The annual Chicago Gourmet Food Festival is here with more food and experiences to entertain visitors. The festival will feature more than 100 chefs, making it one of the city’s premier culinary showcases. This upscale event showcases the city’s vibrant food scene, bringing together the best it has to offer.
Highlights
- The Chicago Gourmet Food Festival is arriving soon, starting on September 25.
- The theme this year is “Step Up to the Plate.”
- This is more than a food festival; it is a celebration of the finest Chicago has to offer.
Chicago Gourmet Food Festival 2025
Chicago Gourmet is set to deliver a high-end food experience for discerning diners. Attendees can curate their experience by choosing from a wide range of events and tastings. This vibrant event presents chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, top restaurants, and more.
The theme this year is “Step Up to the Plate,” paying homage to the city’s sports scene. Guests can expect upscale, carefully crafted dishes throughout the weekend. Plan for the event ahead, and know how to get the best out of the experience.
Venue & Ticket Details
This year’s festival will unfold on the rooftop of the Harris Theater, offering a striking outdoor setting. The Harris Theater Rooftop at Park has been chosen as the venue for the event. The rooftop will be transformed into a lively hub for food, drinks, and entertainment.
- Where: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601.
- When: September 25, 2025, to September 28, 2025.
The 2025 Chicago Gourmet is a 21+ only event. Tickets for the events are all sold separately, and guests can choose the event they want to attend. The price of the tickets ranges from $130 to $250 each, depending on the event selected. More details on the tickets are available online.
Food Festival Spotlights
The festival features a robust lineup of main events, each offering a distinct culinary experience. Apart from that, the festival has a lot happening, which has attracted huge crowds over the years. From the unique theme to the beautiful venue, a lot is happening at the event this year.
- Preview Events: While the main events are in a league of their own, the preview events are no less exciting. Bringing a blend of food and sports, the theme has caught up to these events and is worth checking out.
- Chef Line-Ups: This year’s chef lineup includes Bailey Sullivan, Gene Kato, and Jenner Tomaska, among other Chicago culinary leaders. Bringing the best of Chicago’s culinary scene, they represent a versatile food scene to everyone.
- Venue and Ambiance: Set in the iconic Harris Theatre Rooftop, the event offers beautiful views and ambiance. From the themed decor to the live music, everything about this event is an experience worth checking out.
The food festival brings together people who have a shared love for fine food, wine, cocktails, and culinary experiences. This is a space where people connect over these experiences, making it the perfect choice for many. Know more about the preview events online.
Main Events of the Festival
The Chicago Gourmet is a festival to indulge in the shared joy of food. The multi-day event reflects Chicago’s diverse culinary culture and vibrant dining scene. Several marquee events draw food lovers from across the city and beyond.
- Tacos & Tequila: This lively local event is all about the tacos, the festive vibe, and high-quality food. Hosted by Rick Bayless, this event brings agave spirits, cocktails, and lots of music.
- Hamburger Hop: Bringing an intriguing competition among chefs, this event sees who makes the best burgers. Chefs compete while the attendees vote as this battle of burgers takes the stage.
- Grand Cru: Presenting dishes paired with fine wines and spirits, this event is as upscale as it can get. The Grand Cru highlights acclaimed chefs presenting dishes paired with fine wines and spirits.
- Asian Late Night Market: Those looking for a more relaxed ambiance can head to this event. Featuring Asian bites, this late-night event is just perfect for those looking to explore the festival.
- Rise & Shine Gourmet Brunch: A daytime brunch that closes the festival, this event winds it all down in a relaxed way. Featuring both sweet and savory treats, this marks the end of the wonderful festival.
The Chicago Gourmet is a celebration of what the city can offer, highlighting its status as a world-class culinary destination. The multi-day festival is filled with culinary treats, late-night parties, competitions, and more. The Chicago Gourmet promises a weekend of vibrant flavors and memorable experiences.
