Sept. 25 – 28, 2025
Harris Theater Rooftop • Millennium Park 
Welcome to Chicago Gourmet, one of the country’s most distinguished food festivals. Each year, Chicago Gourmet celebrates the city’s diverse dining scene with a dynamic line-up of epicurean events that showcase the city’s top chefs, food, and drinks.

The upscale culinary celebration hosts a series of exciting happenings, from a high-end tasting to a competition for the city’s best gourmet burger, on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park and at unique culinary venues throughout the city.

Chicago Gourmet events

Chicago Gourmet’s dynamic event line-up puts a spotlight on more than 100 distinguished chefs from Chicago and beyond.

Grand Cru
The exclusive Grand Cru at Chicago Gourmet is an elevated tasting experience that features the nation’s leading wine experts, top mixologists, and acclaimed chefs at the Harris Theater Rooftop for a truly unforgettable experience.

Guests will be able to sample the world’s finest wines and award-winning cuisine, including some of the city’s most well-known chefs and restaurants, such as:

  • Thai Dang, HaiSous
  • Joe Flamm, Rose Mary
  • Lamar Moore, Bronzeville Winery
  • Margaret Pak, Thattu
  • Jenner Tomaska, Esmé
  • Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark, Anelya
  • Dominique Leach, Lexington Betty Smokehouse
  • And many more!

Tacos & Tequila
Kick off the festival weekend with this showcase of gourmet tacos and agave spirits, hosted by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, featuring experts in authentic Mexican cuisine on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park. The evening includes premium tequilas and mezcals, a DJ, mariachi, and more.

Hamburger Hop
The highly anticipated Hamburger Hop is a perennial fan favorite. An array of local chefs will serve their best burgers atop the Harris Theater Rooftop, hosted by chef Joe Flamm. Previous contestants have included local legends like chefs from Gemini, Demera Ethiopian Cuisine, Eden, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop, and more.

Guests will be able to enjoy burger tastings alongside beer and wine, then cast their vote for their favorite. Two winners are crowned — the judge’s favorite and the people’s choice.

Late Night Gourmet
Head to a downtown hotspot for the official Hamburger Hop after-party, with late-night bites, specialty cocktails, music, and dancing.

Rise & Shine Gourmet
Start your Sunday off right with a gourmet family-style brunch on the Harris Theater Rooftop. Hosted by celebrity chefs Art Smith and Lorena Garcia, this fun morning event will feature Southern-style brunch dishes with Latin flair, plus cocktails and chef interactions.

About Chicago Gourmet

Held in Millennium Park each September, Chicago Gourmet is one of the nation’s premier culinary experiences. Since 2008, the epicurean event has showcased Chicago as an international dining destination by shining a spotlight on the city’s best chefs, sommeliers, and wine-, spirit-, and beer-makers, alongside talent from around the country.

The packed weekend schedule truly offers something for everyone, from upscale tastings to morning brunch to late-night soirees. Chicago Gourmet programming benefits the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, dedicated to investing in youth and the workforce in the restaurant industry.

Chicago Gourmet tickets

Chicago Gourmet 2025 ticket information will be released later this year. Check back for more details.