s also for the workers here at La Catedral Café who are here every day working hard.”

Each year, DCEO’s office selects a group of locally owned businesses – known as Illinois Made Makers – whose authentic products and one-of-a-kind experiences reflect the best of Illinois’ craftsmanship and culture. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with many of the businesses being woman-owned, LGBTQIA+-owned, and/or minority-owned. From U-pick lavender fields in Edwardsville, to handcrafted string instruments in Geneva, to treasured La Catedral Café, this year’s class of entrepreneurs demonstrates the wide range of Makers across Illinois.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Illinois’ economy, and the Illinois Made program supports the local artisans who help define our state’s unique character,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This year’s class of Illinois Makers reflects the creativity and craftsmanship found in every corner of our state, inviting travelers to discover the experiences that make Illinois a true destination.”

As a part of the Illinois Made 2025 class, La Catedral Café is being celebrated for its cultural and culinary stamp on Illinois. Chef Gonzalez’s journey from immigrant beginnings and early restaurant ventures to become a neighborhood institution with multiple locations, including North Lawndale, Brighton Park, and the Loop, reflects true Maker spirit: resilience, creativity and community-rooted passion, according to DCEO.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Gonzalez had the ambition and tenacity to bring tasty family recipes and create a harmonious space in Chicago. Adorned with religious artifacts and stained glass, La Catedral not only offers up delicious Mexican cuisine, but also provides a sense of community when entering their doors. “We are more than just a business,” said Chef Gonzalez. “The best part of what I do is the ability to make connections with our customers because we see them as family. Little Village has given us so much support and love that this honor is really a large part due to them. We invite everyone to come to La Catedral to enjoy a delicious meal and enjoy a warm atmosphere.”

Launched in 2016, the Illinois Made program now includes 277 Makers. A few of the new Makers include: CrumbCrusherCupcakes – Oak Park, Gerry’s Cafe – Arlington Heights, Go Brewing – Naperville, and Lyon & Healy Harps – Chicago. If you would like to learn more about the Illinois Made Makers, visit www.enjoyillinois.com. To stay connect with La Catedral Café, visit www.lacatedralcafe.com.

Photo Credit: Choose Chicago
Photo Caption: La Catedral Café Chef and Owner Ambrocio “Bocho” Gonzalez receives Illinois Made Makers recognition.

First Lady Cruises is offering a festive 4th of July Fireworks Cruise—complete with panoramic skyline views and complimentary 3D glasses that make the fireworks show pop like never before. Back by popular demand, First Lady’s 3D Fireworks Cruise sets sail every Wednesday and Saturday through August—but on Saturday, July 5, a special Independence Day edition coincides with Navy Pier’s fireworks show. Guests aboard the special edition will enjoy: 

• 2.5-hour lakefront cruise with unbeatable skyline views 

• 3D glasses included for next-level fireworks experience  

• Snack bag included with each ticket 

• Onboard cash bar with drinks and light bites Boarding at 7:45 p.m. for a prime view of the 9:00 p.m. show 

Whether it’s the Fourth of July or a typical summer night, the 3D Fireworks Cruise is an ideal summer lake experience, perfect for families, date nights, or visitors looking for something different.  Tickets are available at firstlady.com or at the Riverwalk ticket window (112 E. Wacker Dr.)

Photo Credit: First Lady Cruises

The Cook County Board of Review is currently accepting property assessment appeals from taxpayers for the 2025 Tax Year. Appealing to the Board of Review is a free service that can potentially lead to future property tax relief for those who appeal. Tax Year 2024, a City of Chicago reassessment year, represented the largest number of appeals that the Board of Review has ever received. All properties in the City of Chicago received an updated assessed value from the Cook County Assessor’s Office. The current tax year, Tax Year 2025, is a north suburban reassessment year. The last time the north suburbs were reassessed was 2022, where nearly 240,000 appeals were received and adjudicated by the Board of Review. Having completed Tax Year 2024’s appeals in record timing, the commissioners and their staff are preparing to meet with taxpayers all across the county to assist them with the appeal process as part of their property assessment appeal outreach program. The Board of Review has consistently hosted over 130 in-person and virtual workshops to help taxpayers appeal their property assessments each tax year. You can learn more about how to appeal with the Cook County Board of Review by visiting www.cookcountyboardofreview.com or calling the office at (312) 603-5542.