15 James Beard events in Chicago
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Maki with a soy sauce dropper at the Nobu rooftop brunch. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Chicago will be hosting the 2026 James Beard Awards at the Civic Opera House Monday night, preceded by dozens of delicious parties across the city including many for the general public.
- We've compiled a list of those whose RSVP lists are still open, but many are selling out fast so you'll want to book soon.
Friday
🍹 Sip the work of global mixology star Aaron Diaz at Matilda and Clandestino in River North. Cash bar | Matilda | 5pm | Details
Saturday
🍤 Nibble harbor country fare as Beard semi-finalist James Galbraith of New Buffalo's PostBoy serves signature dishes like biang biang shrimp and his tuna tostada at Dove's Luncheonette in Wicker Park. | Dove's Luncheonette| 8am- 3pm | Details
🥩 RPM executive chef Bob Broskey joins chefs Zach Midgett (Casa Bovina), Javier Bardauil (BARDA), Josh Smith (Bourbon Steak) and Anthony DiRienzo (Bazaar Meat) for the Beefsteak Invitational. | RPM Steak | $175 | Noon-2pm | Details
Sunday
🥧 Savor barbecue and pie at the UP SOUTH Pop-Up at Justice of the Pies in Avalon Park where Beard nominee Camille Broussard will host chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse and serve up smoked meats and desserts. RSVP by June 12 | Justice of the Pies | 11 am to 6pm | Details
🍖 Dig in at the Sanders BBQ x Mahari brunch featuring food from chef James Sanders and Rahim Muhammad showcasing African-inspired dishes. | $75 | Mahari | 11:30am- 4pm | Details
🍣 Sample sushi at the Nobu Rooftop Brunch Soiree featuring French toast, yellowtail rolls, lychee martinis and skyline views. $95 | Nobu Chicago | 11:30 am- 2pm | Details
👨🏻🍳 Explore Leadership Beyond Awards in a talk with journalist John Kessler and Lula Cafe restaurateur Jason Hammel. Free| Kendall College at NLU| 1:30-2:15pm | Details
📖 Listen to 40 Years of American Food Culture and Storytelling with journalist and cookbook author Chandra Ram and LA Times dining critic Bill Addison. Free | Kendall College at NLU | 2:30 to 3:15pm | Details
🌮 Say salut at the Bar Sótano + Friends Patio Party featuring music, drinks and food from chef Rick Bayless and James Beard-nominated chefs. $125 | Bar Sótano | 3:30- 6:30pm | Details
🎉 Party down at the New Orleans Takeover featuring treats and drinks from the Big Easy's Bacchanal and NightBloom at the Sportsman's Club. Cash bar | Sportsman's Club| 4pm to midnight | Details
🫔 Enjoy the Barrio BBQ at Manchamanteles with bites from house chef Geno Bahena and others. A portion of proceeds will go to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). | $69 | Manchamanteles| 4 - 7pm | Details
🦪 Heighten Your Senses on Viceroy's Pandan with oysters, pork belly buns, lumpia and an array of sensory beverages. $50 | Viceroy Hotel| 6 - 9pm | Details
🏔️ Drink up at the Mile High Takeover featuring cocktails from Denver's James Beard finalist Yacht Club at Bar Bambi. Cash bar | Bar Bambi | 9pm to 12am | Details
Monday June 15
🏃🏾♂️ Run a 5K with the No Proof Run Club led by No Proof podcast host Joshua Gandee and Christina D'Esposito of The James Beard Foundation. Free | Kendall College at NLU | 8:30 - 9:15am | Details
🏛️ Learn about advocacy work in hospitality at the Advocacy Meet-Up, hosted by The James Beard Foundation. Free | Kendall College at NLU | 10am| Details