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Food Shows, Food Festivals, Food and Beverage Exhibitions and Expos

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Illinois Food Festivals & Fairs, Food Shows & Expos,
Food & Wine Events, Exhibitions, etc

2009 ILLINOIS 2009 (see  2010 - 2008)
ILLINOIS FOOD & WINE FESTIVALS, FAIRS, SHOWS
Click on the Name to go the Events Website

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Illinois Culinary Schools

January 7-8, 2009  Northern Illinois Farm Show
DeKalb, Illinois
Now in its 27th year, the Northern Illinois Farm Show features over 270 exhibits, 7,000 producers and a multitude of educational seminars. As the only farm show serving Northern Illinois producers this event is one not to miss!

February 13-15, 2009  21st Annual Midwestern Herb and Garden Show
Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Exhibitors display a variety of items including fresh herbs, herbs for culinary, medicinal, and decorative use, bulbs, seeds, books on birds, herbs and gardening, plans, herbal cookbooks, gardening magazines, bird feeders, houses and baths, antiques, china, spices, trellises, gourds, orchids, and fudge.

February 21-23, 2009  ACF Central Regional Conference
Schaumburg, Illinois

February 27-March 1, 2009  Illinois Deer & Turkey Classic
Bloomington, Illinois
Booths of hunting/shooting products, accessories, services and related outdoor items. 30 new seminars including cooking and butchering, plus contests and more.

March 10, 2009  Paso Robles Grand Tasting Tour
Chicago, Illinois
Meet producers from Paso Robles in Los Angles, Orange County, Chicago, and San Antonio. Take advantage of the opportunity to taste more than 150 wines from California's fastest growing wine region.

March 25-26, 2009  Food Technology Presents: Wellness 09
Rosemont, Illinois
Institute of Food Technologists. The Society for Food Science and Technology.

April 3, 2009  IFMA Fundamentals Seminar
Rosemont, Illinois
IFMA - International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Foodservice Fundamental Series of educational programs for individuals that are new or have recently entered the foodservice industry.

April 18-19, 2009  Thrive Allergy & Gluten-free Expo
Chicago, Illinois
Products and services for the allergic or gluten intolerant consumers. Home, lifestyle, food, and an array other related items to improve everyday living. 2 speaking venues. One focuses on overall lifestyle improvement, new information on allergic conditions, labeling updates, and similar issues. The second theater offers daily living topics such as cooking demos with top chef using free-from foods and gardening with allergies

April 24-25, 2009  Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance's Spring Symposium
Chicago, Illinois
'Beef: From the Great Plains and Stockyards to our Plates

May 1-3, 2009  The 10th Annual Long Grove Chocolate Festival
Long Grove, Illinois
Chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate popcorn, chocolate cake, ultimate chocolate donuts, chocolate martinid, chocolate....!  Beer & Brat Tent. Other food from gyros to smoothies. Live music, entertainment, much more.

May 14-15, 2009  IFMA Foodservice Sales & Marketing Conference
Chicago, Illinois
IFMA - International Foodservice Manufacturers Association

May 15-17, 2009  Taste of Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Featuring musical entertainment ·great food ·business expo ·craft festival...Family Day Activities

May 16-19, 2009  NRA Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show
Chicago, Illinois
It is the largest single gathering in the world of foodservice and lodging professionals. It’s the biggest, most prestigious place in the world to market your products and services to the $408 billion U.S. restaurant/lodging industry.

May 16-19, 2009  American Food Fair at NRA
Chicago, Illinois
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). Co-located with the NRA Show.

May 18, 2009  IFMA Gold & Silver Plate Celebration
Chicago, Illinois
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association Gold & Silver Plate Awards. IFMA Celebrates 55 Years of Recognizing Excellence Through the Premier Awards for Foodservice Operators

May 19-21, 2009  2009 All Candy Expo
Chicago, Illinois
Trade professionals only, not open to the public. The EXPO is a unique opportunity to buy, sell and network with industry professionals and decision makers. The EXPO is the largest confectionery and snack show in North America.

June 5-6, 2009  18th Annual Rhubarb Fest
Aledo, Illinois
This unique festival, which is 18 years old and growing strong, will feature more than 2,000 homemade Rhubarb Pies for sale, Rhubarb Sampling, 12,000 free Rhubarb seeds given away, crafts, music, entertainment and more all set in our historic downtown.  We're so serious about our Rhubarb that Governor Pat Quinn officially named Aledo the Rhubarb Capital of Illinois!

June 6-7, 2009  Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival
Chicago, Illinois
Sample from more than 200 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations. Enjoy food from some of the Chicago area’s finest restaurants and caterers. Local musical talent will perform live each day.

June 6-7, 2009  International Horseradish Festival
Collinsville, Illinois
For over two decades, the Horseradish Festival has celebrated the multi-faceted and vastly under utilized spicy member of the mustard family and brought people from around the midwest and the country to Collinsville for fun, entertainment, and mostly great food and drink.

June 16-18, 2009  All Asia Food
Chicago, Illinois

June 16-18, 2009  Expo Comida Latina
Chicago, Illinois

June 16-18, 2009  All Things Organic™ Conference and Trade Show
Chicago, Illinois
The only show in the industry that gives you access to more organic companies and more certified organic products than any other trade event.

June 19-21, 2009  Taste of Champaign-Urbana
Champaign, Illinois

June 21, 2009  Real Men Cook
Chicago, Illinois
Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Washington D.C., Phoenix, St. Louis, Bahamas (dates may vary in some cities)

June 26, 2009  IFMA Fundamentals Seminar
Rosemont, Illinois
IFMA - International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Foodservice Fundamental Series of educational programs for individuals that are new or have recently entered the foodservice industry.

June 26-28, 2009  Annual Strawberry Fest
Long Grove, Illinois
This is the granddaddy of Long Grove's signature festivals, drawing close to 50,000 visitors to the historic business district for the 3-day event. It is considered one of the premier outdoor festivals in the Chicagoland area. The pleasures of summer are celebrated with "berry wonderful" strawberry filled and inspired treats.

June 26-July 5, 2009  Taste of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
There’s food for everybody’s taste at the annual Taste of Chicago where you’ll find more than 300 menu items at over 70 restaurants.

July 1-5, 2009  The Taste of Lombard
Lombard, Illinois

July 2-5, 2009  Naperville Ribfest
Naperville, Illinois
Ribs, BBQ, Carnival, music and more.

July 9-11, 2009  Taste of Park Ridge
Park Ridge, Illinois
25 local restaurants vendors.  Free entertainment daily.   Free Family Fun Zone with Free activities for kids and families.  Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.

July 12, 2009  Annual World's Largest Catsup Bottle Summerfest
Collinsville, Illinois
Help celebrate the world-famous Brooks Catsup Bottle water tower. The 11th Annual Brooks World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival - Birthday Party & Car Show.

July 16-18, 2009  Bagelfest
Mattoon, Illinois
Home of Lenders Bagels - world's largest free bagel breakfast, bagel contests, entertainment, etc.

August 13, 2009  Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation
Chicago, Illinois
Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation is the nation's premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists -- all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America.

August 14, 2009  IFMA Fundamentals Seminar
Rosemont, Illinois
IFMA - International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Foodservice Fundamental Series of educational programs for individuals that are new or have recently entered the foodservice industry.

September 11-13, 2009  Festival of the Vine
Geneva, Illinois
Savor the flavor as Geneva restaurants create a “smorgasbord” of specialties under an outdoor tent.  Wine tastings, seminars & events, grape stomping, flower market, craft & gorgeous gourds show, musical entertainment, kids’ activities plus great shopping in Geneva’s historic downtown. 

September 14-18, 2009  Taste Napa Valley
Chicago, Illinois
Twice a year, the Napa Valley Vintners hits the road with the principals and winemakers from 80 or more member wineries, focusing each trip on one market. The vintners spend several days in that market, hosting a mix of trade and consumer tasting events and educational programs.

October 2-4, 2009  Annual Apple Festival
Long Grove, Illinois
80 shops and restaurants help celebrate with unique seasonal gifts and merchandise and flavorful comfort foods. Treats include cider donuts, caramel apples, brown bag apple pies, and even apple popcorn and apple martinis! American entertainment and music –country, rock and roll, Dixieland, and jazz–and special events.

October 20, 2009  IFMA Fundamentals Seminar
Rosemont, Illinois
IFMA - International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Foodservice Fundamental Series of educational programs for individuals that are new or have recently entered the foodservice industry.

October 28-31, 2009  WorldWide Food Expo
Chicago, Illinois
AMI Int'l Meat, Poultry & Seafood Convention & Exposition; Food, Dairy & Beverage Exposition

November ?, 2009  Share Our Strength's 'A Tasteful Pursuit' Touring Dinner Series
Chicago, Illinois
The food and company of the country's top chefs. The thrill of an auction of incredible items. All in one evening and all to help fight childhood hunger in America.

December 4, 2009  IFMA Fundamentals Seminar
Rosemont, Illinois
IFMA - International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Foodservice Fundamental Series of educational programs for individuals that are new or have recently entered the foodservice industry.
 

 


2010 ILLINOIS 2010
Food & Wine Festivals, Fairs, Shows


April 7-10, 2010  Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America
Chicago, Illinois
The Craft Brewers Conference is the number one environment in North America for concentrated, affordable brewing education and idea sharing to improve brewery quality and performance. The conference is also a great social event with over 1600 beerfolk enjoying craft brews together. BrewExpo America® allows exhibitors and buyers to develop profitable business relationships and helps brewing and brewery restaurant professionals encounter the latest and the best that industry vendors have to offer.

April 10-, 2010  World Beer Cup
Chicago, Illinois
The most prestigious beer competition in the world. Every two years a highly qualified professional panel of beer judges honors the top three beers in 91 beer style categories with gold, silver and bronze awards. The World Beer Cup is often referred to as "the Olympics of Beer Competitions" because it is one of the very few international beer competitions awarding only one gold, silver and bronze in each category.
 

2008 ILLINOIS 2008
ILLINOIS FOOD & WINE FESTIVALS, SHOWS, EVENTS
waiting for new 2009 dates

February 9-10, 2008  9th Annual Chocolate Fest
Chicago, Illinois
Garfield Park Conservatory. Visitors will learn where candy and chocolate come from with exhibits that highlight the candy evolution process. The weekend will include interactive education stations children’s activities, and opportunities to purchase chocolate directly from some of Chicago’s favorite candy companies.

July 23-26, 2008  American Cheese Society Annual Conference & Competition
Chicago, Illinois

July 25-27, 2008  Sugar Grove Corn Boil
Sugar Grove, Illinois
41st Anniversary. The Corn Boil, held in Volunteer Park on Main Street in Sugar Grove, generates approximately 15,000 visitors. There is no admission charge for visitors to the Corn Boil.

August 7-10, 2008  Mendota Sweet Corn Festival
Mendota, Illinois
Tons of free, hot, buttered, delicious Del Monte sweet corn will be the highlight of the 61st annual Sweet Corn Festival. 60,000 visitors, who consume nearly 50 tons of sweet corn during the festival weekend.

August 10-12, 2008  11th Annual MFHA Summit
Chicago, Illinois
Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)

August 22-23, 2008  Urbana Sweet Corn Festival
Urbana, Illinois
33rd Annual Urbana Sweetcorn Festival. Champaign County's oldest and largest festival.

August 22-24, 2008  31st Annual DeKalb Corn Fest
DeKalb, Illinois
Over 50,000 people come to enjoy the food and listen to the music at Corn Fest each year. Over 70 tons of sweet corn are consumed each year by visitors flocking to downtown DeKalb, Illinois for this fun-filled festival.

August 23, 2008  Marengo vs. Harvard Sweet Corn Throwdown
Harvard & Marengo, Illinois
This event was developed to encourage people to become "locavores" by using a friendly community-based cooking challenge featuring local sweet corn growers. Harvard residents are required to use Mirai sweet corn from Twin Garden Farms in Harvard and Marengo residents are required to use sweet corn from Cody's Farm Fresh Vegetables from Purdom Farms in Marengo. Contestants can enter up to three of the five categories, which include Appetizers, Main Dish, Salad/Side Dish, Baked Goods/Dessert, and Miscellaneous.

August 23, 2008  Being a French chef: Menu from Green City Market
Chicago, Illinois
French Cooking Lesson at Chicago’s non-profit French cultural and learning center dedicated to the study of French language, cultural exchange, and friendship between Americans and French speaking people.

August 30-Sept 1, 2008  36th Amish Country Cheese Festival
Arthur, Illinois
Large established 3 day street festival commemorating Arthur's cheese making history. Food and Craft Vendors, Live entertainment, 600#free cheese, Cheese Curling, Cheese eating contests, family friendly, 25-30,000 attendees each year

September 5-6, 2008  The Windy City Wine Festival
Chicago, Illinois
The festival includes a seminar stage with cooking demonstrations by some of Chicago’s top chefs as well as wine seminars presented by the country’s top experts. Live music, food from Chicago's top restaurants.

September 10-13, 2008  Morton Pumpkin Festival
Morton, Illinois
Home of the Nestlι/Libby's pumpkin packing plant, over 80% of the world's canned pumpkin is processed here in Morton. In September 1978, then Governor James Thompson declared Morton, Illinois, 'The Pumpkin Capital of the World.'

September 10-14, 2008  Murphysboro Apple Festival
Murphysboro, Illinois
The Murphysboro Apple Festival is the longest, continuous running festival in southern Illinois, featuring the largest parade in our region! Tens of thousands of people come out every year to enjoy the events and shows. (2nd wkend after Labor Day)

September 12-13, 2008  Naperville Wine Festival
Naperville, Illinois
Sample from more than 250 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, area chefs and restaurateurs. Enjoy food from some of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers. Local musical talent will perform live each day.

September 20-21, 2008  Eli’s Cheesecake Festival
Chicago, Illinois
Food, fun and (of course) cheesecake!

September 27, 2008  Annual Int’l Beer Tasting & Chili Cook-Off
Urbana, Illinois

October 18, 2008  Tour de Champagne Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Tour de Champagne Chicago brings together fine Champagnes with the city's top restaurants. Bringing chefs and sommeliers together from Chicago’s finest restaurants promises to be the culinary treat of 2008.

October 30, 2008  Celebrity Chef Tour
Chicago, Illinois
The reception and dinner promise to delight the palates of the most discriminating epicureans.

November 9-13, 2008  Process Expo - Pack Expo
Chicago, Illinois
Process Expo and Pack Expo Feature over 1000 companies displaying the latest technology for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing and packaging industries.

November 21-23, 2008  FamilyFarmed.org EXPO
Chicago, Illinois

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