This page covers culinary festivals, dining events, tastings and pop-up experiences. Reporting here follows the city's food scene and the various competitions that shape the local culture.
A proposed ordinance would let food carts sell prepared foods on Chicago's public way, a license the city does not currently offer.
Live Poll
Should Chicago allow more mobile food carts selling prepared food on its streets?
November 9, 2026
Stardust Hosts Senate Hunks Lookalike ContestThe Chicago River North bar held a Sunday afternoon contest for lookalikes of three newly elected senators.
October 30, 2026
Chicago Couple Wins Halloween Decorating ContestSusie Jendro and Mike Colesworthy transformed their yard into a replica of the iconic Johnnie's Beef.
October 29, 2026
Bub City Brings Back Bloody Mary BarThe River North restaurant also debuted a new Yard of Tacos option for the current football season.
October 27, 2026
Sixteen Louisiana Chefs to Showcase Cuisine in ChicagoThe Taste Louisiana in Chicago culinary event will feature signature dishes and live music on November 4, 2026.
October 27, 2026
Chicago Residents Open South Side Pie ChallengeThe annual baking competition returns to raise funds for the Hyde Park-Kenwood Food Pantry.
October 27, 2026
Liz Bendure and Daniel Parker Open TXA TXA ClubThe Logan Square cafe combines diverse culinary influences with a focus on hospitality.
October 22, 2026
Chicago to Host Taste Louisiana Event on November 4Five Acadiana chefs will showcase regional culinary traditions and live music at a West Loop venue.
October 15, 2026
Chicago Entrepreneurs to Host Night Market for CharityLet's Talk Womxn will host a breast cancer awareness night market pop-up at the restaurant Thattu on October 19, 2026.
October 15, 2026
Chicago Restaurant Creepies Wins Top Industry AwardThe West Loop eatery earns the Next Wave Restaurant of the Year title just over a year after its grand opening.
October 9, 2026
Student Programming Board Hosted Pumpkin Pop-UpThe event brought students together for fall festivities on the Student Center terrace.
Day to day, that means event planning and ticket sales, chef participation, attendance records and the logistics of outdoor dining. Reporting spans across the city and the communities around it. The seasonality of outdoor festivals defines the pace of these events throughout the calendar year. Venue availability and permit requirements remain the two primary factors that dictate how these gatherings are organized.
