Because some things are better from afar, here’s a slideshow of the food, crowds and fun (?) at Taste of Chicago. If you’re actually heading to Grant Park for the festivities (or at least the liquid nitrogen-dipped popcornsicle- see last slide), use this map to find your favorite restaurants and the music lineup. And be sure to check The Parking Ticket Geek’s handy holiday weekend traffic guide.

(All photos by Kate Gardiner and Tim Taliaferro)

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