ILLINOIS: January - February - March - April - May - June - JULY - August - September - October - November/December Check previous year if event is not yet updated to current year 2024 ILLINOIS - July 2024
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
(see also: 2023 - 2020 - 2019 - 2017 - 2016 )
June 29-July 2, 2024
Nutrition 2024 - Chicago, Illinois
July 4, 2024 4TH OF JULY
Nationwide
There are so many events on this day that they are too numerous to list. Virtually every community in the U.S. has a 4th of July celebration. July 5-7, 2024 Chicago Craft Beer Festival - Chicago, Illinois
Highlights include daily afternoon tastings where visitors who purchase a pass can sample from a pool of more than 40 specialty beers lovingly crafted by 35-plus local, regional and national breweries. Tasting ticket holders are also encouraged to savor the day before or after the tastings by enjoying a meal (or more brews) at PB&J while listening to some great hits on their jukeboxes. July 6, 2024 Annual World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival
Collinsville, Illinois
An annual festival celebrating Collinsville's community pride in its historic roadside landmark. July 8-13, 2024 Knox County Fair - Knoxville, Illinois
Come celebrate the Knox County Fair held in these historic fairgrounds which has been in existence since 1851. Enjoy FREE entertainment, beer garden, food, vendors, nightly grandstand events. Figure 8 racing and the ever popular demolition derby. July 12-13, 2024 Farm Toy Show - Metropolis, Illinois
Massac Country Youth Fair and Community Center, Inc. Show hours are Friday from5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12-14, 2024 Annual Square Roots Music, Craft Brew & Local Food Festival - Chicago, Illinois
In Chicago’s historic Lincoln Square neighborhood. More than 30,000 fans attend Square Roots each year to enjoy local craft brews (including special batch and limited release taps), the Brew Lounge specialty tap tasting booth, fabulous cuisine and diverse entertainment. Attendance: 30,000. July 12-14, 2024 Halal Ribfest - Lombard, Illinois
The Halal Ribfest is a family-friendly event that celebrates community, culture, and culinary delights. Held annually in various cities, this festival brings together a diverse crowd to enjoy a wide array of halal food, with a special focus on mouthwatering ribs prepared according to halal standards. The event showcases not only ribs but also an assortment of grilled meats, vegetarian options, and delectable desserts. Live entertainment and interactive activities. Kids' zones with games and rides, while adults can explore cultural exhibits and artisanal market stalls.
July 14-17, 2024 IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo - Chicago, Illinois
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo is the ONLY event that brings together decision-makers from all of the many disciplines involved in food science and technology for scientific education and career development. Attendance: 23,000. July 17-20, 2024 Mattoon Bagelfest - Mattoon, Illinois
Home of Lenders Bagels - world's largest free bagel breakfast, bagel contests, entertainment and more. Held in Peterson Park. July 18, 2024 Taste of Galesburg - Galesburg, Illinois
Sample food from numerous area restaurants and vote for your favorites; enjoy live entertainment & beer garden. Always 4th Thursday. July 18-20, 2024 Taste of Park Ridge - Park Ridge, Illinois
Featuring local restaurants selling their specialties and free entertainment each night. Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and Free Family Fun Zone for children Saturday at Hodges Park. July 19-20, 2024 Annual Sweetcorn Festival - Chatham, Illinois
The schedule of events includes Live Music, Tour de Corn Bike Ride, Children's Area, Soccer Tournament, Miss Chatham Sweetcorn Pageant, Illinois Championship Cow Chip Throw, and Free Harmonicas & Lessons. July 19-21, 2024 Roscoe Village Burger Fest - Chicago, Illinois
Flippin' hot! July is about to get a few degrees hotter than normal when some of Chicago's finest burger emporiums and restaurants fire up their grills at this year's Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Add to that a rockin' music on two stages and summer is gonna be sizzling. In addition to mouth-watering patties and great music on two stages, there's also a popular "Kids' Zone" activity area as well arts & craft vendors. Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Chicago burger. A $10 suggested donation benefits the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce. July 19-21, 2024 Taste of River North - Chicago, Illinois
Known for its diverse mix of restaurants, artists and innovative businesses, the River North neighborhood is unlike any in Chicago. For one extended weekend this summer, the area's best will come together for the ultimate neighborhood showcase, the annual Taste of River North (ToRN). 50,000 festers are expected to turn out for this year's three day bash, which encompasses the picturesque riverfront setting of A. Montgomery Ward Park and the surrounding streets. Boasting an impressive list of River North restaurants and chefs, ToRN also includes non-stop live music, featuring bands and music that excites everyone. Attendance: 50,000. July 23, 2024 IFMA Fundamentals Seminar - Chicago, Illinois
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. The 1-day training in downtown Chicago will give you the very latest on the food-away-from-home industry including how segments and processes are defined, how product flows through the supply chain, and how buyers are making decisions. July 25-28, 2024 Annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil - Sugar Grove, Illinois
The Corn Boil, held in Volunteer Park on Main Street in Sugar Grove, generates approximately 15,000 visitors. Fireworks, 5K run/walk, medallion hunt, kids zone, car show, and Corn Boil Cooking Challenge! Attendance: 15,000. July 26-28, 2024 Taste of Lincoln Avenue - Chicago, Illinois
Come and join us at the Taste of Lincoln Chicago for another year of great fun, food, activities, and entertainment. July 26-28, 2024 American Farm Heritage Days - Greenville, Illinois
American Farm Heritage Museum. Tractor-cade, Farm Heritage Demonstrations, Tractors, Tractor Games, Children's Games & Activities, Food, Craft, Train, & Petting Zoo. July 27, 2024 - Taste of Chicago Marquette Park - Chicago, Illinois
Taste of Chicago will return this year with food and music events in several Chicago neighborhoods.
2023 ILLINOIS - July 2023
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new datesJuly 14-15, 2023 Central Illinois BBQ Throwdown - Eureka, Illinois
BBQ Throwdown is a KCBS sanctioned competition, featuring food vendors, a beer garden, craft show, kids activities, and top notch entertainment.
2020 ILLINOIS - July 2020
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new datesJuly 14, 2020 Pinot in the City - Chicago, Illinois
60 wineries from Oregon's Willamette Valley are barreling to Chicago for Pinot in the City, a showcase of some of the world's most exciting Pinot noirs. The evening tasting event, hosted by the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, at Morgan Manufacturing from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.(VIP access at 5:30 p.m.) will feature owners and winemakers pouring a selection of wines, including library and current releases, paired with delicious Pinot noir-friendly small bites. Sip Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, Riesling, sparkling wines and more showcasing the best that Oregon has to offer. Get VIP tickets for early access at 5:30 p.m. and more time with the winemakers. Tickets must be purchased in advance; there will be no ticket sales at the door. Tickets are limited in availability. 21+ only. July 16, 2020 Annual Chef BBQ Benefit - Chicago, Illinois
Green City Market's annual Chef BBQ Benefit 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Lincoln Park, featuring the who's who of Chicago's culinary scene. All dishes served at the BBQ feature items offered from the bounty of the market with nearly 100 chefs and restaurants creating culinary magic. In addition to food, 50 of the Midwest's best brewers, distilleries, wineries, and mixologists will feature locally made craft beer, wine, hand-crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Advance tickets for the Green City Market Chefs BBQ go on sale opening day. General admission tickets are $125; individual VIP tickets are $250 and VIP tables of 10 are available for $2,500. VIP ticket holders are treated to a special early VIP reception from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early as this event has sold out in past years. July 27-August 1, 2020 Annual Kishwaukee Fest - Dekalb, Illinois
This festival will feature a week long variety of events in various cities in DeKalb County, including concerts, food events, car shows, wild west pageant and parade. Baconpaloosa Swine & Wine Festival will be the major food attraction of the festival and will include a variety of bacon dishes by local restaurants and service clubs. There will be wine sampling with both local and national wine venders at the event. Part of the day will include a collection of classic Corvettes, boutique shoppe specials and entertainment. The Kishwaukee Fest “Lincoln Highway” Torch-lite Parade will be held on Friday evening. Concerts in the Parks include a variety of entertainment for everyone with musical genre including county, Caribbean, jazz, classical and concert bands, featuring regional and national acts.
2019 ILLINOIS - July 2019
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new datesJuly 27, 2019 Bite Nite at City Market Pavilion - Rockford, Illinois
Bite Nite at City Market Pavilion was started in 2017 by local nonprofit, the Rock River Development Partnership (RRDP), to bring people downtown and showcase the many restaurants and other vendors that Rockford and the surrounding area has to offer. The event offers bite size food and beverages, children's activities, and live bands. Patrons vote on their favorite foods in each category. $5 admission.
2017 ILLINOIS - July 2017
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new datesJuly 20-21, 2017 - 6th International Conference on Biodiversity
Chicago, Illinois
Biodiversity 2017 is a global platform to discuss and learn about Ecology and its associated fields, Evolution of Species, Plant & Animal Biodiversity, Biodiversity Management, Fauna & Flora, Biodiversity & Food Security, Conservation of Endangered Species, Marine Biodiversity, Forestry and Sustainable Energy Development. July 28-30, 2017 Illinois Deer & Turkey Expo - Peoria, Illinois
Booths of hunting/shooting products, accessories, services and related outdoor items. Seminars including cooking and butchering, plus contests and more.
2016 ILLINOIS - July 2016
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new datesJuly 22-23, 2016 Downtown Bacon Throwdown & Music Fest
Springfield, Illinois
Features 20 restaurants presenting a variety of bacon menu items, plus ethnic, classic, and eclectic cuisine, multiple live bands. Time: 5:00 p.m. to Midnight on Friday; 3:00 pm to Midnight on Saturday. Cost: $5 Adult admission; Kids 12 and Under are Free.
July 23-24, 2016 Chicago Hot Sauce Fest - Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Hot Sauce Fest, featuring a professional food eating contest, pepper challenges, live entertainment, food & Beverages, and more. July 23-24, 2016 Taste of Latin America - Chicago, Illinois
This culinary happening, now in its forth year and supported by Chicago Alderman Roberto Maldonado, is a gala weekend celebration of all things Central and South American. Eclectic (and exotic) cuisine& live music& arts & crafts& cooking demonstrations and much more are part of this festival's mix that showcases a rich multi-country heritage and Latin culture. Foodies and non-foodies alike will have the unique opportunity to discover and sample eclectic delights from the Southern Hemisphere. From fish panades and empanadas to Brazilian sausage and fried plantains, visitors have the culinary experience of a lifetime. | 
