Chicago Gourmet returns with new events and star chefs

Chicago's biggest celebration of food is back, and this year's Chicago Gourmet is adding a lively new beat to the menu. Running Sept. 23-27 and powered by Invesco QQQ, this popular foodie fest will return with the playful theme, "Let Your Tastebuds Dance," blending world-class cuisine with music, movement and immersive entertainment.

Presented by the Illinois Restaurant Association, the annual festival will once again transform Millennium Park's Harris Theater Rooftop and other iconic Chicago venues into a culinary playground featuring more than 100 celebrated chefs, premium wines and spirits, and a series of unforgettable dining experiences.

New for 2026, the festival expands beyond its signature tastings with several debut events designed to celebrate the connection between food and culture.

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Among the most anticipated additions is the Global Stage Dinner on Sept. 23, an intimate multi-course dinner served directly on the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Guests will enjoy globally inspired cuisine from acclaimed chefs including Kwame Onwuachi, Lorena Garcia, Tony Priolo and John Shields while live dance performances reflect the heritage and inspiration behind each course.

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Also making its debut is the Asian Night Market at Bridgeport's Zhou B Art Center. Hosted by chefs Thai Dang and Beverly Kim, the evening recreates the energy of an Asian street market with creative bites, specialty cocktails, music and appearances by standout chefs from Chicago and beyond.

Fans will also welcome the return of the festival's popular live cooking demonstrations. Back for the first time in several years, the Chef Demo Series at the Pritzker Pavilion offers guests an up-close look at culinary stars such as Stephanie Izard, Rick Bayless, Diana Dávila, Art Smith, Sarah Grueneberg and others as they share cooking techniques and signature recipes.

The festival's new Dine Around Series extends the celebration throughout Chicagoland from Sept. 1-18. Nearly 80 participating restaurants will offer exclusive festival-inspired menus, specialty cocktails and wine pairings, giving food lovers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Chicago Gourmet before the main weekend begins. Diners who spend $50 or more at participating restaurants can also enter to win a VIP Chicago Gourmet experience.

Returning favorites remain at the heart of the festival. Tacos & Tequila opens the rooftop festivities with tacos, tequila, mariachi performers and folkloric dancers. Hamburger Hop once again brings together some of the city's top burger chefs competing for bragging rights while guests vote for the People's Choice Award. This year's event also adds live breakdancing and an after-party featuring DJs, samba dancers and late-night treats.

Saturday's signature Grand Cru tasting returns with two sessions showcasing more than 30 award-winning chefs alongside exceptional wines and spirits. Sunday closes the weekend with Rise & Shine Gourmet, a Southern-inspired brunch hosted by Art Smith and Erick Williams featuring comfort food, cocktails and country line dancing.

Another crowd favorite, Gourmet Tailgate, returns Sept. 13, inviting Bears fans to combine football viewing with elevated tailgate fare and craft beverages before the official festival begins.

With appearances by culinary stars including Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Joe Flamm, Sarah Grueneberg, Kwame Onwuachi, Beverly Kim, Dominique Leach, Jeff Mauro, Paul Virant, Art Smith, Erick Williams and dozens more, Chicago Gourmet continues to showcase why Chicago remains one of America's premier dining destinations.

Beyond celebrating great food, Chicago Gourmet supports the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships, workforce development and career opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals. Proceeds also benefit the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which assists restaurant workers facing financial hardship.

Tickets for all events are on sale now here.