Chicago Gourmet returns in September with ‘Let Your Tastebuds Dance’ theme

Chicago Tribune / by Evgenia Anastasakos / July 22, 2026

Chicago Gourmet, a multiday food festival showcasing the city’s culinary scene, will return Sept. 23 to 27 with a lineup of dance-inspired events and more than 100 chefs slated to participate.

The festival, now in its 19th year, will include tastings, live cooking demonstrations and partnerships with local restaurants. As a nod to this year’s theme, “Let Your Tastebuds Dance,” each event will feature live performances from local dance troupes, Illinois Restaurant Association president Sam Toia said.

This year will also feature new pregame events, including the Asian Night Market on Sept. 23 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bridgeport’s Zhou B Art Center. Tickets are $99 and the event will include chefs such as Joe Fontelera of Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant, Andrew Lim of Perilla Korean Fare and Perilla Korean Steakhouse, and Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar of Mirra, Lilac Tiger and Coach House. Read More Here.