Each year, Chicago’s culinary community celebrates the James Beard Awards weekend with an array of public and industry events, including tastings, special dinners, expert panels, restaurant crawls, and more. Check back for 2025 details.
Sip & Guzzle @ Hawksmoor Chicago
Hawksmoor, twice named Best International Restaurant Bar by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and…
The Chef’s Collection
Join Maxwells Trading and Third Season on June 14 and 17 for a rare culinary bookstore pop-up. Explore an extraordinary collection of culinary art and…
Up South
Justice of the Pies and Chef Maya-Camille Broussard host Chef Camari Mick (Raf, Musket Room) for its UP SOUTH pop up with dishes that explore…
Beyond the Bar: Innovations, Trends, and Challenges in the Beverage Industry
Presented and moderated by Dr. Erinn Tucker-Oluwole, Professor and Co-Founder, DMV Black Restaurant Week, this panel will explore the current state and future of the…
Connect, Converse, and Celebrate The Humans Who Feed Us
Celebrate immigrants and migrant women in food justice. Panel on mental health and harassment. Location: Loyola University Regent Room, 111 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL…
SERVED UP: Rooftop Pop-Up with Bar Colette
One-night rooftop bar takeover by James Beard finalist Bar Colette. OpenTable reservations available. Location: Chateau Carbide at Pendry Chicago, 230 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601.0,…
Spirited Storytelling: A Morning of Cocktails and Conversation with Andrew Friedman + John’s Food & Wine
The Chicago Chefs & Owners behind John’s Food & Wine, Adam McFarland & Tom Rogers (Chicago Tribune: Best Chefs 2025), invite you to the neighborhood…
Rooftop Brunch at Nobu Chicago
Nobu Chicago will host a special edition of their popular weekend brunch, bringing it to The Rooftop restaurant and lounge on the 11th floor of…
JBF Greens x Galit – 2025 Awards Weekend Brunch
Three-course Middle Eastern brunch with wine pairings and pastries, hosted by JBF Greens at Galit. Location: Galit, 2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614.0, US
Dan Richer’s Razza at Middle Brow
Dan Richer, fearless leader of the American pizza mecca Razza in Jersey City and nominee for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, is teaming up with Chicago pizza…
Everyone’s a Critic Panel – Hosted by JBF
Explore the rapid change and democratization in the food criticism landscape. TikTok, Substack and other platforms lower the barrier to entry of a previously very…
What is American Food Culture? Panel – Hosted by JBF
What do we mean when we are talking about “American food”? Chefs and their teams shape the restaurant industry, bringing their foodways, culture, and their…
Wine, Spirits and Other Beverages: A Conversation
Seasoned beverage professionals share how they got their start, who mentored them, how the industry is evolving, and what keeps them inspired. From shifting guest…
Bar Sótano’s Mariscos Patio Party featuring JBFA nominated Chef Zachary Walters of Sedalia’s in Oklahoma City, benefitting No Kid Hungry
Bar Sótano and Chef Rick Bayless are excited to welcome JBFA nominated Chef Zachary Walters of Sedalia’s in Oklahoma City. The Maricos Patio Party is…
Chicago Cocktail Classic
For one unforgettable evening, explore the world of cocktails without leaving Chicago. The inaugural edition of this global celebration brings together more than two dozen…
GUSTO BAKERY at MIDDLE BROW
Join GUSTO BREAD as they celebrate their nomination with a pizza party featuring a MOLE pizza. Invite: General Public, Nominee RSVP: RSVP by June 15…
J. Henry & Sons Whiskey Dinner @ Nettare
A Nettare Presents: Four-Course Whiskey Dinner – June 15 Join us at A Nettare for a one-night-only Four-Course Whiskey Dinner celebrating bold flavors and Wisconsin-crafted…
Pandan Summer Soirée
Join us on Viceroy Chicago’s rooftop to raise a glass in celebration of James Beard Awards weekend, with the iconic skyline as your backdrop. On…
Martini Soirée
Open to the public, this Martini Soirée is co-hosted by 2025 James Beard Semi-Finalists TRUCE and Bisous, of Chicago. Offering up a menu of delectable…
NightBloom Pop-Up at Sportsman’s Club
NightBloom (NOLA) Pops Up at Sportsman’s Club for One Night Only During JBA Weekend. On Sunday, June 15th, Sportsman’s Club (948 N Western Ave, Chicago)…
Scotch Lodge Pop-Up at The Violet Hour
The Violet Hour, the James Beard Award-winning institution known for jumpstarting Chicago’s craft cocktail scene, is welcoming Southeast Portland’s acclaimed whisky haven Scotch Lodge (2025…
Beyond the Line: Exploring Culinary Careers Outside the Restaurant
What does it mean to be part of the culinary community without running—or working in—a traditional restaurant? This panel will explore careers in culinary that…
Advocacy Meet-up hosted by The James Beard Foundation
Networking and idea-sharing session on advocacy and food system equity for culinary professionals. Location: Kendall College Atrium, 122 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602.0, US…
Coldwater Kitchen Screening & Talk Back: The Role of Food Media in Social Impact Storytelling
“Coldwater Kitchen” is a timely film that subtly addresses some of the most pressing questions around the carceral system – a system that impacts 1…
HOULME tavern-style pizza party at MIDDLE BROW
Jay from HOULME is bringing his Orcas Island magic to the middle west. He’s teaming up with Pete & Carolyn and their Middle Brow Company…