The beloved four-day food festival returns to Chicago this fall with tickets set to go on sale in July. Take a look at the impressive lineup below and get ready for a culinary feast. The event is dedicated to exploring Chicago’s culinary scene, and will show off the best of the best Chicago has to offer– from tacos to burgers and beer, and so much more.
Start planning your weekend now with a sneak peek at the fest’s main lineup.
Tacos and Tequila
First up: a taco-centric event! Chicago is filled to the brim with incredible taco options!
This event is set to place on September 21st, from 7-10 p.m., where you can partake in a taco tasting at the Harris Theater Rooftop (205 E Randolph St.).
Visitors can enjoy live performances by traditional bands along with tequila or mezcal tastings. Last year’s tickets were $99 with this year’s prices yet to be released.
Hamburger Hop
Burger fanatics, unite! The Girl & the Goat chef Stephanie Izard will be hosting this year’s Top Burger competition where chefs compete for the title of ‘Top Burger’, and the ‘People’s Choice’ award voted by attendees.
Last year’s featured chefs included Brian Jupiter (Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern), D’Andre Carter (Soul & Smoke), and Rohini Dey (Vermilion), who competed alongside LA chef and author of Notes from a Young Black Chef, Kwame Onwuachi.
This year, names are yet to be released. The annual event will take place at the Harris Theater Rooftop on September 22nd, going from 6 to 9 p.m.
Late Night Gourmet
The Hamburger Hop party continues on late into the night with this after-party! with snacks, specialty cocktails, music, and dancing, TAO Chicago in River North is really the only place to be.
Tickets have gone for $60 in the past year with a Friday night bundled available as well. Tickets for Hamburger Hop at Late Night Gourmet have been around $175 at previous events with this year’s ticket pricing still under wraps.
On September 22nd, the party goes from 9 p.m. to midnight at TAO Chicago (632 N Dearborn St.).
Grand Cru
On September 23rd, enjoy a multi-session tasting feast from an all-star lineup of chefs, from Michelin-starred chefs and restaurateurs.
Past featured chefs have included Daniel Boulud, Thai Dang, Juan Jimenez, Beverly Kim, Justin Gomes, and Jennifer Selvaggi, making this can’t-miss event a seasonal favorite.
The grand experience also comes with wine and spirit tastings from expert sommeliers and mixologists. Session 1 takes place from 2-5 p.m., while session 2 goes from 7-10 p.m.
Prost! In the Park
Chicago’s take on Oktoberfest is always a popular time, with a specific themed event debuting at the festival last year.
This year, it will be hosted by Monteverde chef Sarah Grueneberg again, complete with beer, chef-prepared food, and plenty of drinks from a bevy of different chefs.
Featured chefs have included the likes of Kevin Kickey, Leigh Omilinsky, Bailey Sullivan, and more. Tickets have gone for $95 with this year’s event taking place on September 23rd from 1-4 p.m. at the Harris Theather Rooftop. (205 E Randolph St.)
Chicago Gourmet 2022 goes from September 21st to September 24th.
[Featured photo via Chicago Gourmet]