Each year, Chicago’s culinary community celebrates the James Beard Awards weekend with an array of public and industry events, including tastings, special dinners, expert panels, restaurant crawls, and more. Check out the exciting events happening during James Beard Awards weekend 2025.
Spirited Storytelling: A Morning of Cocktails and Conversation with Andrew Friedman + John’s Food & Wine
The Chicago Chefs & Owners behind John’s Food & Wine, Adam McFarland & Tom Rogers (Chicago Tribune: Best Chefs 2025), invite you to the neighborhood…
Rooftop Brunch at Nobu Chicago
Nobu Chicago will host a special edition of their popular weekend brunch, bringing it to The Rooftop restaurant and lounge on the 11th floor of…
JBF Greens x Galit – 2025 Awards Weekend Brunch
Three-course Middle Eastern brunch with wine pairings and pastries, hosted by JBF Greens at Galit. Location: Galit, 2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Dan Richer’s Razza at Middle Brow
Dan Richer, fearless leader of the American pizza mecca Razza in Jersey City and nominee for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, is teaming up with Chicago pizza…
Everyone’s a Critic Hosted by The James Beard Foundation
Explore the rapid change and democratization in the food criticism landscape. TikTok, Substack and other platforms lower the barrier to entry of a previously very…
What is American Food Culture? Hosted by the James Beard Foundation
What do we mean when we are talking about “American food”? Chefs and their teams shape the restaurant industry, bringing their foodways, culture, and their…
Wine, Spirits and Other Beverages Hosted by The James Beard Foundation
Seasoned beverage professionals share how they got their start, who mentored them, how the industry is evolving, and what keeps them inspired. From shifting guest…
Bar Sótano’s Mariscos Patio Party featuring JBFA nominated Chef Zachary Walters of Sedalia’s in Oklahoma City, benefitting No Kid Hungry
Bar Sótano and Chef Rick Bayless are excited to welcome JBFA nominated Chef Zachary Walters of Sedalia’s in Oklahoma City. The Maricos Patio Party is…
Chicago Cocktail Classic
For one unforgettable evening, explore the world of cocktails without leaving Chicago. The inaugural edition of this global celebration brings together more than two dozen…
GUSTO BAKERY at MIDDLE BROW
Join GUSTO BREAD as they celebrate their nomination with a pizza party featuring a MOLE pizza. Invite: General Public, Nominee RSVP: RSVP by June 15…
J. Henry & Sons Whiskey Dinner @ Nettare
Join us at A Nettare for a one-night-only Four-Course Whiskey Dinner celebrating bold flavors and Wisconsin-crafted spirits. Each course will be expertly paired with a…
Pandan Summer Soirée
Join us on Viceroy Chicago’s rooftop to raise a glass in celebration of James Beard Awards weekend, with the iconic skyline as your backdrop. On…
Martini Soirée
Open to the public, this Martini Soirée is co-hosted by 2025 James Beard Semi-Finalists TRUCE and Bisous, of Chicago. Offering up a menu of delectable…
NightBloom Pop-Up at Sportsman’s Club
NightBloom (NOLA) Pops Up at Sportsman’s Club for One Night Only During JBA Weekend. On Sunday, June 15th, Sportsman’s Club (948 N Western Ave, Chicago)…
Scotch Lodge Pop-Up at Friends of Friends
Named Portland Monthly’s Bar of the Year just six months after opening in 2019, Scotch Lodge continues to earn acclaim for its expansive whisky collection…
Beyond the Line: Exploring Culinary Careers Outside of a Restaurant Hosted by The James Beard Foundation
What does it mean to be part of the culinary community without running—or working in—a traditional restaurant? This panel will explore careers in culinary that…
Advocacy Meet-up Hosted by The James Beard Foundation
On behalf of The James Beard Foundation, we invite you to attend the JBF Advocacy Meet-up, hosted by our very own Anne McBride, PhD, VP…
Coldwater Kitchen Screening & Talk Back: The Role of Food Media in Social Impact Storytelling
“Coldwater Kitchen” is a timely film that subtly addresses some of the most pressing questions around the carceral system – a system that impacts 1…
HOULME tavern-style pizza party at MIDDLE BROW
Jay from HOULME is bringing his Orcas Island magic to the middle west. He’s teaming up with Pete & Carolyn and their Middle Brow Company…