Chicago’s Grito Fest Chicago happens on Friday- Sunday, September 13th -15th. This festival marks a watershed for the city and for its massive Mexican community. It’s the first time that downtown Chicago hosts this iconic Mexican Independence Day celebration. The event takes place in Chicago’s Grant Park . Presented by Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Mexican Consul General in Chicago, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District. Grito Fest is a big, elaborate cultural showcase for the city’s large and cohesive Mexican community. Features include big name international entertainment and continuous music on the Petrillo Bandshell, a wide variety of authentic Mexican food vendors and restaurants, a shopping area filled with authentic merchandise and of course, a kids area with games, small rides and activities. On Sunday, an El Grito Celebration rounds out this festival experience., This all makes for a truly huge and joyous celebration, backed by the City and by a festival committee that reads like a who’s who of important Mexican Chicagoans.