Story overview: Chicago Welcomes 2026 James Beard Awards with Lineup of Celebrations and Special Events Around the City
Chicago celebrates the return of the 2026 James Beard Awards®, kicking off Friday, June 12, and running through Tuesday, June 16. Co-hosted by Choose Chicago and the Illinois Restaurant Association, the city will host a lineup of events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale culinary experiences, featuring exclusive menus, high-profile chef and bartender collaborations, educational panels, and more.
The Awards celebrate talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to creating a culture where all can thrive. This celebratory weekend serves as a tribute to Chicago’s culinary leadership and creativity.
Hawksmoor Chicago welcomes Max & Noel Venning from Three Sheets – one of London's bars – for a night of cocktails at the Beef & Liberty Bar on the second floor. Complimentary canapés from the Hawksmoor kitchen for all who attend. Three Sheets cocktails will be $15 each.
Join Matilda and Clandestino for a special guest night during the James Beard Awards weekend, featuring bartender Aarón Díaz. This one-night activation brings Aarón’s vision to Chicago through a cocktail program across both venues. At Matilda, guests can enjoy a selection of cocktail specials designed by Aarón, paired with the restaurant’s signature Mexican-Peruvian menu, alongside a special tasting menu inspired by Peru, that complement the cocktails.
Downstairs at Clandestino, the experience continues with a bar activation, featuring a focused menu of pre-batched cocktails designed for fast execution. The evening is designed to bring together industry professionals, media, and guests for a night of cocktails, food, music, and connection.
During James Beard Awards weekend, Mirra welcomes fellow honoree Kiko to Chicago for a one-night-only, six-course collaboration. The dinner reflects a shared approach to globally influenced, boundary-crossing cooking rooted in flavor, technique, and storytelling.
The menu unfolds as a progression of coastal and spice-driven dishes, including Kombu Scallop Pani Puri with passionfruit dashi, Dungeness Crab Roll, and Maine Lobster Crispy Rice with Chettinad masala, with additional savory and dessert courses to follow. Optional beverage pairings will be available.
Limited to just 16 guests per seating, two seatings are available at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM. $150++ per guest.
Reverse Happy Hour @ Port Union
8:00 PM-11:00 PM
Port Union, 1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
No RSVP Required
Port Union hosts a Reverse Happy Hour for JBA weekend.
Saturday, June 13
DAY SHIFT: A Collaboration Brunch Party with 2026 James Beard Semifinalist®, James Galbraith of PostBoy: New Buffalo, Michigan and Dove’s Luncheonette
11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Dove’s Luncheonette, 1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago
Event is first-come, first-served
Dove’s Luncheonette will welcome James Galbraith from New Buffalo, Michigan's PostBoy for a special collaboration brunch party in Chicago. On Saturday, June 13 from 12–2 p.m., Galbraith will join Dove’s Luncheonette chef Thomas Hollensed to debut a one-day-only, à la carte menu blending PostBoy’s flavors with Dove’s retro-inspired diner classics.
The menu will feature brunchy twists on PostBoy dishes like Biang Biang Shrimp with bok choy, ginger, and fried garlic; Tuna Tostada with charred avocado, salsa roja aioli, and mole seco; and Som Tum with mango, cucumber, tomato, and peanut sauce.
In addition, PostBoy will put their own spin on select Dove’s classics with dishes like the Back to the Future Cocktail, prepared with leche de tigre, black garlic salsa macha, prawn, crab, and tuna, alongside a Tlayuda with gaeng khaao, brisket, prik nam pla, and kaffir lime, and a Pimento reimagined with gochujang jam, kimchi, and jeonbyeong crackers. Guests can also expect Dove’s signature mid-day favorites, including Chicken Fried Chicken, Hash, and the Dove’s Deluxe.
Celebrate the James Beard Awards weekend with the 10th Annual Beefsteak: The Invitational on Saturday, June 13.
RPM Executive Chef Partner Bob Broskey joins forces with a roster of guest chefs, including Zach Midgett (Casa Bovina), Javier Bardauil (BARDA), Josh Smith (Bourbon Steak), and Anthony DiRienzo (Bazaar Meat). Experience steaks, signature tableside service, and elevated pairings. Tickets are available for $175, plus tax (gratuity not included), with seatings from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
INDIGEHOUSE: House of Smoke & Ash Presented by IndigeHub
IndigeHouse: House of Smoke & Ash is the inaugural installment of an annual immersive activation presented during the 2026 James Beard Awards weekend. Designed to center Indigenous foodways and elevate producers, it transforms space into a living expression of culture through food, storytelling, and community engagement.
I. The Market (12 PM – 10 PM)
Access: Open to the Public | Goal: Market Exposure
A day-long public forum featuring Indigenous chefs, foragers, artisans, and food producers from across Turtle Island. The Market serves as an accessible entry point, offering ingredients and goods that reflect Indigenous food systems while providing producers direct access to the Chicago consumer market.
II. The Conversation
Access: Registration Required | Goal: Thought Leadership
A curated, interactive dialogue bringing together chefs, farmers, and industry leaders. Moving beyond the traditional panel format, this session explores the intersections of food sovereignty, regenerative infrastructure, and the future of Indigenous culinary economics.
The centerpiece of the activation: a multi-course dinner featuring our inaugural cohort of seven Indigenous chefs from across the Americas. This intentional, story-driven dining experience highlights ancestral techniques and regional ingredients through the lens of contemporary Indigenous excellence.
A celebratory networking space featuring small bites, drinks, and music. The Gathering acts as a bridge, intentionally connecting Indigenous producers and chefs directly to institutional partners and new market opportunities in a relaxed, joyful environment.
Registration & Ticketing Logistics
All registration and ticket sales for the IndigeHouse activation will be centralized through a dedicated Givebutter digital hub. This mission-driven platform allows management of four distinct access levels with high-speed efficiency:
Tiered Access: Utilize separate registration flows for public segments (The Market), professional dialogues (The Conversation), and premium ticketed dining (The Table).
Industry RSVPs: The Gathering will be managed via a private RSVP link targeted at industry leaders and partners to ensure high-value networking and capacity control.
Seamless Entry: To maintain Chicago’s high-traffic event standards, all segments will utilize mobile QR-code scanning for rapid, contact-free check-ins.
Impact Tracking: As a 501(c)(3) organization, this centralized system allows them to capture vital demographic data and donor analytics, turning event attendance into a measurable pipeline for our "producer-to-market" mission.
TACOS WITH FRIENDS: A Late Night Charity Taco Omakase at Cariño With James Beard Award Finalists, Chef Norman Fenton & Chef Sarah Thompson
On Saturday, June 13th at 10 pm, Cariño’s Chef Norman Fenton will welcome in Chef Sarah Thompson of Las Vegas's Casa Playa for a special multi-course taco collaboration benefiting Latinos Progresando, a Chicago nonprofit providing immigration legal services and programs to support immigrant communities. Seats are extremely limited for this engagement and will go on sale at 10 am sharp on Wednesday, May 27th on TOCK.
A Taste of the Pope’s Table
8:00 PM-12:00 AM
Blue Door Kitchen and Garden Pavilion, 52 W Elm, Chicago
Come to a culinary celebration honoring the opening of Borgo Laudato Si! A Taste of the Pope’s Table will be a culinary gathering uniting faith, tradition, and community from Chicago to Castel Gandolfo with dishes from James Beard Award-winning and nominated chefs!
Sunday, June 14
UP SOUTH Pop-Up
Event Time: 11:00AM-6:00PM
Event Location: Justice of the Pies, 8655 S Blackstone, Chicago
Justice of the Pies chef and owner Maya-Camille Broussard hosts Chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse for this year's UP SOUTH Pop Up featuring smoked meats and smoked desserts rooted in the Chicago tradition. Nestled on the South Side of Chicago in the Avalon Park neighborhood, the UP SOUTH Pop-Up is part of an ongoing series designed to demonstrate that culinary programming can exist inside of neighborhoods historically affected by food insecurity.
JBF Greens Chicago x The Publican: 2026 Awards Weekend Brunch
Join JBF Greens at The Publican for a celebratory brunch to kick off the James Beard Awards® weekend!
Led by chef/partner Paul Kahan and head butcher/chef Rob Levitt, The Publican is rooted in farm-to-table cooking that highlights responsibly sourced meats, seafood, and produce. As the longtime head butcher/chef at Publican Quality Meats, Levitt also assumed the role at The Publican in 2025, bringing a refreshed vision for the menu where his whole animal ethos now extends to vegetables and seafood.
For the occasion, chef Levitt will be joined by One Off Hospitality partners Donnie Madia, Eduard Seitan, and Terry Alexander to create a three-course brunch menu to launch the weekend’s festivities.
Ahead of their official public debut, Sanders BBQ Prime is partnering with Mahari to host a special ticketed brunch in celebration of the James Beard Awards weekend. Featuring recipes by James Sanders and Chef Rahim Muhammad, this one-day-only event brings together the culinary teams from both Hyde Park concepts for an open-air dining experience at Mahari.
Guests will enjoy a curated brunch menu highlighting signature dishes from each chef, showcasing their distinct styles and flavors in a shared setting. Designed as both a culinary collaboration and a social gathering, the event offers an opportunity to experience two South Side concepts together in one location.
Join on Sunday, June 14th for Nobu's James Beard Awards weekend ancillary event. Their Sunday Brunch Soirée will be hosted on the rooftop, beginning at 11:30 AM. Enjoy bites of exclusive brunch offerings while taking in views of Chicago’s skyline. Guests will be served reception-style Nobu brunch bites and unlimited crafted cocktails.
Price is $95 per person. Passed items: French Toast, Black Cod Butterlettuce, Chicken Karaage & Waffles, Breakfast Sandwich, Wagyu Beef Kushiyaki. Sushi rolls: Yellowtail Jalapeno Roll, Salmon Avocado, Spicy Tuna. Pastry: Assorted Dessert Display. Passed cocktails: Lychee Martini, Lilikoi Margarita, Umeshu Spritz, Nobu Old Fashioned
High Street Hospitality Group's The Bread Room at Bad Butter
Dan Koester of Chicago bakery, Bad Butter, will welcome Philadelphia's The Bread Room, from restaurateur Ellen Yin and the team at High Street Hospitality Group, for a pop-up on Sunday, June 14 from 1-3pm. The Bread Room is a new bakery and workshop, opened in Center City Philadelphia in October 2025, known for its handmade viennoiseries and baked goods blending classic and modern techniques.
Ellen Yin and her team will bring a taste of Philly to Chicago with roast pork sandwiches on focaccia and soft pretzels paired with Dan's pastries. The event will take place in Bad Butter's new brick-and-mortar, which just opened its doors on Sunday, May 3.
After the Applause: Leadership Beyond Awards, A Panel Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®
1:30 PM-2:15 PM
Kendall College at NLU, 18 S Michigan Ave, 12th Floor, Chicago
This conversation brings together visionaries who have redefined the culinary and hospitality landscape. These leaders carry their craft forward to champion foodways, evolve cuisines, and model what it means to lead with purpose. Together, they’ll explore how the principles celebrated on stage translate into everyday leadership that builds workplaces centered on fairness, inclusion, and sustainability.
Moderated by James Beard Award Winner® John Kessler, Journalist and Dining Critic, Chicago Magazine
Panelists include
James Beard Award Winner® Mashama Bailey, Executive Chef and Partner, The Grey
James Beard Award Nominee® Jason Hammel, Executive Chef and Owner, James Beard Award Winner® Lula Cafe
2026 James Beard Award Nominees, Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani, Co-Founders, Chai Pani Restaurant Group
2026 James Beard Award Nominee® Tavel Bristol Joseph, Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group
Forty Years of American Food Culture and Storytelling, A Panel Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®
2:30 PM-3:15 PM
Kendall College at NLU, 18 S Michigan Ave, 12th Floor, Chicago
Over the past four decades, food media, awards, and restaurant culture have helped shape how stories about cooking, place, and identity are shared in the United States. This session will look back at the narratives that have come to the forefront, reflect on which voices and experiences may not have been fully seen, and consider what a more expansive storytelling landscape looks like and could continue to evolve in the years ahead. It will also explore how recognition awards in both media and restaurants contribute to our collective understanding of “American food culture”, and how these forms of recognition can highlight the people, places, and systems that have long sustained it.
Moderated by James Beard Award Nominee® Chandra Ram, Journalist and Cookbook Author
Panelists include
James Beard Award Winner® Bill Addison, Dining Critic, Los Angeles Times
Hamburger History: A Conversation with Chef John Shields and Maggie Hennessy
The Loyalist will host a meet-and-greet cocktail hour and conversation between Chicago’s Chef John Shields (Smyth and The Loyalist) and journalist and burger-enthusiast Maggie Hennessy. After her recent debut book release, The Burger Bible, Maggie and John will sit down and discuss the history of the handheld and the rise of The Loyalist’s Dirty Burg, turned OG. Passed canapés and burger bites will be provided along with a beer (standard or N/A) of your choice.
Bar Sótano + Friends Patio Party
3:30 PM-6:30 PM
Bar Sótano, 443 N Clark St (entrance off the alley), Chicago
Chef Rick Bayless and team are welcoming James Beard-nominated chefs and friends of Bar Sótano!
Chef Gilberto Cetina of Holbox (Los Angeles) will offer flavors of Mexico’s coastal ceviches, tostadas and aguachiles.
Chef Hugo Ortega of Hugos (Houston) will bring to life some Mexico City culinary traditions.
Jeff Chanchaleune of Bar Sen (Oklahoma City) will bring the rice noodles--shot through the flavors of his Laotian childhood.
Book your tickets now. The event will take place Sunday, June 14th, in Bar Sótano’s back-alley patio from 3:30 pm-6:30 pm.
All food, food stations, dancing to the band, and a drink ticket are included in the ticket price. Additional beverages from the bar will be available à la carte.
New Orleans Takeover (ft. Bacchanal x NightBloom)
4:00 PM-12:00 AM
Sportsman’s Club, 948 N Western Ave, Chicago
First-come, first-served
New Orleans is taking over the Sportsman's Club! Bacchanal returns to Sporty's to host a backyard party. Featuring a huge wine selection, bayou bites, and a late-night cocktail pop-up from sister bar NightBloom (9 pm-12 am). First-come, first-served.
Manchamanteles will host a chef-driven BBQ event on the patio, bringing together a lineup of guest chefs to raise funds for a good cause. Led by Chef Geno, the event will feature a curated live-fire menu co-created by the participating chefs, showcasing the depth, diversity, and regional flavors of Mexican cuisine. Partners for the event include: Pizza Lobo, Diego, and Santa Masa Tamaleria. Tickets will include a dish from each chef’s station, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR).
Join for the second edition of an international cocktail celebration. For one evening, over three dozen guest bars from around the world will descend upon Chicago to shake, stir, and serve their signature creations overlooking the Chicago skyline on the 17th floor of 167 Green Street.
Each ticket includes: 10 drink tickets, redeemable for sample-size cocktails from a curated lineup of bars as well as access to all indoor and outdoor areas of the venue.
Featuring Bars From:
United States
Merai (Boston) · Little Rituals (Phoenix) · Bar Snack (NYC) · Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco) · Ben Yabrow's Mystery Bar (New York) · Thunderbolt (Los Angeles) · Mirate (Los Angeles) · Lady Jane (Denver) · Pearl Bar (New York) · Father Forgive Me (Detroit) · Middle Child (Philadelphia) · Loma (Rhode Island) · Kato (Los Angelos) · Bisous (Chicago) · Lemon (Chicago) · Meadowlark (Chicago) · Nine Bar (Chicago) · Bar Bambi (Chicago) · Queen Mary (Chicago) · Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club (Chicago) · Three Dots and A Dash (Chicago) · Gus Sip and Dip (Chicago)
International
Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City) · BKK Social Club (Bangkok, Thailand) · Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, UK) · Superfine (Paris) · Caretakers Cottage (Sydney) · Kaito De Vaille (Mexico City) Otro Bar (Costa Rica) · Bar Mauro (Mexico City) · Bar Glue (Liverpool) · Uh Bar (Toronto) · Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo)
Heighten Your Senses on Viceroy’s 18th Floor
Event Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Event Location: Pandan at Viceroy, 1118 N State St, Chicago
Join Pandan on the 18th floor rooftop of Viceroy Chicago to celebrate James Beard Awards weekend with a multisensory journey amidst the backdrop of Chicago’s skyline. On the evening of June 14, they’ll heighten all five of your senses through music, summer cocktails, passed apps and floral scents along the Pandan terrace.
Taste and Touch: Sip your way through a variety of Pandan’s signature Southeast Asian-inspired cocktails and mocktails featuring Don Julio tequila, George Dickel bourbon and Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits, along with wine pours from Minuty Prestige Rose & Minuty Prestige Blanc. Enjoy passed bites of pork lumpia, tuna kinilaw and sweet corn tempura alongside interactive stations featuring grilled tapa, East and West oysters and crispy pork belly buns.
Smell: Beyond the passed apps, interactive stations and sensory beverages, enjoy a make-your-own perfume experience from local perfumer Veil Perfumes, with take-home bottles available for purchase.
Sound: DJ Kareem will provide music all evening.
Sight: Throughout the evening, take in unobstructed views of Chicago’s skyline as you heighten your other four senses.
Mile High Takeover: Denver's Yacht Club at Bar Bambi
9:00 PM-12:00 AM
Bar Bambi, 1703 W Chicago Ave, Chicago
No RSVP Required
In celebration of James Beard Awards weekend, Denver's Yacht Club will join Katie Renshaw in Chicago at her brand new cocktail den, Bar Bambi! They will be teaming up in West Town to crank out a collection of drinks, while Bar Bambi's Chef Nicklus Byrns will be rolling out snacks.
The 21+ takeover is open to the public on Sunday, June 14th starting at 9 PM for regular service. Walk-ins will be accepted as capacity allows. Bar Bambi is located at 1703 W Chicago Ave. Follow Bar Bambi on Instagram at @bambi_chicago for more information.
Kickstart your day with an easy (and breezy) morning 5k. Run a route along Lake Michigan led by No Proof podcast host Joshua Gandee and Christina D'Esposito of The James Beard Foundation®. Run starts and ends at Kendall College with conversation, cold brew, and a gift from our pals at Tilit. No Proof is a podcast highlighting conversations on sobriety with chefs, bartenders, and other hospitality folks. It can be found wherever you get your podcasts, on YouTube, or by following @joshuagandee on Instagram.
Advocacy Meet-Up - Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Kendall College, 12th Floor, 122 S Michigan Ave, Chicago
On behalf of the James Beard Foundation, you are invited to attend the JBF Advocacy Meet-up, hosted by Anne McBride, PhD, VP of Impact, on the morning of Monday, June 15th, at Kendall College in Chicago.
This event is an opportunity for chefs, restaurateurs, operators, and others who engage in advocacy work to share their success stories and challenges and realize the collective power of chefs, in a combination of networking and action. You’ll also hear more about JBF's impact work and ways to get involved, including in their immigration coalition Seat the Table.
No prior advocacy experience is needed to attend the Chef Advocacy Meet-up, only a desire to work with others on making the industry and the food system more equitable and sustainable for all. Representatives from advocacy groups are encouraged to attend, but priority for experience and opportunity sharing will be given to restaurant industry attendees.
*Please note that the event will be capped at 200 people.
Story overview: Chicago Welcomes 2026 James Beard Awards with Lineup of Celebrations and Special Events Around the City
Chicago celebrates the return of the 2026 James Beard Awards®, kicking off Friday, June 12, and running through Tuesday, June 16. Co-hosted by Choose Chicago and the Illinois Restaurant Association, the city will host a lineup of events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale culinary experiences, featuring exclusive menus, high-profile chef and bartender collaborations, educational panels, and more.
The Awards celebrate talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to creating a culture where all can thrive. This celebratory weekend serves as a tribute to Chicago’s culinary leadership and creativity.
2026 public events include:
Friday, June 12
Hawksmoor hosts London's Three Sheets bar for James Beard Awards weekend
Hawksmoor Chicago welcomes Max & Noel Venning from Three Sheets – one of London's bars – for a night of cocktails at the Beef & Liberty Bar on the second floor. Complimentary canapés from the Hawksmoor kitchen for all who attend. Three Sheets cocktails will be $15 each.
Matilda & Clandestino Present: Aaron Díaz
Join Matilda and Clandestino for a special guest night during the James Beard Awards weekend, featuring bartender Aarón Díaz. This one-night activation brings Aarón’s vision to Chicago through a cocktail program across both venues. At Matilda, guests can enjoy a selection of cocktail specials designed by Aarón, paired with the restaurant’s signature Mexican-Peruvian menu, alongside a special tasting menu inspired by Peru, that complement the cocktails.
Downstairs at Clandestino, the experience continues with a bar activation, featuring a focused menu of pre-batched cocktails designed for fast execution. The evening is designed to bring together industry professionals, media, and guests for a night of cocktails, food, music, and connection.
Mirra x Kiko: Tides & Spice
During James Beard Awards weekend, Mirra welcomes fellow honoree Kiko to Chicago for a one-night-only, six-course collaboration. The dinner reflects a shared approach to globally influenced, boundary-crossing cooking rooted in flavor, technique, and storytelling.
The menu unfolds as a progression of coastal and spice-driven dishes, including Kombu Scallop Pani Puri with passionfruit dashi, Dungeness Crab Roll, and Maine Lobster Crispy Rice with Chettinad masala, with additional savory and dessert courses to follow. Optional beverage pairings will be available.
Limited to just 16 guests per seating, two seatings are available at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM. $150++ per guest.
Reverse Happy Hour @ Port Union
Port Union hosts a Reverse Happy Hour for JBA weekend.
Saturday, June 13
DAY SHIFT: A Collaboration Brunch Party with 2026 James Beard Semifinalist®, James Galbraith of PostBoy: New Buffalo, Michigan and Dove’s Luncheonette
Dove’s Luncheonette will welcome James Galbraith from New Buffalo, Michigan's PostBoy for a special collaboration brunch party in Chicago. On Saturday, June 13 from 12–2 p.m., Galbraith will join Dove’s Luncheonette chef Thomas Hollensed to debut a one-day-only, à la carte menu blending PostBoy’s flavors with Dove’s retro-inspired diner classics.
The menu will feature brunchy twists on PostBoy dishes like Biang Biang Shrimp with bok choy, ginger, and fried garlic; Tuna Tostada with charred avocado, salsa roja aioli, and mole seco; and Som Tum with mango, cucumber, tomato, and peanut sauce.
In addition, PostBoy will put their own spin on select Dove’s classics with dishes like the Back to the Future Cocktail, prepared with leche de tigre, black garlic salsa macha, prawn, crab, and tuna, alongside a Tlayuda with gaeng khaao, brisket, prik nam pla, and kaffir lime, and a Pimento reimagined with gochujang jam, kimchi, and jeonbyeong crackers. Guests can also expect Dove’s signature mid-day favorites, including Chicken Fried Chicken, Hash, and the Dove’s Deluxe.
RPM's 10th Annual Beefsteak Invitational
Celebrate the James Beard Awards weekend with the 10th Annual Beefsteak: The Invitational on Saturday, June 13.
RPM Executive Chef Partner Bob Broskey joins forces with a roster of guest chefs, including Zach Midgett (Casa Bovina), Javier Bardauil (BARDA), Josh Smith (Bourbon Steak), and Anthony DiRienzo (Bazaar Meat). Experience steaks, signature tableside service, and elevated pairings. Tickets are available for $175, plus tax (gratuity not included), with seatings from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
INDIGEHOUSE: House of Smoke & Ash Presented by IndigeHub
IndigeHouse: House of Smoke & Ash is the inaugural installment of an annual immersive activation presented during the 2026 James Beard Awards weekend. Designed to center Indigenous foodways and elevate producers, it transforms space into a living expression of culture through food, storytelling, and community engagement.
I. The Market (12 PM – 10 PM)
Access: Open to the Public | Goal: Market Exposure
A day-long public forum featuring Indigenous chefs, foragers, artisans, and food producers from across Turtle Island. The Market serves as an accessible entry point, offering ingredients and goods that reflect Indigenous food systems while providing producers direct access to the Chicago consumer market.
II. The Conversation
Access: Registration Required | Goal: Thought Leadership
A curated, interactive dialogue bringing together chefs, farmers, and industry leaders. Moving beyond the traditional panel format, this session explores the intersections of food sovereignty, regenerative infrastructure, and the future of Indigenous culinary economics.
III. The Table
Access: Ticketed (Givebutter) | Goal: Culinary Excellence
The centerpiece of the activation: a multi-course dinner featuring our inaugural cohort of seven Indigenous chefs from across the Americas. This intentional, story-driven dining experience highlights ancestral techniques and regional ingredients through the lens of contemporary Indigenous excellence.
IV. The Gathering
Access: RSVP/Industry | Goal: Economic Bridge-Building
A celebratory networking space featuring small bites, drinks, and music. The Gathering acts as a bridge, intentionally connecting Indigenous producers and chefs directly to institutional partners and new market opportunities in a relaxed, joyful environment.
Registration & Ticketing Logistics
All registration and ticket sales for the IndigeHouse activation will be centralized through a dedicated Givebutter digital hub. This mission-driven platform allows management of four distinct access levels with high-speed efficiency:
Tiered Access: Utilize separate registration flows for public segments (The Market), professional dialogues (The Conversation), and premium ticketed dining (The Table).
Industry RSVPs: The Gathering will be managed via a private RSVP link targeted at industry leaders and partners to ensure high-value networking and capacity control.
Seamless Entry: To maintain Chicago’s high-traffic event standards, all segments will utilize mobile QR-code scanning for rapid, contact-free check-ins.
Impact Tracking: As a 501(c)(3) organization, this centralized system allows them to capture vital demographic data and donor analytics, turning event attendance into a measurable pipeline for our "producer-to-market" mission.
TACOS WITH FRIENDS: A Late Night Charity Taco Omakase at Cariño With James Beard Award Finalists, Chef Norman Fenton & Chef Sarah Thompson
On Saturday, June 13th at 10 pm, Cariño’s Chef Norman Fenton will welcome in Chef Sarah Thompson of Las Vegas's Casa Playa for a special multi-course taco collaboration benefiting Latinos Progresando, a Chicago nonprofit providing immigration legal services and programs to support immigrant communities. Seats are extremely limited for this engagement and will go on sale at 10 am sharp on Wednesday, May 27th on TOCK.
A Taste of the Pope’s Table
Come to a culinary celebration honoring the opening of Borgo Laudato Si! A Taste of the Pope’s Table will be a culinary gathering uniting faith, tradition, and community from Chicago to Castel Gandolfo with dishes from James Beard Award-winning and nominated chefs!
Sunday, June 14
UP SOUTH Pop-Up
Justice of the Pies chef and owner Maya-Camille Broussard hosts Chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse for this year's UP SOUTH Pop Up featuring smoked meats and smoked desserts rooted in the Chicago tradition. Nestled on the South Side of Chicago in the Avalon Park neighborhood, the UP SOUTH Pop-Up is part of an ongoing series designed to demonstrate that culinary programming can exist inside of neighborhoods historically affected by food insecurity.
JBF Greens Chicago x The Publican: 2026 Awards Weekend Brunch
Join JBF Greens at The Publican for a celebratory brunch to kick off the James Beard Awards® weekend!
Led by chef/partner Paul Kahan and head butcher/chef Rob Levitt, The Publican is rooted in farm-to-table cooking that highlights responsibly sourced meats, seafood, and produce. As the longtime head butcher/chef at Publican Quality Meats, Levitt also assumed the role at The Publican in 2025, bringing a refreshed vision for the menu where his whole animal ethos now extends to vegetables and seafood.
For the occasion, chef Levitt will be joined by One Off Hospitality partners Donnie Madia, Eduard Seitan, and Terry Alexander to create a three-course brunch menu to launch the weekend’s festivities.
SANDERS x MAHARI: Sunday Brunch Smokeout
Ahead of their official public debut, Sanders BBQ Prime is partnering with Mahari to host a special ticketed brunch in celebration of the James Beard Awards weekend. Featuring recipes by James Sanders and Chef Rahim Muhammad, this one-day-only event brings together the culinary teams from both Hyde Park concepts for an open-air dining experience at Mahari.
Guests will enjoy a curated brunch menu highlighting signature dishes from each chef, showcasing their distinct styles and flavors in a shared setting. Designed as both a culinary collaboration and a social gathering, the event offers an opportunity to experience two South Side concepts together in one location.
Sunday Rooftop Brunch Soirée
Join on Sunday, June 14th for Nobu's James Beard Awards weekend ancillary event. Their Sunday Brunch Soirée will be hosted on the rooftop, beginning at 11:30 AM. Enjoy bites of exclusive brunch offerings while taking in views of Chicago’s skyline. Guests will be served reception-style Nobu brunch bites and unlimited crafted cocktails.
Price is $95 per person. Passed items: French Toast, Black Cod Butterlettuce, Chicken Karaage & Waffles, Breakfast Sandwich, Wagyu Beef Kushiyaki. Sushi rolls: Yellowtail Jalapeno Roll, Salmon Avocado, Spicy Tuna. Pastry: Assorted Dessert Display. Passed cocktails: Lychee Martini, Lilikoi Margarita, Umeshu Spritz, Nobu Old Fashioned
High Street Hospitality Group's The Bread Room at Bad Butter
Dan Koester of Chicago bakery, Bad Butter, will welcome Philadelphia's The Bread Room, from restaurateur Ellen Yin and the team at High Street Hospitality Group, for a pop-up on Sunday, June 14 from 1-3pm. The Bread Room is a new bakery and workshop, opened in Center City Philadelphia in October 2025, known for its handmade viennoiseries and baked goods blending classic and modern techniques.
Ellen Yin and her team will bring a taste of Philly to Chicago with roast pork sandwiches on focaccia and soft pretzels paired with Dan's pastries. The event will take place in Bad Butter's new brick-and-mortar, which just opened its doors on Sunday, May 3.
After the Applause: Leadership Beyond Awards, A Panel Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®
This conversation brings together visionaries who have redefined the culinary and hospitality landscape. These leaders carry their craft forward to champion foodways, evolve cuisines, and model what it means to lead with purpose. Together, they’ll explore how the principles celebrated on stage translate into everyday leadership that builds workplaces centered on fairness, inclusion, and sustainability.
Moderated by James Beard Award Winner® John Kessler, Journalist and Dining Critic, Chicago Magazine
Panelists include
James Beard Award Winner® Mashama Bailey, Executive Chef and Partner, The Grey
James Beard Award Nominee® Jason Hammel, Executive Chef and Owner, James Beard Award Winner® Lula Cafe
2026 James Beard Award Nominees, Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani, Co-Founders, Chai Pani Restaurant Group
2026 James Beard Award Nominee® Tavel Bristol Joseph, Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group
Forty Years of American Food Culture and Storytelling, A Panel Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®
Over the past four decades, food media, awards, and restaurant culture have helped shape how stories about cooking, place, and identity are shared in the United States. This session will look back at the narratives that have come to the forefront, reflect on which voices and experiences may not have been fully seen, and consider what a more expansive storytelling landscape looks like and could continue to evolve in the years ahead. It will also explore how recognition awards in both media and restaurants contribute to our collective understanding of “American food culture”, and how these forms of recognition can highlight the people, places, and systems that have long sustained it.
Moderated by James Beard Award Nominee® Chandra Ram, Journalist and Cookbook Author
Panelists include
James Beard Award Winner® Bill Addison, Dining Critic, Los Angeles Times
Hamburger History: A Conversation with Chef John Shields and Maggie Hennessy
The Loyalist will host a meet-and-greet cocktail hour and conversation between Chicago’s Chef John Shields (Smyth and The Loyalist) and journalist and burger-enthusiast Maggie Hennessy. After her recent debut book release, The Burger Bible, Maggie and John will sit down and discuss the history of the handheld and the rise of The Loyalist’s Dirty Burg, turned OG. Passed canapés and burger bites will be provided along with a beer (standard or N/A) of your choice.
Bar Sótano + Friends Patio Party
Chef Rick Bayless and team are welcoming James Beard-nominated chefs and friends of Bar Sótano!
Chef Gilberto Cetina of Holbox (Los Angeles) will offer flavors of Mexico’s coastal ceviches, tostadas and aguachiles.
Chef Hugo Ortega of Hugos (Houston) will bring to life some Mexico City culinary traditions.
Jeff Chanchaleune of Bar Sen (Oklahoma City) will bring the rice noodles--shot through the flavors of his Laotian childhood.
Book your tickets now. The event will take place Sunday, June 14th, in Bar Sótano’s back-alley patio from 3:30 pm-6:30 pm.
All food, food stations, dancing to the band, and a drink ticket are included in the ticket price. Additional beverages from the bar will be available à la carte.
New Orleans Takeover (ft. Bacchanal x NightBloom)
New Orleans is taking over the Sportsman's Club! Bacchanal returns to Sporty's to host a backyard party. Featuring a huge wine selection, bayou bites, and a late-night cocktail pop-up from sister bar NightBloom (9 pm-12 am). First-come, first-served.
2nd Annual Barrio BBQ at Manchamanteles
Manchamanteles will host a chef-driven BBQ event on the patio, bringing together a lineup of guest chefs to raise funds for a good cause. Led by Chef Geno, the event will feature a curated live-fire menu co-created by the participating chefs, showcasing the depth, diversity, and regional flavors of Mexican cuisine. Partners for the event include: Pizza Lobo, Diego, and Santa Masa Tamaleria. Tickets will include a dish from each chef’s station, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR).
Chicago Cocktail Classic
Join for the second edition of an international cocktail celebration. For one evening, over three dozen guest bars from around the world will descend upon Chicago to shake, stir, and serve their signature creations overlooking the Chicago skyline on the 17th floor of 167 Green Street.
Each ticket includes: 10 drink tickets, redeemable for sample-size cocktails from a curated lineup of bars as well as access to all indoor and outdoor areas of the venue.
Featuring Bars From:
United States
Merai (Boston) · Little Rituals (Phoenix) · Bar Snack (NYC) · Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco) · Ben Yabrow's Mystery Bar (New York) · Thunderbolt (Los Angeles) · Mirate (Los Angeles) · Lady Jane (Denver) · Pearl Bar (New York) · Father Forgive Me (Detroit) · Middle Child (Philadelphia) · Loma (Rhode Island) · Kato (Los Angelos) · Bisous (Chicago) · Lemon (Chicago) · Meadowlark (Chicago) · Nine Bar (Chicago) · Bar Bambi (Chicago) · Queen Mary (Chicago) · Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club (Chicago) · Three Dots and A Dash (Chicago) · Gus Sip and Dip (Chicago)
International
Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City) · BKK Social Club (Bangkok, Thailand) · Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, UK) · Superfine (Paris) · Caretakers Cottage (Sydney) · Kaito De Vaille (Mexico City) Otro Bar (Costa Rica) · Bar Mauro (Mexico City) · Bar Glue (Liverpool) · Uh Bar (Toronto) · Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo)
Heighten Your Senses on Viceroy’s 18th Floor
Join Pandan on the 18th floor rooftop of Viceroy Chicago to celebrate James Beard Awards weekend with a multisensory journey amidst the backdrop of Chicago’s skyline. On the evening of June 14, they’ll heighten all five of your senses through music, summer cocktails, passed apps and floral scents along the Pandan terrace.
Taste and Touch: Sip your way through a variety of Pandan’s signature Southeast Asian-inspired cocktails and mocktails featuring Don Julio tequila, George Dickel bourbon and Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits, along with wine pours from Minuty Prestige Rose & Minuty Prestige Blanc. Enjoy passed bites of pork lumpia, tuna kinilaw and sweet corn tempura alongside interactive stations featuring grilled tapa, East and West oysters and crispy pork belly buns.
Smell: Beyond the passed apps, interactive stations and sensory beverages, enjoy a make-your-own perfume experience from local perfumer Veil Perfumes, with take-home bottles available for purchase.
Sound: DJ Kareem will provide music all evening.
Sight: Throughout the evening, take in unobstructed views of Chicago’s skyline as you heighten your other four senses.
Mile High Takeover: Denver's Yacht Club at Bar Bambi
In celebration of James Beard Awards weekend, Denver's Yacht Club will join Katie Renshaw in Chicago at her brand new cocktail den, Bar Bambi! They will be teaming up in West Town to crank out a collection of drinks, while Bar Bambi's Chef Nicklus Byrns will be rolling out snacks.
The 21+ takeover is open to the public on Sunday, June 14th starting at 9 PM for regular service. Walk-ins will be accepted as capacity allows. Bar Bambi is located at 1703 W Chicago Ave. Follow Bar Bambi on Instagram at @bambi_chicago for more information.
Monday, June 15
Focus on Health presents The No Proof Run Club
Kickstart your day with an easy (and breezy) morning 5k. Run a route along Lake Michigan led by No Proof podcast host Joshua Gandee and Christina D'Esposito of The James Beard Foundation®. Run starts and ends at Kendall College with conversation, cold brew, and a gift from our pals at Tilit. No Proof is a podcast highlighting conversations on sobriety with chefs, bartenders, and other hospitality folks. It can be found wherever you get your podcasts, on YouTube, or by following @joshuagandee on Instagram.
Advocacy Meet-Up - Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®
On behalf of the James Beard Foundation, you are invited to attend the JBF Advocacy Meet-up, hosted by Anne McBride, PhD, VP of Impact, on the morning of Monday, June 15th, at Kendall College in Chicago.
This event is an opportunity for chefs, restaurateurs, operators, and others who engage in advocacy work to share their success stories and challenges and realize the collective power of chefs, in a combination of networking and action. You’ll also hear more about JBF's impact work and ways to get involved, including in their immigration coalition Seat the Table.
No prior advocacy experience is needed to attend the Chef Advocacy Meet-up, only a desire to work with others on making the industry and the food system more equitable and sustainable for all. Representatives from advocacy groups are encouraged to attend, but priority for experience and opportunity sharing will be given to restaurant industry attendees.
*Please note that the event will be capped at 200 people.
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DirectionsThe Publican
4.5 (2,952 reviews)
837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
312.733.9555
www.thepublicanrestaurant.com
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