Chicago Illinois Best Food and Drink Festivals
Food, Wine, Spirits and Beer Festivals listed also include surrounding areas that host signature events.
Chicago
Cider Summit Chicago
February
Uncorked Chicago Wine Festival
March
Beer Under Glass Union Station
May
Wine on the Fox Osewgo
May
Lincoln Park Greek Fest
May
Will County Beer & Bourbon Festival
May
WhiskeyFest Chicago
May
Wing Out Chicago
May
Ballpark Brewfest
May
Windy City Hot Dog Fest
June
Morris Rhythm BBQ Festival
June
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo
June
RibFest Chicago
June
Hyde Park Brew Fest
June
Chicago Margarita Festival
June
Windy City Ribfest
July
Chicago Food Truck Festival
June
Windy City Smoke Out BBQ, Beer & Music Fest
July
Taste of Westmont
July
Chicago Craft Beer Festival
July
Horner Park Brew Fest
July
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
July
Tacos y Tamales Festival
July
Jeff Fest
July
Horner Brew Fest
July
Taste of River North
July
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
July
Chicago Pizza City Fest
August
The Great American Lobster Fest
August
Joliet New Orleans North Festival
August
Taste of Greektown
August
Corn Fest
August
McHenry Bands, Brews & BBQ
August
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Sangria Festival Humboldt Park
August
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Highwood Bloody Mary Festival
August
West Chicago Food Festival
August
Taste of Polonia Festival
August
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Lakeview Taco Fest
September
Grayslake Bourbon & Beer Festival
September
Lake Geneva Taco Fest
September
Chicago Oktoberfest
September
Tinley Park Oktoberfest
September
Chicago Tacos & Tequila Festival
September
Revelry Food & Wine Festival Lake Forest
September
The Great Gatsby
September
Oswego Brew & the Bridge
September
West Loop Bavarian Block Party
September
Taste of Chicago
September
Chicago Beer Festival
October
Whiskies of the World
October
Lincoln Park Wine Fest
October
Festival of Barrel Aged Beer
November
Whiskey Advocate WhiskeyFest
November
Springfield
Decatur Craft Beer Festival
May
Springfield Oyster & Beer Festival
August
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Peoria Food & Wine Festival
October
Rockford
Bark & Wine Gala
​April
Rockin Rib Fest Lake in the Hills
July
Chow Down Food Truck Festival
July
Tamale Fest
September
Screw City Beer Festival
September
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Chicago Comes to Life: Take a Tour Through an Array of Food, Wine, Spirits, and Beer Festivals in the Windy City
Chicago Spirits Festivals
Chicago boasts a thriving spirits scene that is celebrated annually through a series of lively spirits festivals. These events are a testament to the city's love for good drinks and great company that promise to tantalize your taste buds with everything from whisky and bourbon to tequila.
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This annual whisky celebration in Chicago offers enthusiasts a chance to sample an extensive selection of spirits from around the world. Held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, the event features over 300 whiskies from more than 80 exhibitors, including renowned brands like Dewar's, Heaven Hill, and FUJI Whisky. Attendees can enjoy a delicious buffet throughout the evening while tasting various Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Japanese, and Canadian whiskies.
The festival also includes educational Master Classes led by world-renowned distillers and whisky experts, covering topics such as The Glenturret, Glen Moray, and Bruichladdich. VIP ticket holders gain access to exclusive pours and an extra hour of tasting, while all guests receive a Glencairn crystal nosing glass and a canvas tote bag as souvenirs.
Will County Beer & Bourbon Fest: May
Hosted at Hollywood Casino in Joliet, this annual event brings together craft beer enthusiasts and bourbon aficionados for a day of sampling and celebration. This festival features over 100 beers and an array of bourbons from local and regional producers. Attendees can enjoy offerings from Will County Breweries and members of the Joliet Bourbon Club while exploring food options from various food trucks on site.
The festival attracts more than 1,500 people and includes live entertainment, with an extensive musical lineup. A special VIP area provides exclusive access and additional perks for those seeking an enhanced experience, while merchandise vendors offer festival-related goods throughout the venue.
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Chicago Margarita Festival: July
The Chicago Margarita Festival is a vibrant celebration held at the Pilsen neighborhood, drawing thousands of attendees eager to enjoy this annual event. The festival showcases a variety of unique margarita flavors, ranging from classic to exotic, alongside authentic Latin food provided by local vendors. Attendees can explore a variety of culinary delights while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
The event features an exciting music lineup, including live bands and DJs playing genres such as Spanish Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton, and Reggae. Notable performers include DJ Papa G and Urban Roots Reggae, contributing to a festive ambiance.
Chicago Food Festivals
Chicago is a city known for its rich history, iconic architecture, and deep dish pizza. But there's one aspect of this Windy City that often takes the spotlight, its incredible food festivals. The city boasts a vibrant culinary landscape, and one of the best ways to experience it is by attending the numerous foodie events held throughout the year.
Chicago Pizza City Fest: August
This much anticipated pizza celebration in Chicago brings together some of the region's best pizza makers for a weekend of culinary delights. Held at the Salt Shed, the event features nearly 40 pizzerias showcasing multiple styles including Tavern, Deep-Dish, Sicilian, Roman, Thin, NYC Slice, Detroit, and Artisan. Attendees can sample fresh-made pizzas from renowned vendors like Pizzeria Bianco, Tony's Pizza Napoletana, and Razza, all prepared on-site using PizzaMaster and EarthStone ovens.
The festival also offers educational seminars and panels led by pizza experts, discussing topics such as dough-making techniques and improving home pizza skills. A VIP section provides pizza enthusiasts with early admission, reserved seating at seminars, and access to artisan gelato.
Ribfest Chicago: August
This is a festival for any fan of finger-licking, saucy, and smoky BBQ. This annual summer event in Chicago's North Center neighborhood has become one of the city's most anticipated food events. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, the three-day event attracts around 50,000 visitors who come to enjoy over 50,000 pounds of pork prepared by more than 20 food vendors. The festival takes place on Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue, filling the air with the enticing aroma of barbecue. Attendees can sample a variety of ribs and sides from vendors like Armadillo's BBQ Team, Aussom Aussie Australian BBQ, and Chicago BBQ Company.
The music lineup features a mix of local and national artists, spanning genres from rock and indie to blues and funk feature throughout the weekend. The festival also serves as a fundraiser, having provided nearly $400,000 in direct funding to support local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community development efforts.
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Chicago Beer Festivals
Chicago is not just famous for its stunning skyline, it's also a paradise for beer enthusiasts. With a flourishing craft beer scene, the city plays host to a multitude of beer festivals throughout the year. These events offer locals and visitors the perfect opportunity to sample some of the regions best brews.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival: July
This annual summer beer festival in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood has become a beloved tradition for craft beer enthusiasts. Hosted at Jonquil Park, this three-day event showcases over 40 local and national breweries, offering attendees the chance to sample a wide variety of craft beers. Visitors can expect to taste specialty, seasonal, and small-batch brews from popular breweries such as Burnt City, Moody Tongue, and Hopewell Brewing Co. In addition to beer tastings, the festival features food vendors like Bacci Pizza and BEN-YAY!, providing delicious bites to complement the brews.
While specific music lineup details are not available, the event typically includes live entertainment to enhance the festive atmosphere. A unique aspect of this festival is its support for the local community, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Wrightwood Neighbors Conservation Program.
Chicago Beer Festival: October
Beer lovers converge under the majestic domed ceiling of the Field Museum to sample over 200 different brews from more than 60 regional and national breweries. Visitors can sip on seasonal offerings from popular vendors like Revolution Brewing, Half Acre, and Goose Island while exploring the museum's grand hall beneath SUE the T-Rex. The festival features a selection of food pairings including artisanal pretzels, gourmet sliders, and cheese boards designed to complement the diverse beer selection.
Live performances from local Chicago bands The Northside Ramblers and Electric Avenue provide an upbeat soundtrack for the approximately 2,500 attendees. Beer aficionados particularly appreciate the special tasting sessions where brewmasters discuss brewing techniques and flavor profiles. A highlight of the event is the limited-edition collaboration beer created specifically for the festival by five Chicago breweries working together.
Chicago Wine Festivals
Chicago's bustling metropolis has another side to it that's equally enticing for wine lovers, it's wine festivals. Chicago is home to a thriving wine festival scene that's a treat for both seasoned oenophiles and those just looking for a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
Chicago Uncorked Wine Festival: March
Prepare to sample premium vintages while surrounded by prehistoric skeletons and cultural treasures at the Field Museum's grand tasting event. Over 50 vendors including Napa Valley's Caymus Vineyards, Illinois' own Lynfred Winery, and Spain's Torres Family Wines offer unlimited samples of premium reds, whites, and rosés from across the globe. Culinary stations serve gourmet pairings such as artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and chocolate truffles from local purveyors like Pastoral and Katherine Anne Confections.
The grand Stanley Field Hall transforms into an elegant tasting space accommodating approximately 2,000 attendees who enjoy live music from Chicago jazz quartet The Lake Effect while sampling wines. The VIP experience provides early access, exclusive reserve tastings in the museum's Grainger Hall, and commemorative crystal stemware to take home.
Lincoln Park Wine Fest: October
Wine enthusiasts gather at Jonquil Park for a sophisticated tasting experience featuring over 40 vintners showcasing more than 150 varietals from around the world. Local favorites like Vin Chicago and City Winery pour generous samples while knowledgeable sommeliers offer insights on wine characteristics and food pairings. Gourmet food vendors including Chicago Charcuterie and Pastoral Artisan Cheese provide delectable bites that complement the diverse wine selection.
The festival's sleek white tents create an upscale atmosphere where approximately 3,000 attendees mingle and enjoy live jazz performances from the Greg Spero Quartet and Sarah Marie Young Trio. Wine education seminars held throughout the weekend teach guests about proper tasting techniques and regional wine distinctions. The event's well-organized layout and relaxed garden setting make it a standout among Chicago's summer food and beverage celebrations.