Mexican Independence Day in Chicago: El Grito, the Parade & Where to Eat
Chicago throws one of the largest Mexican Independence celebrations outside Mexico. El Grito takes over Grant Park September 12 and 13, the 26th Street Parade fills Little Village that Sunday, and the neighborhoods that carry the culture year-round, Pilsen, La Villita, Back of the Yards, run specials all week. Here is what is happening, plus the taco, margarita and tequila deals running right now across the city and suburbs.
What's happening
El Grito Chicago
Sat Sep 12 – Sun Sep 13
Grant Park (Petrillo Bandshell)
The city's flagship Mexican Independence celebration: mariachi and ballet folclórico at the bandshell, national and local headliners, and a full food and beverage midway.
26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade
Sun Sep 13, 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Little Village, from the Arch at 26th & Albany to Kostner
The 55th edition of one of the Midwest's largest parades, running two and a half miles down the 26th Street business corridor and drawing hundreds of thousands.
El Grito (the cry) itself
Night of Tue Sep 15
Citywide
The traditional reenactment of Hidalgo's 1810 call to arms happens the night before Mexican Independence Day, so bars and restaurants run their biggest specials Sep 12 through Sep 16.
Pilsen, Little Village & the Southwest Side
The heart of it. Taquerias, cantinas and panaderias with deals running now.
Pilsen
8 spots- Chile Restaurant & GrillHappy Hour: $6 Margaritas
- PochosDaily Special: Taco Tuesday
- La LunaHappy Hour: Tuesday HH: $3.75 Tacos, $10 Paloma, $5 Tequila Shot
- Penelope'S Vegan Taqueria #3Daily Special: Taco Tuesday Deal
- Alulu BrewpubHappy Hour: Happy Hour
- D'NuezDaily Special: 2x1 Classic Margaritas
- Mi Tierra South RestaurantGame Day: México vs. Sudáfrica FIFA Watch Party
- New RoseGame Day: Mexico vs. Czechia Watch Party
Gage Park
5 spots- PACO'S TACOSDaily Special: Happy Hour Specials with delicious drinks and amazing taco deals are available, but specific times and offers are not detailed in the search results.
- Danny'S Pizza PlaceDaily Special: Taco Tuesday
- SAMMY'S TOUCHDaily Special: 2 Taco Special
- LOS CHEPESDaily Special: Sesos Golden Brown Tacos
- Pepes RestaurantDaily Special: Free 12oz Margarita Coupon
Little Village
2 spots- La Catedral Cafe Little VillageDaily Special: Now serving birria chilaquiles
- Carnitas Uruapan RestaurantDaily Special: Carnitas Especial: 1/2 lb. carnitas, 1 taco dorado, chicharrones, frijoles, and 12 oz. agua fresca (Available Monday-Friday)
Around the rest of the city and suburbs
Margaritas, micheladas & tequila
Fiesta week is the best margarita hunting of the year outside Cinco de Mayo. Tuesdays stay the single biggest day for taco and marg pricing citywide, so if you are planning around the parade weekend, a Tuesday run before or after it usually beats the crowds.
Mexican Independence Day FAQ
When is Mexican Independence Day in Chicago in 2026?
Mexican Independence Day is September 16, and the traditional El Grito reenactment happens the night before, on September 15. Chicago's big public celebrations land the weekend prior: El Grito Chicago runs Saturday September 12 and Sunday September 13 in Grant Park, and the 26th Street Parade in Little Village steps off Sunday September 13 at noon.
Where is the Mexican Independence Day parade in Chicago?
The 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade runs through Little Village, starting at the Little Village Arch at 26th and Albany and heading west down 26th Street to Kostner. It covers about two and a half miles of the business corridor and is one of the largest parades in the Midwest.
What are the best neighborhoods for Mexican food in Chicago?
Pilsen and Little Village are the cultural heart, with taquerias, panaderias and cantinas lining 18th Street and 26th Street. Back of the Yards, Gage Park and Archer Heights are strong too, and there are excellent Mexican kitchens all over the city and suburbs, from Logan Square to Cicero to Aurora.
Where can I find taco and margarita deals during El Grito weekend?
312Deals tracks live taco, margarita and tequila specials across Chicago and the suburbs, with exact prices, days and hours on each listing. Deals cluster on Tuesdays citywide, but El Grito weekend brings extra specials in Pilsen, Little Village and River North. Check this guide or the Taco Tuesday page for what is running right now.
Is El Grito Chicago free?
El Grito Chicago in Grant Park has historically been a ticketed festival, while the 26th Street Parade in Little Village is free and open to the public. Check the official El Grito Chicago site for 2026 ticketing before you go.
Search live Mexican food and drink deals by neighborhood or suburb.
Get Chicago's best taco and margarita deals weekly
One email every Thursday with the best food and drink deals for the weekend, city and suburbs. Free, unsubscribe anytime.