Common returns home to headline Taste of Chicago with free Grant Park concert: ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Taste of Chicago is in full swing, and thousands are expected to gather in Grant Park Friday night for a performance by Chicago-born rapper and actor Common.

The Grammy Award-winning artist is set to headline the festival for the first time, marking a return to an event he said was a significant part of his childhood on the city's South Side.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

"Just as a teenager, taking the bus down to the taste, hanging out with my friends, eat as much as we could. Looking for girls and kicking it. The Taste has been something that is specific to Chicago and it's monumental and I'm glad I get to be a part of it on the music side," Common said.

Now returning as a featured performer, Common is partnering with the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to provide a free night of music for festivalgoers.

Asked what audiences can expect from the concert, Common said the performance will be unlike his previous shows.

"This is a fresh show. Fresh and new. Sometimes we do a show and change a couple of songs or two. This one is a lot of new things," he said. "It's not a lot of laid back pensive stuff. We're going to be dancing and partying."

The appearance comes just weeks after Common performed at the Obama Presidential Center grand opening, an experience he described as especially meaningful.

"That was one of the best days I've had in a long time. I just felt blessed to be there," he said. "And to see it on the South Side, the Obama Center, to know people will come from all over the world. I didn't know it would have all these dimensions to it."

As he prepares to take the stage in his hometown once again, Common said Chicago continues to inspire him.

"This city is one of the greatest ever, and it's my favorite. My heart. The people deserve so much in Chicago," he said.

"I want to be an inspiration so it's always important to come home."

Common is scheduled to perform on the main stage at 7 p.m. Friday at the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. The concert is free.

RELATED | City summer festivals: Taste of Chicago, Windy City Smokeout kick off with food, entertainment

Before wrapping up the interview, Common also shared some of his favorite Chicago food destinations: Virtue, Gibson's, RPM and Can't Believe It's Not Meat.

The Chef Stage:
Friday, July 10 (In partnership with Let's Talk Womxn)
-Maya-Camille Broussard (Justice of the Pies)
-Carrie Nahabedian (Brindille)

Saturday, July 11
-Diana Dávila (Mi Tocaya Antojería)

Sunday, July 12 (In partnership with The Banchet Awards)
-John Manion (Brasero and El Che)
-Javauneeka Jacobs (Frontera Grill)

SEE ALSO: Taste of Chicago 2026: Street closures begin in Grant Park

Street closures began Monday.

-Monday, June 29 at 6:00 a.m. (curb lanes only) Columbus from Monroe to Balbo (both sides of street)

- Thursday, July 2 at 6:00 a.m. (Full Closure) Columbus from Monroe to Balbo Ida B. Wells from Columbus to Semi Circle

- Sunday, July 5 at 6:00 a.m. (Full Closure) Jackson from Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive Columbus from Balbo to Roosevelt The Taste of Chicago is set for July 8 through the 12 in Grant Park.

All streets are scheduled to reopen to traffic on Monday, July 13, at 11:59 p.m.