[category]
[title]
Chicago’s biggest celebration of Mexican culture returns to Grant Park, and it’s bringing a seriously stacked lineup with it. After taking off 2025 due to then-impending immigration enforcement actions, El Grito Chicago returns September 12 and 13 with two days of music, food, dancing, family activities and enough tacos to make you finally understand the concept of eating enough tacos.
The festival’s 2026 headliner is Sinaloa-born singer-songwriter Adriel Favela, one of the major names in the new wave of regional Mexican music. He’ll be joined by Código FN, the legendary technobanda group Mi Banda El Mexicano, rising singer Emmanuel Cortés and Chicago’s own Latin Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México.
The lineup also includes Selena The Show, a tribute to the late Tejano superstar; Chicago group Los de La Homan; a live Juan Gabriel tribute; band Sin Anestesia; sierreño group El Ejercito Sierreño; and the Kombi Bus Dancefloor, a DJ-and-dance experience.
RECOMMENDED: The 38 best Mexican restaurants in Chicago, whether you're craving tacos or a steaming bowl of pozole
And because no Mexican party worth its salsa should be expected to survive on music alone, El Grito is bringing along a formidable roster of Chicago food vendors. Cafe TOLA, Prime Tacos, Xurro, Fernando’s Blue Agave, Bust Outs, Banges, J’s Bacon Hot Dogs, Tacos El Rey, Carnitas Roldan, La Cebollita Grill, El Taconazo Express, Paleteria Los Magos, Windy City Aguas, Ricas Nieves Acapulquenas, Rory’s Rib Shack, El Campeon, Gaby’s Snacks, El Snack Cart and Frozen Dreams are all on the menu, with more expected to join.
The fest will also feature a Mexican Mercadito filled with local businesses and artisans, cultural programming created in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art, interactive pop-ups, branded activations, a full bar and plenty of family-friendly activities. The Kids Zone also returns with carnival rides, sports activations and immersive art experiences.
On Sunday, September 13, the festival will host a free Civic Ceremony presented by the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago. The event honors El Grito de Independencia, the historic call that launched Mexico’s fight for independence. The ceremony will also be livestreamed through Telemundo Chicago’s digital platforms.
General admission early-bird tickets are currently $15 for one day or $25 for the entire weekend. "Amigo" tickets start at $35 per day or $60 for the weekend and include expedited entry, front-stage viewing, a dedicated bar and exclusive restrooms. Kids under 10 get in free with a ticket-holding adult. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.