Chicago Gourmet

Schedule

1. Sep 24 — Tacos & Tequila: 6–9 pm · Harris Theater Rooftop · Rick Bayless, Marcos Carbajal & Diana Dávila host · $130
2. Sep 25 — Hamburger Hop: 6–9 pm · Harris Theater Rooftop · Joe Flamm & Jeff Mauro host · $130
3. Sep 26 — Grand Cru: Two sessions: 2–5 pm (Stephanie Izard & Lee Anne Wong) and 7–10 pm (Sarah Grueneberg & Chris Shepherd) · $255 · Chef demos at Pritzker Pavilion also this day
4. Sep 27 — Rise & Shine Gourmet: 12–3 pm · Harris Theater Rooftop · Art Smith & Erick Williams host · $115 · Southern-inspired brunch

What to expect

Bon Appétit's Chicago Gourmet, September 24–27, 2026 on the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park. 2026 theme: 'Let Your Tastebuds Dance' with breakdance battles, salsa, and folklore dance paired with food. Tacos & Tequila opening night Sept 24 hosted by Rick Bayless, Marcos Carbajal, Diana Davila. Grand Cru Saturday with 30+ chefs (Stephanie Izard hosts the afternoon, Sarah Grueneberg and Chris Shepherd evening). Hamburger Hop, Rise & Shine brunch, Sunday closing. Chicago's premier high-end food festival.

Tickets

Ticketed 21+ event. Tickets are currently on sale through Chicago Gourmet. Each session is separate unless you buy a package. Official FAQ says all tickets are all-inclusive for food, drinks, activities, and entertainment; no one under 21 is admitted, including infants or children in strollers/carriers.

Transit

Same as any Millennium Park event — any Loop CTA stop within 10 minutes; Metra Electric to Millennium Station; Divvy at Madison/Michigan. Don't drive — Millennium Park garages fill at 7 p.m. on event nights.

Bag policy

Strict event policies: small bags only, no outside food/drink, no large bags, no glass, full search at entry. ID required at all alcohol service.

Family-friendly

Not. This is a $115–$255 high-end food festival with full bar service, adult-paced events, and rooftop seating. Ages 21+ for most events; check specific event policies. Even where younger admitted, the format (small plates, wine pairings, chef Q&A) doesn't suit kids. Skip with infants.

History

Chicago Gourmet launched in 2008 as a signature annual celebration of the city's culinary identity, produced by the Illinois Restaurant Association. Anchored on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park, the festival brings together 100-plus chefs, master sommeliers, and mixologists across a series of ticketed tasting sessions — including the flagship Grand Cru, the Tacos & Tequila opener, the competitive Hamburger Hop, and the Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch. Proceeds benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), supporting hospitality education and workforce development across the state.

Food and drink

• Rick Bayless — Frontera Grill / Topolobampo — premium tacos & tequila event
• Marcos Carbajal — Carnitas Uruapan — authentic Mexican tacos
• Diana Dávila — Mi Tocaya Antojería — modern Mexican antojitos
• Joe Flamm — Rose Mary / il Carciofo — burger showdown host
• Jeff Mauro — Mauro Provisions — burger showdown co-host
• Stephanie Izard — Girl & the Goat — Grand Cru afternoon session host
• Lee Anne Wong — Koko Head Cafe (Honolulu) — Grand Cru afternoon session co-host
• Sarah Grueneberg — Monteverde — Grand Cru evening session host
• Chris Shepherd — Southern Smoke Foundation (Houston) — Grand Cru evening session co-host
• Art Smith — Reunion — Southern-inspired brunch host
• Erick Williams — Virtue Restaurant & Bar / Mustard Seed Kitchen / Daisy's Po'Boy and Tavern — brunch co-host

Local tips

1. This is not a family food fest. Chicago Gourmet is strictly 21+, and the no-infants rule is explicit.
2. Grand Cru remains the prestige ticket, but Tacos & Tequila is the most Chicago-specific first-timer play thanks to Rick Bayless, Marcos Carbajal, and Diana Davila.
3. All-inclusive means pace yourself; the value is in tasting widely, not sprinting through every pour.
4. Enter parking through the Randolph side of Millennium Park Garages if driving, per the official FAQ, but rideshare or CTA is cleaner after alcohol.
5. Watch July updates for any additional programming; the official FAQ says more event announcements are still coming.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chicago Gourmet 21+?

Yes. The official FAQ says all events are 21+ and no one under 21 is admitted, including toddlers, infants, strollers, or baby carriers.

Are tickets all-inclusive?

Yes. Official FAQ says Chicago Gourmet tickets include access to all food, drinks, activities, and entertainment for the purchased event.

Where is it held?

Main 2026 events are on the Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E Randolph St. Chef demos are scheduled for the Pritzker Pavilion Stage.

What are the 2026 sessions?

Tacos & Tequila on Thursday, Hamburger Hop on Friday, Grand Cru in two Saturday sessions, Rise & Shine Gourmet on Sunday, plus Saturday chef demos.

What does it benefit?

Chicago Gourmet benefits the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, which supports scholarships and workforce programs for the hospitality industry.