Culinary Events


Upcoming Events



Dec 2, 2024 Food Industry News Shmoozefest


The Great American Franchise Expo 2024


Taste of Park Ridge from Thursday July 18 to Saturday July 20 


June 11 and 12, 2024 Digital Transformation in Fast Casual and QSR Summit

Day 1


June 7, 2024 National Donut Day

Celebrate #NationalDonutDay with a delicious Donut from Ground Up Coffee & Bites. Perfectly paired with a hot cup of Chicago's finest coffee! 🍩☕️


May 28, 2024 National Hamburger Day  

Celebrate National Hamburger Day: A Juicy Journey Through the Best Burger Spots


May 25, 2024 National Italian Beef Day

Food enthusiasts across the United States gear up for a special culinary celebration—National Italian Beef Day! 


April 27, 2024 from 12PM to 8PM

Grand Launch of the second Cousins Maine Lobster food truck in the Chicago Temperance Beer Co in Evanston Lear more


April 8 to 14, 2024 from 5pm to 10pm 

Experience the Vibrant Flavors of El Zorro Tacos at The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club Chicago


April 6 & 7, 2024

Chicago Franchise Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL

Learn more


April 6, 2024

This Saturday, April 6th, 2024, the culinary landscape of Mount Prospect, IL, will witness an exciting new addition: Wing Snob. Known for its mouth-watering variety of wings and unique flavors, Wing Snob is all set to open its doors to the public, offering an irresistible deal that wing enthusiasts won't want to miss.

Learn more


May 6, 2023

Port and Park Bistro is hosting their 4th Anniversary & Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM. 

Join us as we celebrate our fourth anniversary and the annual Run for the Roses! We'll have Mint Juleps, Hot Brown Sandwiches, Raffle Prizes and more!

For more details please visit: https://www.exploretock.com/portpark/event/408319/4th-anniversary-kentucky-derby-party


May 08, 2023 - Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Made in Chicago:  Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites at Highland Park Public Library

Journalists Monica Eng and David Hammond will discuss their new book that serve up 30 can't-miss eats found in all corners of Chicago.

For more details please visit: https://hplibrary.org/event/8306309


May 12-21, 2023

AAPI Restaurant Week is May 12-21

Chicago boasts one of the largest communities of AAPI restaurant owners within the United States. Whether it’s a casual bakery, or Michelin star restaurant, diners can choose from an impressive range of global cuisines. Use the search filter below to find some of the best AAPI restaurants in the Chicagoland area.

For more details please visit: https://www.ocachicago.org/aapi-restaurants-week/2023-aapi-restaurants-week/2023-aapi-restaurants-week-restaurant-list/ 


May 19, 2023  

Long Grove Chocolate Fest 2023 is on Friday, May 19, 2023 AT 12 PM

For the young and young at heart, Chocolate Fest 2023 will include a dedicated children’s area with complimentary throwback games and thrilling entertainment. Chocolate Fest also marks the official opening of the spring shopping season in town, with village merchants featuring their own decadent chocolate-themed specialties and sales throughout the event weekend. It’s the perfect time for visitors to explore and fall in love with a sweet old friend – historic downtown Long Grove!

For more details please visit: https://www.longgrove.org/festival/chocolatefest/ 


June 05, 2023

Shmoozefest Mini Trade Show Networking Party 

Monday, June 05, 2023 from 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS: Barry Sorkin and Dominique Leach


June 16, 2023 AT 5 PM – 10 PM 

Taste of Randolph

Commemorating the iconic street festival’s 26th Anniversary, Star Events, WLCO and Collective are bringing together the biggest and brightest names in Chicago dining, featuring over 16 restaurants exemplary for delectable menus and irresistibly unique flavors. We have curated a list of the nation’s hottest up-and-coming bands and musicians, as well as the biggest names in Chicago house music, performing on two stages and a DJ stage, to entertain guests while they embark on the culinary adventure of the Summer.

For more details please visit: https://www.starevents.com/event/taste-of-randolph/


August 26-27, 2023

Pizza City Fest

Over the past two years, a wave of new, exciting pizzerias has spread across the region, and we think it’s about time we celebrate our pizza diversity. Our first Pizza City Fest brought together 40 of the region’s best pizza makers for two days of pizza making and appreciation in the West Loop, along with speakers, demos and seminars. For our 2nd annual event, we’ll continue with another 40 pizza makers, but we’re changing things up and improving the experience.

For more details please visit: https://pizzacityfest.com/events/chicago/


SEP 1 AT 5 PM – SEP 4 AT 9:30 PM

Taste of Polonia Festival and Copernicus Center

TASTE OF POLONIA IS THE OLDEST AND LARGEST POLISH FESTIVAL IN USA! LABOR DAY WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER 1ST - 4TH!

The annual Taste of Polonia Festival takes place both inside and outside of the Copernicus Center over Labor Day weekend. Taste of Polonia is a celebration of Polish culture, American citizenship, Chicago pride, as well as a display of renowned Polish hospitality.

For four days, patrons can enjoy a true cultural experience that includes nonstop live music, dance performances, authentic Polish food and beer, exhibitions, local merchants, a casino, a Kids Stage filled with great activities and much much more!

For more details please visit: https://topchicago.org/


Past Events


March 30, 2023

Made in Chicago, Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites: Monica Eng, Co-Author

This Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Monica Eng will be talking about the history of 30 delicious Chicago foods and signing books at Volumes Bookstore at 900 N Michigan Ave. It's free but you have to register. 

Where:

Volumes Books

900 North Michigan Avenue, 5th Floor

Chicago, IL  

RSVP


April 1, 2023

Build a Breakfast/Brunch at Surf's Up Oak Park

This April Fool's Day join Cooking with a Wiz as the ladies of Surf's Up take over the kitchen featuring "Build a Breakfast/Brunch".  Brunch includes: Grits, Eggs, Omelets and Smothered Potatoes.  A complimentary Mimosa is also included with the meal. There may be a few surprises!

Space is limited and you must RSVP

Please pay $30 to attend his event. 

Payment Options-  Zelle - 708-516-4924

Cash App - $Hairwiz

You will receive a confirmation notice once your payment is received.


April 20, 2023

Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery pizza making class on Apr 20

Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery is turning up the heat in their kitchen with a pizza making class on Apr 20. You’ll learn from Chef Jonathan Court the art of kneading dough, selecting your toppings, and baking your pie to perfection. This will sell out fast to reserve your spot now: https://www.exploretock.com/fiorebakes/event/405448/pizza-class