Taste of Des Plaines

Will I be able to use cash anywhere at the event?

Cash will not be accepted for alcohol or restaurant purchases. However, exhibitors at the event (non-profit and artisan booths) may choose to receive cash for goods and services they are selling.

Why is the Taste of Des Plaines cashless?

The decision to go cashless at the Taste of Des Plaines is driven by several factors:

Convenience: Cashless operations streamline the purchasing process for attendees, eliminating the need to carry physical currency and reducing wait times at food and beverage vendors. This allows attendees to focus on enjoying the event.

Sustainability: Going cashless reduces the need for paper-based currency which aligns with eco-friendly practices and reduces the event's carbon footprint.

Efficiency: Electronic payments offer faster processing times and improved accuracy compared to handling cash. 

Is there accessible parking?

Accessible parking spaces are available in the Library Parking Garage. For additional information, please see the “Parking” tab.

What are the festival hours?

Friday, June 19 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday, June 20 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The family area and World Stage close at 8 p.m. both evenings.

What if it rains?

The event will be held rain or shine. Taste of Des Plaines will operate as normal until our Public Safety Team deems there is a severe weather threat.

Can I bring my dog?

They can join in on the paw-ty! Dogs are permitted at the festival as long as they are leashed/harnessed at all times and are always under a handler's control. There is a maximum of two dogs per handler. Please consider your pet's safety and comfort as this event draws large crowds. 

Is the Metra station close by?

Yes! The Des Plaines Metra station borders the festival site. The Des Plaines station is located on the Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW) line.

Free parking is available in the Des Plaines Library Parking Garage, Civic Center Garage (behind City Hall) and the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage. Additional accessible parking spaces will be available in the main level of the Library Parking Garage and in the Metra commuter lot between Pearson and River Rd. Bike racks are located on Library Plaza and at the Metra train station for those biking to the event.

Des Plaines Library Parking Garage is located at 1448 E Prairie Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016. The entrance is at the intersection of E. Prairie Ave. and Center St.

Entrances to the Civic Center Garage can be accessed off Lee St. or Jefferson St.

Metropolitan Square Parking Garage is located on Market St. in Des Plaines, IL 60016. Entrances can be accessed off Market St. or Metropolitan Way. 

Bikes and E-Bikes

While attendees are encouraged to ride their bikes to the event, please note that the riding of bicycles, e-bikes, or other electric devices (such as scooters), is not permitted within the defined event space. Bike racks are located on Library Plaza and at the Metra train station for those biking to the event. 

Transportation

Looking to take the train? The Des Plaines Metra station borders the festival site, with the Des Plaines station located on the Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW) line.

For information on the bus schedule and stops in Des Plaines, please visit pacebus.com. Please note that Pace route 230 may have a detour alert in effect due to the festival.

Road Closures

Some downtown road closures will be in effect from Thursday, June 18 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, June 21. Ellinwood St. will be closed between River Rd. and Lee St. Pearson St. will be closed from Miner St. to Prairie Ave. Temporary parking restrictions in the surrounding area will be in place. Please plan your trips accordingly.