Food & Drink Events in Illinois

Grab a slice of Chicago's soul at this beloved Grant Park tradition. Local chefs fire up their grills, and food trucks roll in to create the city's biggest outdoor kitchen, serving up everything from classic Chicago dogs to chef-crafted small plates. Between bites, catch live bands on the stages.

Top chefs transform Millennium Park into a foodie paradise each fall. Watch cooking demonstrations from culinary stars, sip rare wines, and sample creative bites that push culinary boundaries. The intimate setting lets you chat with chefs about their inspirations while discovering bold new flavors.

The sweet smell of smoking meat fills the summer air as pit masters from across the country show off their skills. Grab a cold craft beer and get ready for serious barbecue - we're talking tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled pork that melts in your mouth, and all kinds of smoky goodness.

Follow your nose to this neighborhood celebration of all things barbecue. Local pitmasters compete for bragging rights while serving up their most tender, flavorful ribs. Between helpings, catch local bands on stage or join in the family games. Come early - the best ribs often sell out fast.

Chicago's most iconic street food gets its own party in Portage Park. Local vendors put creative spins on the classic Chicago dog, as well as bringing in variants from elsewhere. Between bites, catch live music and learn about the hot dog's deep roots in city history.

Mix summer vibes with creative cocktails at this lakefront celebration. Local mixologists shake up unique margaritas using fresh ingredients and unexpected flavors. Dance to live music, watch bartending shows, enjoy a marg tower, and toast the sunset over Lake Michigan.

The city's best mobile kitchens park together for an epic street food feast. Skip from truck to truck sampling creative tacos, gourmet grilled cheese, fusion dishes, and more. Each chef brings their A-game, serving up their most popular specialties alongside festival-only specials.

Only in Illinois will you find this quirky pre-Thanksgiving tradition. Brave souls line up for deep-fried turkey testicles, made easier by the lively crowd and flowing beer. Come for the novelty, stay for the surprisingly tasty results and unforgettable stories.

This charming historic village turns red with berry-filled delights each summer. Local bakers outdo themselves with fresh strawberry donuts, chocolate-dipped berries, and homemade pies. The whole town gets into the spirit with live music on corners and pop-up stands selling strawberry treats.

Local brewers take over downtown Grayslake for this laid-back summer celebration. Bring a lawn chair and settle in for an afternoon of sampling unique beers from more than 30 craft breweries. Chat with brewers about their techniques and inspiration, and enjoy good eats from local food trucks.

Step into chocolate heaven in Long Grove's historic downtown. Local chocolatiers and bakers fill the air with sweet aromas as they craft everything from hand-rolled truffles to rich chocolate cakes. Grab a chocolate map and make your way through town, discovering unique treats at every turn.

Forget your breath mints - this fest is about wearing your garlic love with pride. Local chefs compete to create the most creative garlic-infused dishes, from roasted garlic ice cream to 40-clove chicken. Join the garlic-peeling contest or vote for your favorite garlic burger.

Tighthead Brewing Company hosts this hometown celebration of craft beer culture. Sample rare releases and festival specials from Illinois brewers, and compare tasting notes with fellow enthusiasts. The casual vibe and food trucks make it feel like a backyard party... but with especially good beer.

Spring comes alive at this riverside gathering of central Illinois's culinary talent, where the casual setting encourages conversation between bites. Local chefs step out of their kitchens to share their creations (and cooking tips) with you, and Illinois winemakers pour generous tastings.

Fresh oysters meet craft beer in this unexpected inland celebration, held rain or shine. Skilled shuckers crack open briny beauties and friendly brewers pour perfect pairings. It's a great spot for newbie and veteran oyster-eaters alike, and food trucks are on hand to satisfy other tastes.

The Sweetcorn Capital of the World draws visitors from across America to its signature Labor Day celebration, running strong for over 80 years. The festival's heart is its antique steam engine, cooking more than 50 tons of hot, buttered corn - served free to every visitor.

Take a culinary trip around the globe without leaving Illinois. Local chefs share their heritage through special menus featuring Filipino pancit, Indian curries, Laotian larb, handmade Italian pasta, and soulful Southern comfort dishes. It makes trying something new easy and affordable.

Brewers from across Illinois and beyond fill the crisp fall air with the aroma of craft beer. Sample from hundreds of beers and ciders, including both seasonal specials and tried-and-true favorites. Local food trucks serve up perfect beer-soaking bites, and local bands play toe-tapping tunes.

National Geographic Traveler Magazine named this the best food festival in Illinois in 2016. It's certainly one of the most distinct: sustainably-farmed shrimp served up in every way imaginable. Grab a plate of shrimp delights and find a spot overlooking the Ohio River for a perfect fall evening.

This charming village turns its summer peach harvest into a classic hometown celebration. Local orchards bring their sweetest peaches for cobbler and cream, while the Lions Club serves up fish dinners and home-cooked favorites. Don't miss the Peach Queen coronation - a cherished annual tradition.

Enjoy two full days of family fun including maple syrup demonstrations, home-cooked pancake breakfast, nature hikes, lumberjack demonstrations, children's activities, vendors and artisans, and much more. It's the sweetest time you'll have all spring.

Start your day picking sun-warmed strawberries in Eckert's fields, then join the festival fun. Sample fresh strawberry shortcake, and let the kids enjoy hayrides and face painting. The bakery works overtime creating strawberry treats, filling the air with sweet aromas.

Expert foragers share their morel-hunting secrets in this celebration of spring's wild bounty. Join guided mushroom hunts in the state park, then learn to cook your finds from seasoned chefs. If you find the smallest, largest, or most morels, you might just win yourself a prize.