It’s time again for the 2012 Taste of Chicago. Allow me to say that the missing week and date change still feels weird, especially as we approach Independence Day. And the big huge turkey legs will not be there this year. So, there’s a lot missing, but there are many great things in store.

Admission to the Taste is free, but you do have to pay to eat. Tickets are $8 for a strip of 12 tickets, but you can get them 12 for $7 (limit 4) at participating Dominick’s stores from July 5 – July 10. The Taste will be held every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Grant Park at Jackson Blvd. & Columbus Dr. Be sure to wear sunscreen and whole lotta patience because it will be packed!

Taste of Chicago 2012

The Taste of Chicago Opening Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on July 11th at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.

Food

There are 36 regular restaurants that will be there all five days with 15 more “popping up” during the week. Remember, no big a** turkey legs this year.

Concerts

There are two stages with concerts: The Petrillo Music Shell and the Bud Light Stage. The concerts at Petrillo are $25 and feature headliners Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan, Death Cab for Cutie, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Roshon Fegan and Dierks Bentle. The Radio Disney kids show featuring Roshon Fegan is free.

The Bud Light stage shows are free. There are themed days with different styles of music.

Other Cool Stuff

Dominick’s Cooking Corner

Human Race to the Taste

Fleet Feet Sports Kid’s Dash

Wine Garden

Celebrity Chef du Jour

Are you going to The Taste of Chicago? What are you looking forward to most?

Better yet, check in to let us know what you enjoyed while you were there.