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

July  -  August  -  SEPTEMBER  -  October  -  November/December
 

2017 ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 2017
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
(see also: 2016  -  2015  -  2014  -  2012  -  2011  -  2010)

September 1-3, 2017
80th Nauvoo Grape Festival
Nauvoo, Illinois
Enjoy the annual Grape Festival featuring traditional pageants, car shows, live music, food booths, and flea market. Held in Nauvoo State Park.

September 2-4, 2017
30th Annual Casey Popcorn Festival
Casey, Illinois
Located in the century-old Fairview Park, the Casey Popcorn Festival has earned its reputation as the Premier Family Festival in a two-state area. Music fills the air almost continuously as live bands offer oldies, classic rock, country, and southern Gospel. Kids entertainers such as magicians and animal shows are featured, as well as a huge carnival, more than 60 craft booths, a car show, festival food, and FREE popcorn, the official snack food of Illinois.

September 2-4, 2017  Amish Country Cheese Festival - Arthur, Illinois
Large established 3 day street festival commemorating Arthur's cheese making history. Food and Craft Vendors, Live Entertainment, Free Cheese, Cheese Curling and Cheese Eating Championships, Family Friendly.

September 7-9, 2017  El Paso Corn Festival - El Paso, Illinois
The schedule of events includes a carnival, musical entertainment, pancake breakfast, children's games, parade, vendors, and more.

September 8-10, 2017 - Festival of the Vine - Geneva, Illinois
Geneva restaurants create an array of specialties under an outdoor tent at the "Flavor Fare" partnered with wine and live musical entertainment. The Fall Harvest Market offers food and floral demos. An arts and crafts show, flower market, horse-drawn carriage rides and several exceptional wine tasting and dinner events also take place around the historic downtown.

September 19-22, 2017
FPSA Process Expo 2017
Chicago, Illinois
Food Processing Suppliers Association.  The Global Food Equipment and Technology Show.  Now co-locating with the nation's premier dairy event - International Dairy Show This is the industry's only single-destination food equipment expo featuring end-to-end food processing and packaging machinery and services across all food sectors.  Attendance: 12,000.

September 22-24, 2017  Long Grove Apple Fest - Long Grove, Illinois
Visitors are invited to explore the many delicious ways to enjoy fall’s favorite fruit–from live music and entertainment to apple pies, apple cider donuts, caramel apple lattes, apple martinis, and more! Local restaurants and specialty shops will carry a wide range of apple-inspired treats, while local farmers will have baskets full of a variety of tree-ripened apples.

September 30-October 1, 2017  30th Annual Apple Fest
Lincoln Square,  Ravenswood, Illinois
Fall won't be complete without a family visit to the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce's 30th Annual Apple Fest! Apple Fest is the perfect outdoor autumn outing, where vendors sell apples, apple cider, apple pies and every sort of apple treat and confection! Activities include Giddings Gourmet chef demos, live music on the Lawrence Avenue Music Stage, and lots of activities for children at the Leland Avenue Kids Zone. Admission: Suggested $5 donation.
 

2016 ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 2016
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new dates

September 9-10, 2016  Windy City Wine Festival - Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Windy City Wine Festival, a late summer tradition right in the soul of the city. The festival will draw all levels of wine lovers, from amateur winos to seasoned vets. The Festival is the perfect place to enjoy great wine, great food and great company.  Festival goers will be able to sample from over 300 different wines from around the world, while food pairings from some of the city’s finest restaurants add some local flavor. In addition to tasty food and wine, guests can attend demonstrations from local chefs and expert-led wine pairing seminars. Each day of the festival is capped off with live entertainment.

September 10, 2016 - 13th Annual Food, Wine & Brew Festival
Mokena, Illinois
Taste a variety of food, wines and craft beers from local restaurants.  Enjoy the festival atmosphere, browse the local artisans and listen to live musical performances. $25 advance sales, $30 day of event.  Includes etched tasting glass, 16 food and beverage sampling tickets, live entertainment, sweepstakes raffle.

September 10, 2016  Oysterfest - Chicago, Illinois
As its name implies, plenty of oysters and great beer--plus mix in a stellar music lineup--will be on the day's menu for the annual fest that will be held 2000 W. Roscoe (at Damen) in Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood.

September 11, 2016  Cochon555’s Heritage BBQ - Chicago, Illinois
Notable chefs and farmers will spotlight their passion for global BBQ grilling traditions and old world cooking techniques.  Chefs have 7 days to prepare one whole pig and present a “Judge’s Plate” consisting of 6 dishes scored on utilization, global influences, cooking techniques and overall flavor. The winner in each city will be crowned the “BBQ King or Queen” and takes home more than $3,000 in prizes. In addition to sampling the competitor’s dishes, the all-inclusive ticket includes “BBQ Traditions”, a tasting inside the event where 10 notable chefs prepare one dish from their favorite BBQ culture in non-competitive spirit. If you love global flavors and star-studded culinary events, this educational event is like a top chef classroom.

September 12, 2016 - Flavors of Chicago - Chicago, Illinois
Take your dining experience to the next level. At Flavors you’ll do more than just eat the food, you will witness culinary experts craft a meal tableside. This is one dinner that goes above and beyond the usual restaurant fare! Unleash your inner “foodie” and experience a distinct evening of dining while helping to fund the research, education, and advocacy efforts of the American Liver Foundation.

September 14-17, 2016  50th Annual Morton Pumpkin Festival
Morton, Illinois
Home of the Nestlé/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.' Includes Pumpkin Games; Pumpkin Festival Carnaval, Food & Entertainment; Pumpkin Craft Faire.    Attendance: 70,000.

September 14-17, 2016  Murphysboro Apple Festival
Murphysboro, Illinois
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.  Includes Apple Peeling Contest, Apple Pie Eating Contest, Apple Pie & Apple Butter Contest, Apple Blossom Contest, App-L-Ympics, Entertainment, Free Kids Fair, etc. (2nd weekend after Labor Day)

September 15-18, 2016  Dwight Harvest Days - Dwight, Illinois
Crafts, flea markets, kiddie attractions, downtown entertainment, car show, parade and band competition are highlights of the weekend, attracting over 10,000 people each year! Sunday's parade is led by hundreds of basset hounds and their owners from around the world.   Attendance: 10,000

September 16-18, 2016  Wheat Fair & Festival--Okawville Agricultural Products Fair - Okawville, Illinois
Queen pageant, carnival rides, food & drinks, antique tractor pull, farm & homemaking exhibits, and parade.

September 17, 2016  5th Annual Paxton Swine 'n Dine - Paxton, Illinois
The mission of the Paxton Swine ‘n Dine is to improve the exposure of Paxton’s historic downtown area and to highlight Paxton’s genuine hometown qualities, businesses, and local attractions.  Through such a large community event, several out-of-town guests and residents of surrounding areas have been able to explore Paxton’s downtown area and create new bonds of friendship and trust within our business district.  This is a day full of activities, live music, and tons of great food. The town of Paxton presents a great family day that’s fun, affordable, and very well supported by the surrounding communities and areas.

September 17, 2016  Brew at the Bridge - Oswego, Illinois
Enjoy Oswego's craft beer festival along the Fox River this September! Craft beer enthusiasts are welcome to sample those beers from the Midwest area. The festival will feature breweries who have earned top reputations in the Chicagoland area as well as emerging breweries whose stellar kegs are ready to pave a new trail. Those invited breweries will have staff at the festival to answer questions about their selections. Guests can also enjoy live music in the shady park of Hudson Crossing in downtown Oswego Brew at The Bridge will also feature food which serves as the perfect compliment to a cold craft beer on a sunny afternoon.

September 17-18, 2016  Vintage Illinois at Starved Rock - Utica, Illinois
Held in Matthiessen State Park, the festival features live music and wine tasting from 27 Illinois vineyards.

September 17-18, 2016  Cary Main Street Fest - Cary, Illinois
The outdoor fall festival features craft beer selections, local restaurants and businesses, a marketplace of vendors and artists, live entertainment and a children’s area.  Craft beers and select wines to complement the fall flavors that will augment the menus of participating eateries; a fine arts component to showcase the talents of local artists, featuring live art creation and interactive displays; and, a lineup of live entertainment on the main stage, while the family stage highlights theater, dance, magic and other interactive children’s programming.  $5 Donation requested. Hosted by the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.  Cary Main Street Fest proceeds benefit local school groups and nonprofits, in addition to funding chamber projects and annual programming.

September 17-18, 2016  3rd Annual Andersonville City Made Fest
Andersonville, Chicago, Illinois
The Andersonville Development Corporation (ADC) presents the 3rd Annual Andersonville City Made Fest, the only all-local street festival that highlights Chicago-made beer, music and products in the historic Andersonville neighborhood. Fans will enjoy the best that Chicago has to offer: local craft brews, cuisine and music. So, if it isn't from Chicago, it won't be found at City Made.

September 18-21, 2016  Food Marketing Institute Annual Business Conference - Chicago, Illinois
The Food Marketing Institute's Annual Business Conference provides a tremendous opportunity for suppliers to interact with their distributor trading partners.

September 23-25, 2016  36th Annual Honeybee Festival - Paris, Illinois
Free entertainment, food, craft vendors, beer tent, parade, carnival rides, antique tractors and more!

September 23-25, 2016  Chicago Gourmet - Chicago, Illinois
Bon Appétit presents Chicago Gourmet is a celebration of food and wine showcasing more than 100 of Chicago’s finest restaurants and chefs, as well as hundreds of renowned vintners, spirit makers and premium breweries from around the world. Dozens of live cooking demonstrations, expert seminars, gourmet tastings, and book signings by internationally renowned chefs, master sommeliers and winemakers.  The fun—and tasty—Hamburger Hop kicks off the weekend, an exclusive Grand Cru wine tasting is featured on Saturday and Sunday, and the Bon Appétit and Chicago Gourmet Dine Around extends the event beyond Millennium Park into some of the area’s best restaurants. (also: www.illinoisrestaurants.org/ )

September 24-25, 2016  Farm Heritage Festival - Wauconda, Illinois
The Lake County Discovery Museum is proud to present the annual Farm Heritage Festival  The event, co-sponsored by the Lake County Farm Heritage Association, features hundreds of tractors, cars, engines and other farm machinery. Daily highlights include a tractor parade, sheep herding demonstrations, live music, scarecrow making, wagon and barrel train rides and a petting zoo.

September 25-27, 2016  Whole Grains Away from Home
Chicago, Illinois
The Whole Grains Council holds a major international conference every 18-24 months.  Our next conference — titled Whole Grains Away from Home — will be held in Chicago. It will focus on getting more whole grains into foodservice, with program topics including:  When Whole Grains Make More Sense – In many culinary contexts, whole grains have advantages over refined grains.The details may surprise you.  Whole Grains for Millions: Contract Feeders Innovate – What do foodservice management companies like Sodexo and Compass need from you, to carry your products?  Searching for the Next Quinoa: Whole Grain Trend Watch.  Why Consumers Choose Whole Grains (or Don't!) -- Current consumer attitudes toward whole grains.  Top Chicago chefs share their passion for whole grains. What draws diners?  Lessons from the Lunchroom – How do recent whole grain changes in schools benefit foodservice in general?  Corporate Chef Showcase – How WGC member companies support their foodservice clients with R&D, training and more for pasta, baking, and ancient grains.  Moving Towards a Whole Grain Menu – Case studies from major chain restaurants in the move toward more whole grains.  Stealth vs. Health – What works best – marketing whole grains "loud and proud" or slipping them into foods labeled "premium"?  Tastes Great (and oh yeah, it's healthy) – Getting the next generation of chefs equipped to cook with whole grains.

September 25-28, 2016  NBWA 79th Annual Convention
Chicago, Illinois
National Beer Wholesalers Association Annual Convention is designed to provide valuable education programs and important networking opportunities for the beer industry. Education programs offered during the Convention feature speakers and seminars on a number of topics of importance to beer distributors.

September 28-Oct 2, 2016  68th Annual Grundy County Corn Festival
Morris, Illinois
Events include Farm Fair, Taste of Corn Festival, Chili Supper, Art Show, Carnival, Talent Show, Corn Grain & Flower Show, Parade, Antique Tractors & Farm Machinery and Much More!

September 29-October 2, 2016  47th Annual Barry Apple Festival
Barry, Illinois
Celebrate fall with the annual parade, car shows, arts & crafts, food, entertainment, and delicious apple treats!
 

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

September 12-13, 2015  Illinois Gourd Show - Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Botanic Garden.

September 15-18, 2015  International Dairy Show - Chicago, Illinois
ProFood Tech will Replace International Dairy Show in April 2017, in Chicago Illinois.
 

2014 ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 2014
Food & Wine Festivals, Shows, Events
events still waiting for new dates

September 5, 2014  Galena Food and Wine Festival - Galena, Illinois
Aspires to be a culinary dream featuring the talents of Galena-area restaurants as well as wine tasting-showcasing approximately 150 varieties.

September 6, 2014  The Great American Bacon Festival
Chicago, Illinois
Thousands of bacon-lovers will flock to Union Station to celebrate and taste exceptional pairings of the dish at The Great American Bacon Festival. Attendees will receive unlimited samples of unique bacon recipes, including items such as Bacon-Wrapped Sushi, Moroccan Spice Rubbed Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Bacon Caramel Corn, Smoked Gouda & Bacon Mac n’ Cheese, Bacon S’mores, and more.  Along with unlimited sampling, guests can participate in interactive expert chef-led sessions on how to season, carve, and prepare a variety of bacon dishes.  Beer will be available for purchase and bacon trivia will be offered to test attendees on their knowledge of bacon.

September 13, 2014  International Beer Tasting & Food Truck Showcase
Urbana, Illinois
Sample over 150 different specialty and import beers.

September 13, 2014  Wine Festival at the Lake - Chenoa, Illinois
(Unverified - no website)
Come enjoy a day around the lake sampling wine, beers, cheese, food in a picturesque setting. Pic nic baskets welcome, and most of all relaxation.  $20.00 before september 1st includes glass and five tastings, $25.00 at the gate. Information Annie 815-674-7916

September 19-21, 2014  Wheat Stalk - Chicago, Illinois
The Bread Bakers Guild of America national conference with hands-on classes, demos, lectures and oven building taught by industry leaders and friends for member millers, bakers, and growers.

September 20, 2014  Food Network In Concert - Highland Park, Illinois
EAT, DRINK and ROCK with John Mayer and your favorite Food Network stars! Enjoy a day of lunches, dinners, wines, cooking demonstrations with your favorite Food Network stars plus sample bite-sized creations from over 50 Chicago Chefs and over 100 wineries at Greatest Hits - The Ultimate Tasting Event! Rock out with John Mayer, Raul Midón, Twin Forks and many more! With multiple stages and dozens of delectable food & wine pairings, you'll be closing out the Ravinia summer season in style!

September 26-28, 2014  26th Annual St. Anne Pumpkin Festival
St. Anne, Illinois
Decorated pumpkins, scarecrow displays, three days of free continuous entertainment, parade, car show, fireworks, and much more.
 

2012 ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 2012
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new dates

September 7-9, 2012  Chucks Fest and Beer Expo - Bridgeview, Illinois
Presented by Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe restaurant, featuring cooked on site gourmet Mexican, Cajun and BBQ (all served in small portions so that you can try lots of different dishes).  Live music with various artists, performing Rock, Alternative Rock, and Blues  Three different beer tents with over 100 different beers to try. There will be special limited release kegs tapped throughout the weekend.
 

2011 ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 2011
Food & Wine Festivals, Shows, Events
events still waiting for new dates

September 10-11, 2011  5th Annual Art & Wine Festival
Carlyle, Illinois
This 2-day festival features an extensive variety of local artisans, wineries, live music, and flavorful cuisine. Carlyle Lake is Illinois' largest man-made lake and the prime locale for this event.

September 16-17, 2011  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.

September 22-25, 2011  Remember Our Heroes Oktoberfest
Woodstock, Illinois
VFW Post 5040 annual Oktoberfest celebration. Bags and Brats. Outdoor bags tournament, prizes; Traditional sauerbraten dinner, German music and beer, and raffles. Outdoor beer garden, live music.  Proceed benefit local Veterans organizations.
 

2010 ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 2010
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events still waiting for new dates

September 2, 2010  RCA Midwest-Chicagoland 'Capsicums: What's Hot Now!' - Chicago, Illinois
Research Chefs Association. Overview of capsicum cultivation and processing, formulating with “red goods” and capsicum-related health & wellness trends.

September 17-18, 2010  4th Annual Fall Festival - Lewistown, Illinois
Activities for kids and adults. Beer Garden, All you can eat Biscuts & Gravy or Pancake breakfast, Cake walk, Rock climbing wall, Hot wing eating contest, Kids Spaghetti eating contest, Live Music, Antique Tractor Show, and much more.