Chicago Gourmet 2026 returns with NEW events + huge national & local chef lineup!

LET YOUR TASTE BUDS DANCE! 

CHICAGO GOURMET, POWERED BY INVESCO QQQ, TAKES CENTER STAGE

WITH THE CULINARY FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR

Sip, savor, and sway to the rhythm this fall at Chicago Gourmet powered by Invesco QQQ with tickets on sale today, July 22

Chicago Gourmet

When the food sings, your tastebuds will dance! One of the nation’s premier culinary festivals, Chicago Gourmet, powered by Invesco QQQ, is turning up the tempo in 2026. The culinary event of the year is thrilled to announce this year’s ensemble of award-winning chefs, a vibrant lineup of dance-inspired events, and the official launch of ancillary event ticket sales today, July 22.

From September 23–27, with opening act festivities kicking off early, Chicago Gourmet returns with the theme “Let Your Tastebuds Dance” – a celebration of the shared energy, rhythm, and passion found in both food and movement. Whether you’re here for a cha-cha-infused sip or a perfectly choreographed bite, this is the main event for food lovers who move to the beat of flavor.

The festival will take center stage on the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park, along with iconic venues across the city, transforming them into culinary performances.

Ready to get down? This year’s Chicago Gourmet schedule includes:

Gourmet Tailgate, Sunday, September 13, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, Utopian Tailgate, 1608 N Wells St.

Suit up — Gourmet Tailgate, presented by COUNTRY Financial, is back and ready to bear down. Hosted by Jonathon Sawyer, Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails and Cheetie Kumar, Ajja, Big Cat (North Carolina) guests will watch the Chicago Bears in action while sampling gourmet spins on tailgate favorites. Expect big-screen excitement, plenty of cold beverages, and game-day energy that keeps the crowd on its feet. Team gear is encouraged, and if the music moves you to shuffle, we won’t stop you.

The Choreographed Chef Lineup:

• Marcos Ascencio & Oliver Poilevey, Mariscos San Pedro, Taquería Chingón

• Alexander Carnovale & Israel Idonije, Buttercup

• Chris Cunningham, JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop

• Fernando Mendoza, Utopian Tailgate

 $110 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

NEW IN 2026! AN EXQUISITE OPENING ACT

Global Stage Dinner, Wednesday, September 23, 6 pm – 9 pm, Pritzker Pavilion Stage at Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street

The Global Stage Dinner, presented by Square, is a brand-new, ultra-exclusive dining experience that takes place directly on the iconic Pritzker Pavilion stage. Guests will enjoy a beautifully choreographed multi-course dinner prepared by world-class culinary masters, pairing global rhythms with unmatched flavors under the Chicago stars. Dishes will be accompanied by a live dance experience that inspired the dish and celebrates the chef’s heritage.

The Headliners:

• Lorena Garcia, Chef, Owner, Restauranteur, TV Host, Author (Miami)

• Kwame Onwuachi, Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi (New York City)

• Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno

• John Shields, The Loyalist

$250 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

NEW IN 2026! STREET-FOOD SYMPHONY

Asian Night Market, Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St.

Step into a high-energy street market experience where food and rhythm collide. Hosted by culinary visionaries Thai Dang, HaiSous, Cà Phê Dá, Crying Tiger, Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club & Gus’s Sip & Dip and Beverly Kim, Parachute HiFi, Anelya, the Asian Night Market brings a bustling, neon-lit celebration to Bridgeport’s Zhou B Art Center. Savor late-night-style bites with an Asian flair, dynamic music, and specialty cocktails that hit all the right notes.

Performers for the night:

• Joe Fontelera, Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant

• Gene Kato, Momotaro

• Aaron Kabot, Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar

• Sathish Kumar, INDIENNE

• Andrew Lim, PERILLA Korean Fare / PERILLA Korean Steakhouse

• Zubair Mohajir & Rishi Kumar, Mirra / Lilac Tiger / Coach House

• Michael Morales, Sunda New Asian

• Helen Nguyen, Saigon Social / Cô Lạc (New York City)

$99 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

NOW FOR THE MAIN EVENTS

A FIESTA ON THE ROOFTOP!

Tacos & Tequila, Thursday, September 24, from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.

Tacos & Tequila, presented by Square and  US Foods, kicks off Chicago Gourmet weekend with a lively celebration of Mexican cuisine, agave spirits, and dance. Hosted by chefs Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill, Marcos Carbajal, Carnitas Uruapan and Diana Dávila, Mi Tocaya Antojería, the evening features a curated selection of mouth-watering tacos from top local chefs paired with premium tequila and mezcal. Guests can experience the energy of live mariachi, traditional Mexican folk dancers, colorful mojiganga performances, and a DJ set that keeps the rooftop moving all night long. It’s an immersive kickoff where food, music, and dance come together in one high-energy celebration.

Turn up the heat for:

• Elton Ambrose, Fairmont

• Marcos Ascencio & Oliver Poilevey, Mariscos San Pedro, Taquería Chingón

• Marco Colin, La Luna / La Lunita

• Jaysen Euler, Old Pueblo Cantina

• Dan Harris, Tuco & Blondie

• Eddie Jobin, US Foods

• Reynel Mendoza & Leo Ramos, Kie-Gol-Lanee

• George Riley Miller, Vue on 30a (South Walton, Florida)

• Carlos Munoz, Istmo

• Jessica Perjes, Tacotlan

$130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

Somm Sessions Friday, September 25, 12:00–2:00 pm, Adalina Italian, 912 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610

At Somm Sessions, presented by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, guests will slip away for an upscale, lyrical luncheon hosted by Chef Soo Ahn and Sommelier Serafin Alvarado. Some of Chicago’s best sommeliers will compete to pair the perfect wine and song with signature dishes, creating an exquisite sensory harmony. Along with a delightful afternoon, guests will be raising a glass for a cause, with proceeds benefiting the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. $250 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

THE DANCE BATTLE BREAKDOWN

Hamburger Hop, Friday, September 25, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.

The Hamburger Hop, presented by Home Grown Program supported by Sysco, DoorDash, and Miller Lite, is back bringing high energy and a fresh rhythm to this fan-favorite event. Set against iconic Chicago skyline views, top chefs throw down for “Best Burger” bragging rights, serving up creative takes on the classic alongside beer, wine, and cocktails. This year, the experience is elevated with live breakdancing and music-driven entertainment that keeps the energy pumping all night long. Hosted by chefs Joe Flamm, Day Off Group: Rose Mary, Il Carciofo, Bar Tutto, BLVD Steakhouse and Jeff Mauro, Mauro Provisions, guests can enjoy an evening where great food meets great beats—while celebrity judges award the Judges’ Choice and attendees crown the People’s Choice. Toro, located inside the Fairmont hotel, will host this year’s Hamburger Hop after party from 9pm-12am! Enjoy live DJ spins all night, fire and samba dancers turning up the energy, and a churro station for a late night bite. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

The Burger Crew:

• Bryant Anderson, Broken Barrel Bar

• William Cabreros, Nirvana Wine Bar

• Henry Cai, 3 Little Pigs

• Christine Cikowski, Josh Kulp & Cam Waron, Honey Butter Fried Chicken / Sunday Dinner Club

• Jorge Kauam, Gutenburg

• Dan Grynevich, Kuma’s Corner

• Todd Hawkesworth, Gus’ Sip & Dip

• Damion Henry, Torali Italian-Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

• Josean Irizarry, Smash Jibarito

• John McClean & Martin Murch, Burger Bar Chicago

• George Riley Miller, Vue on 30a (South Walton, Florida)

• Rahim Muhammad, Mahari

• Gustavo Torres, Empire Burger

• Alex Williams, Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern

• The Dawson

Judges:

• Amy Cavanaugh, Chicago Magazine

• Bruno Lacaria, Invesco QQQ

• Tony Mantuano, The Purple Pig

• Art Mendoza, Toasted Hospitality

• James Sanders, Sanders BBQ Supply Co.

• Scott Stroemer, Galit / Cafe Yaya

$130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

THE MASTERCLASS CHOREOGRAPHY

Grand Cru, Saturday, September 26, Session One 2:00 – 5:00 pm, Session Two 7:00-10:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.

Like the world’s greatest performers, Saturday’s Grand Cru moves with precision, energy, and global rhythm. Taking over the Harris Theater Rooftop on September 26, this signature experience is an elegant choreography of standout cuisine from 30+ award-winning chefs paired with an exceptional lineup of premium wines and spirits, all in a gorgeous setting. Guests can groove into the afternoon session from 2-5:00 pm, hosted by chefs Stephanie Izard, Girl & the Goat (Chicago and LA), Little Goat Diner, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra (Chicago & LA), Valley Goat, and Lee Anne Wong,  Koko Head Cafe (Hawaii) or step out for the evening edition from 7-10:00 pm, hosted by chefs Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio and Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke Foundation (Texas). Presented by UnitedHealthcare®, the Grand Cru is where flavor, flow, and atmosphere are in perfect sync.

Session 1: 2:00-5:00 pm:

• D’Andre Carter, Soul & Smoke

• Fleetwood Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (South Walton, Florida)

• Aaron Cuschieri, The Dearborn

• Thai Dang, HaiSous / Cà Phê Dá / Crying Tiger / Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club / Gus’s Sip & Dip

• Norman Fenton, Cariño

• Javauneeka Jacobs, Frontera Grill

• Nikolaos Kapernaros, Pierless Hospitality at Navy Pier

• Drew Keane, Gibsons Italia

• Athinagoras Kostakos, Naia

• Danielle Marelli, The Langham

• Pat Sang, Oki Sushi

• Bailey Sullivan, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

• Paul Virant, Petite Vie / Vistro Prime / Gaijin / Jar Sessions

Session 2: 7:00-10:00 pm

• Elton Ambrose, The Fairmont Chicago

• Fleetwood Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood( South Walton, Florida)

• Brian Jupiter, Pioneer Tavern Group

• Brain Lockwood, Gingie

• Adam McFarland & Tom Rogers, John’s Food & Wine

• Jakob Peterson, Dēliz Italian Steakhouse

• Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno

• Natalie Saben, avec

• Pat Sang, Oki Sushi

• Jonathon Sawyer, Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails

• Yari Vargas, Casa Yari

• Sam Weitz, The Fat Shallot

$255 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

NEW IN 2026! LIVE CENTER-STAGE DEMOS

Chef Demos, September 26, Various times throughout the day, Pritzker Pavilion Stage at Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street

Demos are back at Chicago Gourmet! Always a fan favorite, join us on Saturday, September 26, at the Pritzker Pavilion stage for a full lineup of culinary demonstrations from all-star chefs. Guests are invited to get up close and personal to the chefs as they showcase their best tips and tricks to recreating some of their most popular dishes. Chef Demo tickets are available as an add on to any Grand Cru ticket purchase. Participating chefs include:

• 1:00-1:30 pm Stephanie Izard, Girl & the Goat (Chicago and LA), Little Goat Diner, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra (Chicago & LA), Valley Goat & Lee Anne Wong, Koko Head Cafe (HawaiI)

• 2:30-3:00 pm – Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill & Diana Dávila, Mi Tocaya Antojería

• 3:30-4:00 pm – Tony Mantuano, The Purple Pig, Takashi Yagihashi, Noodles by Takashi, Tabo Sushi and Noodles, Slurping Turtle & John Hogan

• 5:00-5:30 pm – Art Smith, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion & Fleetwood Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (South Walton, Florida)

• 6:00-6:30 pm – Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio & Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke Foundation (Texas)

$20 per person, per demo, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. Grand Cru ticket required.

CLOSING ACT

Rise & Shine Gourmet, Sunday, September 27, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.

Sunday’s Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch brings a down-home country cookout vibe to the Harris Theater Rooftop on September 27, from 12–3:00 pm. Hosted by chefs Art Smith, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, and Erick Williams, Virtue Hospitality Group, this lively gathering features a spread of sweet and savory bites from top-tier chefs, refreshing cocktails, and feel-good energy throughout. Guests are invited to soak in a vibrant, Southern-style atmosphere, where the celebration carries onto the dance floor with a little country line dancing. Presented by COUNTRY Financial, Performance Foodservice, and UNOX,  great food and good times make Rise & Shine Gourmet a high-spirited weekend finale.

The Closing Ensemble:

• John Avila, Rendang Republic

• Fleetwood Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (South Walton, Florida)

• Lalo Garcia, Nonnina

• Dominique Leach, Lexington Betty’s Smokehouse

• Chris Murphy, Junebug Cafe Six Corners

• Lamar Moore, Mariano’s Tastemaker

• Martial Noguier, Bistronomic

• Raul Polidario, The Prospect

• Devon Quinn, eden

• Tigist Reda, Demera

• Darnell Reed, Luella’s Southern Kitchen

• Jose Sosa, The Greggory

• Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe

• Steven Zabel, Performance Foodservice

$115 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

NEW IN 2026! THE DINE AROUND OVERTURE

Dine Around Series, September 1-18, Restaurants Across Chicagoland

The Dine Around Series, powered by Invesco QQQ,  takes Chicago Gourmet beyond the main festival grounds and directly into the city’s diverse neighborhoods. For nearly three weeks, food lovers can visit nearly 80 restaurants to experience exclusive, festival-inspired dishes, tasting menus, cocktails, and wine pairings. As an added bonus, guests who spend $50 or more at participating restaurants during the series can enter to win an ultimate Chicago Gourmet VIP experience, featuring a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, four tickets to the Hamburger Hop, and four tickets to the Grand Cru, Session 2.

Participating Dine Around Series restaurants include:

• 14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar, Ambar Chicago, Avli on The Park, Beatnik, Bistro Verde – Lincoln Land Community College, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Carnivale Restaurant Chicago, Cebu Chicago, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, CheSa’s Bistro & Bar, Clara’s, Coco Pazzo, Dawn A.M. Eatery, eden, Ema – River North, Fat Rosie’s, Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, Frontera Grill, Gaijin, Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine, Gene and Georgetti, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Il Porcellino, JR Dessert Bakery, Kapitan, Kinzie Chophouse, La Luna, La Lunita, Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Mama Delia, Mercadito Lincoln Park, Mercadito River North, Mexican Radio, Mon Ami Gabi, Mordecai, Nonnina, Petterino’s, Piccolo Sogno, Pizzeria Portofino, Pour Destino – Elmhurst, Ramen-san Deluxe, Ramen-san Fulton Market, Ramen-san Lincoln Park, Ramen-san River North, Roanoke, RPM Italian, RPM Seafood, RPM Steak, Saigon Sisters, Sepia, Sifr, Soul & Smoke, State and Lake Chicago Tavern, Sushi-san Lincoln Park, Sushi-san River North, Tacotlan, Tandoor Char House, Tanta Cocina Peruana, Taqueria Los Comales, Taste 222, Tavern on Rush, The Albert, The Dearborn, The Prospect, The Smith, The Vig West Loop, Tortoise Supper Club, TZUCO Chicago, UMMO Chicago

With over 100 participating chefs yearly, the 2026 troupe includes renowned names such as: Marcos Ascencio, (Mariscos San Pedro, Taqueria Chingón), Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO, Bar Sótano, and more), Marcos Carbajal (Carnitas Uruapan), Thai Dang (HaiSous / Cà Phê Dá / Crying Tiger / Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club / Gus’s Sip & Dip), Diana Dávila (Mi Tocaya Antojería), Norman Fenton (Cariño), Joe Flamm (Il Carciofo, Rose Mary, BLVD Steakhouse), Joe Fontelera (Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant), Lorena Garcia (CHICA, Food Café), Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde), Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat, Duck Duck Goat, Little Goat, and more), Brian Jupiter (Frontier, Ina Mae’s Packaged Goods, Migos), Gene Kato (Momotaro), Beverly Kim (Parachute Hi-Fi, Anelya), Dominique Leach (Lexington Betty Smokehouse), Jeff Mauro (Mauro Provisions), Kwame Onwuachi (Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi), Oliver Poilevey (Mariscos San Pedro, Taqueria Chingón), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Jonathon Sawyer (Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails), Chris Shepherd (Southern Smoke Foundation), Art Smith (Blue Door, Reunion, and more), Paul Virant (Gaijin), Erick Williams (Virtue Hospitality Group) and Lee Anne Wong (Koko Head Cafe) to name a few.