Your guide to Chicago Gourmet 2023

For the last 16 years, Chicago Gourmet has brought luxurious tastings and wine pairings, intimate conversations with acclaimed chefs, and the camaraderie of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow foodies from Chicago and beyond to the city’s iconic Millennium Park.

Get Chicago Gourmet tickets

This year, the top-tier food festival is offering an inventive lineup featuring upscale tastings, burger showdowns, and more under this year’s theme “Fashion, Plated”. This year’s events feature top local and national chefs like Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Joe Flamm, Dominique Leach, Lamar Moore, Sujan Sarkar, and more.

Here’s what you need to know about Chicago Gourmet 2024 — and don’t forget to grab your tickets for this year’s many events.

When is Chicago Gourmet 2024?

This year’s Chicago Gourmet will run from Thursday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The event kicks off with Tacos & Tequila on Thursday evening and caps off with the Rise and Shine Gourmet brunch on Sunday morning.

Where is Chicago Gourmet?

A majority of Chicago Gourmet events will take place at the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park. The stunning venue is set in the heart of the bustling downtown Loop and surrounds guests with views of the park and cityscape. Tacos and Tequila, Grand Cru, Hamburger Hop, and Rise and Shine Gourmet will all take place at the Harris Theater Rooftop.

Late Night Gourmet, following the Hamburger Hop event, will take place at TAO Chicago in River North.

What are the Chicago Gourmet events this year?

This year’s Chicago Gourmet includes a packed schedule of fan-favorite events, like the show-stopping Grand Cru and beloved Hamburger Hop, plus stylish new happenings leading up to the main event.

Grand Cru
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
2 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 10 p.m.
The highlight of Chicago Gourmet is the iconic Grand Cru. This exclusive and intimate tasting event takes place on the Harris Theater Rooftop, tucked away in scenic Millennium Park. Guests will be able to sip the world’s finest wines curated by master sommeliers and craft cocktails from top mixologists. Not to mention endless bites from the city’s most buzzed-about chefs, from established stars to up-and-coming talent.

Tacos & Tequila
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024
7 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy an array of tasty tacos from local chefs who represent the best in authentic Mexican cuisine atop the Harris Theater Rooftop. Hosted by acclaimed chef Rick Bayless, this sizzling evening event also features sips of premium tequilas, mezcals, and agave spirits and performances from mariachi, mojiganga, and DJs.

Hamburger Hop & Late Night Gourmet
Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
6 – 9 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Vote for your favorite burger at Hamburger Hop, an event that brings together top chefs from around the city as they vie for the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards. Then make sure to snag tickets to the official after-party, Late Night Gourmet at TAO, where you’ll enjoy late-night bites, specialty cocktails, and plenty of music and dancing.

Rise & Shine Gourmet
Sunday, Sept. 28, 2024
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Close out Chicago Gourmet weekend with this fun daytime event on the Harris Theater Rooftop. Enjoy a morning of sweet and savory brunch bites, mimosas, and other cocktails, plus lively beats and top-tier chefs.

New events this year include:

Goats and Totes with Stephanie Izard: Decorate a bespoke tote bag and graze on bites and drinks at this intimate event.
Chefs Get Pickled: Favorite local chefs step out of the kitchen and onto the pickleball court during this fun and friendly tournament.
House of Gourmet Italian Dinner: This extravagant, multi-course dinner is hosted by Eataly and includes a showcase by Chicago Fashion Week.

What chefs are coming to the Grand Cru event?

This year’s line-up features a fresh array of local and national names. Here are just some of the star chefs that guests can expect at Chicago Gourmet 2024.

Session 1 (2 to 5 p.m.)