Chicago to host James Beard Awards through 2028—tickets now on sale for June’s ceremony

Chicago will host the James Beard Awards ceremonies through 2028, Choose Chicago announced in collaboration with the James Beard Foundation at a ceremony hosted on Tuesday, March 31. The event revealed 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees and Achievement Award honorees at The Wellsley, a press release stated. 

According to the announcement, it was the first time the ceremony was held in the city. Chicago restaurateur and James Beard Award winner Kevin Boehm, of Boka Restaurant Group, co-hosted the ceremony.

The James Beard Awards have honored top talent in American food culture since 1990. They recognize excellence in restaurants, chefs and media, and according to the press release, Chicago first hosted in 2015. The city now claims over 50 past winners.

Leaders celebrate culinary milestone

Governor JB Pritzker hailed Illinois' dynamic food scene. “Illinois hosts one of the most dynamic and diverse food scenes in the world, with a growing number of restaurants and chefs using their culinary skills to cultivate community and bring international interest to the table,” said Pritzker, as reported by press release.

Mayor Brandon Johnson called Chicago a great culinary city. “Chicago is one of the world's great culinary cities, and we are honored to continue hosting the James Beard Awards through 2028,” said Johnson, as stated in the announcement. He also noted how the city boasted the most James Beard semifinalists last year.

Read more on Chicago Star

• Cocktails with a classic twist: Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club debuts in River North

• Lyric Opera bolsters board with top talents, including Smashing Pumpkin’s Billy Corgan

• American Writers Festival 2026 expands to two days with free events across Chicago

• “Secret Garden” pop-up blooms at Dandy Crown in River West through Mother’s Day

• Chicago gets a sweet taste of Texas treats as The Bougie Foodie opens in Fulton Market

Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, praised local pros. “Chicago is proud to continue our partnership with the James Beard Foundation by hosting the awards through 2028,” said Reynolds, per the press release. She touted the evolving food scene.

Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, welcomed the extension. “We're thrilled that Chicago will continue to be the home of the James Beard Awards ceremonies through 2028,” said Reichenbach, as reported by the announcement, while further citing the diverse culture and location.

Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, expressed excitement as well. “As the proud host of the James Beard Awards, the Illinois Restaurant Association is excited for the Awards to remain in Chicago through 2028,” said Toia, according to press release. 

2026 schedule spotlights Chicago venues

The 2026 lineup starts with Media Awards on Saturday, June 13, at the Art Institute of Chicago. Impact Awards follow on Sunday, June 14, at The Dalcy. The Restaurant and Chef Awards cap the event on Monday, June 15, at Lyric Opera of Chicago. An after-party will be hosted that same night at Union Station.

Tickets for the Restaurant and Chef Awards went on sale on Tuesday, March 31. Media Awards tickets will be available for purchase beginning Wednesday, May 6. The events draw global eyes to Chicago's restaurants and chefs, as the city’s role in the James Beard Awards cements its culinary leadership.