ILLINOIS:  January  -  February  -  March  -  April  -  May  -  June

July  -  August  -  September  -  October  -  November/December
 

2016 ILLINOIS - November & December 2016
Food & Wine Festivals, Shows, Events
(see also: 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009)

November 5-6, 2016
Illinois Prepare to Survive Expo
Grayslake, Illinois
The "Prepare to Survive Expo" is an action-packed weekend that features a hands-on exploration into prepping, self-reliance, and disaster preparedness. More than 200 million people are affected by disasters each year. Protect yourself and your family by taking steps to be prepared. Prepping and homesteading are lifestyles of self-sufficiency and you will always have something else that you can learn and something else to do. Both urban and rural people can benefit from simple self-sufficient activities. Don't just learn about being prepared...experience it.

November 6-9, 2016 - Pack Expo International - Chicago, Illinois
Pack Expo International is the largest processing and packaging trade show in the world in 2016.  Co-located with Pharma EXPO, the event features a marketplace of 2,400+ exhibitors displaying processing and packaging equipment and technologies for virtually every vertical market, drawing 50,000 attendees and offering free educational presentations in several venues on the show floor.

November 11-12, 2016  FOBAB (Festival of Barrel Aged Beers)
Chicago, Illinois
This is the country’s largest celebration of wood and barrel-aged beers. Brewers around the state (and nation) craft beers that have been aged in a wooden barrel or in contact with wood to share at our annual FoBAB event, resulting in a tasting of some of the rarest beers, which may or many not be available commercially from breweries across the country! The festival grew from one to two days after popular demand, so expect double the fun.

November 15, 2016  Heritage Reserva Wine Dinner - Chicago, Illinois
Join us for our Heritage Reserva wine dinner and share in some amazing wines.  The perfect opportunity to taste something new to bring to Thanksgiving dinner. You will enjoy five courses perfectly paired with 5 wines and a welcome drink of the traditional txakolina wine poured from a porron. Tickets are $49. Wines include: Txispaz Getariako Txakolina, Juan Gil Dry Muscat, Verasol Navarra, 17 XI Monsant 2014,Tobles Rioja 2009 and Mayador Sidra Asturiana.

November 16, 2016 - 2016 Food Tank Summit- Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Food Tank, in partnership with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and University of Chicago Booth School of Business, is excited to announce the 1st annual Chicago Food Tank Summit at the Gleacher Center. This two-day event will feature more than 70 different speakers from the food and agriculture field. Researchers, farmers, chefs, policy makers, government officials, and students will come together for interactive panels.

November 17, 2016  A Wine Affair - Chicago, Illinois
A Wine Affair presents: Winder - This fall’s edition is a bit different than the last.  Dating is rough. Most of us have had our fair share of 1st dates gone wrong, one too many dating apps, and dates that put us right back on the couch with a glass (bottle) of wine.  But what if you could date… wine?  Winder has brought in 4 eligible blends from Naples, Italy for you to speed-date. Like a wine? Let it know with a ‘swipe’ ticket. Don’t like a wine? The next one’s a table away.  What would wine be without the ‘dine’ portion? We are lucky to have one of Chicago’s top Italian restaurants, Volare, that has created an exclusive menu to pair flawlessly with the 4 wines.

November 18, 2016  Chocolate, Cheese & Wine Tasting
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Enjoy an evening of Wine, Chocolate, And Cheese!  PLUS... Samplings from around the world in an intimate gathering at Crowne Plaza.  Wines will be paired with chocolates and cheeses.  Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed, elegant setting.  Appetizers from local restaurants of international variety will also be served in sampling size.  Your Admission Ticket includes:  A Souvenir Wine Glass, Wine Tastings, Cheese, and Chocolate Samples.  And MUCH More.

November 24, 2016  THANKSGIVING DAY - Nationwide
There are so many events on Thanksgiving Day they are to numerous to list.

November 29-December 1, 2016  35th Annual Greater Peoria Farm Show
Peoria, Illinois
Illinois' largest indoor farm show.

December 6, 2016  Holiday Cava Class - Chicago, Illinois
7-9pm. Join us for an evening of Spanish bubbles and fun at The Spanish Square. We will taste eight wines. Michael Scharber from Cream Wine will take us through 5 cavas (Spain’s famous bubbly) and three still wines to familiarize us with the Penedés region and the varieties from there. Delicious Spanish appetizers will be provided by Executive Chef, Rafael Hurtado. It will be the perfect opportunity to learn about some of the amazing wine Spain has to offer and pick out some great vino for the holiday season! Call The Spanish Square to reserve your spot at 773.717.7900 or email [email protected]  or buy your online!  $30 per person.

December 10, 2016 - Terra Madre Day - Worldwide
A worldwide celebration of local food held every year on December 10. Through hundreds of diverse and unique events across the globe, together we show that a global food revolution grows from local roots.

December 31, 2016  Chi-Town Rising - Chicago, Illinois
The Chi-Town Rising Countdown stage will go live at 7:00 p.m. with multiple artists taking the stage. As Midnight approaches, a giant Chicago star rises skyward up the West Tower of Hyatt Regency Chicago.
 

2015 ILLINOIS - November & December 2015
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new dates

November 10, 2015  Meat Matters Chicago - Chicago, Illinois
Chefs Paul Fehribach (Big Jones, Chefs Collaborative Board Member), Rick Bayless (Frontera, Topolobampo, Xoco, Founding Member of Chefs Collaborative), and 12 other nationally-known chefs and food professionals are coming together for an intimate taste experience at Local Foods in Chicago. Meat Matters is a rare opportunity to explore The Butcher & Larder and Local Foods, learn about and celebrate responsibly-raised meat, and connect with leading change makers in the culinary world.
 

2014 ILLINOIS - November & December 2014
Local Food and Wine Festivals, Fairs and Shows
events still waiting for new dates

November 20-22, 2014  Chicago Food Film Fest
Chicago, Illinois
After film screenings, audiences may sample foods from the films at tastings with food prepared by guest chefs.
 

2013 ILLINOIS - November & December 2013
Food & Wine Festivals, Shows, Events
events still waiting for new dates

November 23, 2013  Chicago Holiday Fest - Chicago, Illinois
Experience more than 40+ of the greatest holiday, seasonal and special beers & hard ciders, 30+ amazing red, white and sparkling wines and 10+ Spirits & Cocktails from some of the best producers in the World.  These unique Holiday Adult Beverages will bring a smile to your lips and a glow to your spirit.  Also, Live Bands and a DJ and Fresh foods prepared by Local Chefs.
 

2012 ILLINOIS - November & December 2012
Local Food and Wine Festivals, Fairs and Shows
events still waiting for new dates

November 12, 2012  FOOD & WINE Chef Showcase in Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Food & Wine returns to Chicago for the 14th year, to host its annual event, with a new name, 'Food & Wine Chef Showcase in Chicago' (formerly Entertaining Showcase). The event will take place at the Museum of Contemporary Art.   This year's event will highlight Chicago's flourishing culinary scene and showcase dishes from epicurean greats. While tasting delectable treats from the chefs, guests can also enjoy wine and spirits from around the globe.

November 17-18, 2012  Chicago Food & Wine Festival
St. Charles, Illinois
Unlimited Tastings of Delicious Creations from Top Chefs, Restaurants, Sommeliers & Mixologists! Sample Great Food, Fine Wines, Craft Beer, Signature Cocktails and More! Meet Celebrity Chefs from Hell's Kitchen, MasterChef, The Next Food Network Star and others.
 

2011 ILLINOIS - November & December 2011
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new dates

November 22 2011-Jan 3, 2012  Gingerbread Walk Display
Belleville, Illinois
Stroll down Main Street to view 100 juried gingerbread creations displayed by downtown merchants. Ride on a horse-drawn trolley or take part in one of several gingerbread house workshops.
 

2010 ILLINOIS - November & December 2010
Local Food and Wine Festivals, Fairs and Shows
events still waiting for new dates

November 9, 2010
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.
 

2009 ILLINOIS November - December  2009
LOCAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVALS, FAIRS, SHOWS
events still waiting for new dates

November 14, 2009  3rd Annual Pinot Days Grand Festival Public Tasting - Chicago, Illinois
Showcasing over 60 producers of pinot noir.  Sample up to 300 pinots from every important domestic pinot noir region. Come taste the highly acclaimed 2007 vintage, and talk with the gifted winemakers who created these beautiful wines. Attendees will have access to pinots previously unavailable in Illinois. Local specialty food purveyors will serve delectables that pair well with pinot.