What's new and familiar at 35th Taste of Chicago

This year, the Taste of Chicago celebrates its 35th anniversary, and foodie fans will see a return of old favorites, as well as new features.

The world's largest food festival returns to Grant Park from Wednesday, July 8, through Sunday, July 12. More than 60 restaurants are participating in the food and entertainment event that showcases the city's diverse culinary scene with vendors, pop-up restaurants and food trucks.

The event welcomes 19 newcomers, including six new five-day restaurants, five food trucks and eight pop-up participants.

Included among the new participants are Burger Bar Chicago, Dia De Los Tamales, Dinky Donuts, Jack's Fork in the Road, La Bomba Restaurant, La Cocinita, Luke's Lobster and Yum Dum.

Five-day vendors include Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, Bobak Sausage Co., Caffe Gelato, Churro Factory, Connie's Pizza, Gold Coast Dogs, Star of Siam and Vee-Vee's African Restaurant.

This year, the free event is adding an interactive edge. A new “Food for Thought” area features culinary podcasts with lively discussions from across the country. This includes popular podcast The Sporkful, with host Dan Pashman on site at the Taste on Saturday.

Others on the schedule include Michael Gebert of Airwaves Full of Bacon, Stephanie and Arden of Your Chicago Podcast, the Radio Misfits Network including On The Road with Eddie V, and more.

“We feel like podcasts are really hot, and we figured, what better place to showcase those on culinary issues and life in Chicago than at the Taste?” says event manager Mary Slowik.

The festival has evolved over the years, but Slowik says this year focuses more on the event's roots — food. “We're much more food-focused and food-centric than the event has been in the past,” she says. “But along with the great food, we still have the fabulous music that everyone enjoys.”

This year's entertainment lineup includes Weezer, Erykah Badu, The Chieftains, Spoon and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, who will perform at the main stage at the Petrillo Music Shell. The lawn is free, but seats in the Petrillo Music Shell range in price, and some concerts are already sold out.

The Bud Light Stage will showcase up-and-coming artists and veteran Chicago performers, with a different theme or genre highlighted each day.

Other festival highlights include:

• In the Kitchen With Mariano's will again offer cooking demonstrations featuring noted chefs Rodelio Aglibot of The Food Buddha, Julius Russell of A Tale of Two Chefs Catering and Adam Richman, host of Food Fighters and Man Finds Food.

• The popular Pure Leaf Celebrity Chef du Jour dining pavilion offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a three- or four-course, sit-down meal created by one of Chicago's James Beard Award honorees.

• The Fashion Focus Chicago Maker Market returns, featuring 28 local designers and boutiques selling art and accessories. New this year is a summer season runway show in association with Latino Fashion Week and African Fashion Week Chicago. Open casting calls will be held.

• On Saturday, July 11, Eli's Cheesecake will celebrate its own 35th birthday with the cutting of a giant birthday cheesecake at 12:30 p.m. Visitors will get a complimentary slice while it lasts.

• The Radio Disney TRYathlon Road Tour, located at the festival's south end, promotes healthy eating and exercise though a series of challenges. Similarly, a Fleet Feet Sports Kids' Dash takes place on Sunday, July 12.

Taste of Chicago

<b>When:</b> 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, July 8-10; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12

<b>Where:</b> Chicago's Grant Park

<b>Admission:</b> Free

<b>Food prices:</b> All Taste vendors will offer signature items and popular “taste” portions priced at $2.50 or less. Tickets for food and drinks are available in strips of 12 tickets for $8.50.

<b>Concert and other tickets:</b> Prices vary for seats in the Petrillo Music Shell and for events involving the Pure Leaf Chef du Jour, with some concerts and attractions already sold out. See <a href="tasteofchicago.us">tasteofchicago.us</a>. Lawn seating is free.