Highland Park announces entertainment and restaurant lineup for Taste of Highland Park

The Taste of Highland Park returns to Downtown Highland Park from 5-10 p.m. Friday, June 19, and 3-10 p.m. Saturday, June 20, along Central Avenue, between Second St. and St. Johns Ave., and in Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park. Attendees will sample over a dozen local food and beverage vendors and get a taste of what sets Highland Park apart on Chicago’s North Shore.

This year’s entertainment lineup features headlining performances from All American Throwbacks on Friday and Eve 6 on Saturday. The full weekend of live performances spans multiple genres and generations, beginning Friday with the Highland Park Players, ALATS Dance Company, MC4, Gospel Friends, Rumor Hazit, and All American Throwbacks, followed by a packed Saturday lineup including Mary Macaroni, Istvan & His Imaginary Band, Uptown Music Theatre, a special Bitter Jester Music Festival alumnus, Mike & Joe, and Eve 6.

New in 2026, attendees will enjoy extended hours on Saturday, additional children and family-focused programming, and enhanced, climate-controlled dining.

Friday, June 19

• 5-5:30 p.m. Beloved hometown favorites Highland Park Players kick off the Taste of Highland Park with selections from their upcoming production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” running July 17-26.

• 5:45-6:30 p.m. Celebrate America’s semiquincentennial and recognize Juneteenth with a vibrant dance and choral experience led by Waukegan-based ALATS Dance Company. ALATS Dance Company will be joined by MC4, a traveling group of siblings known for their beautiful harmonies, and Gospel Friends, a group of six singers accompanied by a three-piece band.

• 7-8 p.m. Next up is Rumor Hazit, a high-energy cover band known for crowd-pleasing hits spanning rock, pop, and throwback favorites that keep audiences singing along.

• 8:30-10 p.m. Friday’s headliners, the All American Throwbacks, are a dynamic tribute band delivering nostalgic rock and pop anthems from the ‘80s, ’90s and 2000s with powerhouse vocals and big-stage energy.

Saturday, June 20

• 3-3:30 p.m. Mary Macaroni kicks off the afternoon! This beloved children’s entertainer brings music, magic, and interactive fun perfect for families with young kids.

• 4-4:30 p.m. Laura Doherty, a nationally touring children’s performer and award-winning recording artist, brings her passion for creating sweet, folk-inspired songs that get event he shyest wallflower onto the dance floor.

• 4:45-5:15 p.m. Uptown Music Theater Highland Park’s professional cast of “Disney's The Little Mermaid” will perform a miniconcert of songs from the show. As a bonus, the actors playing the lead roles of Ariel, Ursula and Sebastian will autograph mini-posters for kids after the performance!

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. 2026 is the 20th anniversary of the Bitter Jester Music Festival. In honor of this incredible achievement, and ahead of the Bitter Jester grand finale in Downtown Highland Park on June 27, a special guest BJMF alum will perform.

• 7-8 p.m. Popular acoustic rock duo Mike & Joe is known for tight harmonies and energetic covers of classic and modern rock favorites. They’re sure to get the crowd moving!

• 8:30-10 p.m. Headliner Eve 6, a nationally recognized alternative-rock band best known for high-energy live performances will close out the evening with chart-topping hits including “Inside Out,” “Here’s to the Night,” “Promise” and more.

Guests can indulge in a wide selection of food & beverage options guaranteed to satisfy a variety of palates. Savor diverse flavors and dishes including Italian, Mexican, Indian, American, European, and Asian cuisine, along with sweet treats, wine, beer, cocktails, and more from Highland Park’s vibrant culinary community.

This year’s lineup of Highland Park restaurants includes:

• Ami: Jerusalem street food featuring made-to-order Middle Eastern dishes.

• BWB Shakes: Smash burgers, wings, bowls, and shakes served fast in the heart of the Ravinia District.

• Cafe Dacha: Eastern European cafe offering Ukrainian-inspired dishes, pastries, and comforting, homemade flavors.

• DeNucci's: Classic Italian American red-sauce favorites served in a warm, old-school-meets-modern setting.

• Harmony Coffee Bar: Locally loved cafe known for matcha, specialty lattes, and fresh pastries in a cozy atmosphere.

• Indus Progressive Indian: Award-winning modern Indian cuisine with elevated, spice-driven dishes and a refined dining experience.

• Judy’s Pizzeria: Family-owned Highland Park staple serving thin-crust pizzas and classic Italian comfort dishes.

• Las Torres Mexican Restaurant: Authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients, flavorful plates, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe.

• Lynfred Winery: Illinois’ oldest family-run winery offering tastings, flights, and bottles in a relaxed downtown space.

• Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar: A Highland Park icon serving Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, salads and their famous cheese fries.

• Steep Ravine Brewing Company: Local brewery and taproom offering craft beer, tacos, nachos, and a lively community-focused atmosphere.

• Tamales Mexican Restaurant: Modern Mexican eatery known for fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and family-friendly dining.

Children, families, caregivers, and the young at heart will enjoy special children’s programming from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, featuring face painters, airbrush tattoo artists, as well as special guest appearances from pop culture characters. Round out the weekend by viewing the new, on-site photography exhibit showcasing the winners of the Capture the Heart of Highland Park contest.

A full list of participating restaurants and more information will be available at enjoyhighlandpark.com/tasteofhighlandpark and on social media @enjoyhighlandpark on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on how to be a part of these city sponsored events, as a vendor or sponsor, contact the city’s event management team, Ripple Public Relations, at info@ripplepublicrelations.com, or call (847) 432-6000. For more information about the City of Highland Park, contact Amanda Bennett, Communications Manager, at abennett@cityhpil.com.