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2018 ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 2018
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
(see also: 2017  -  2016  -  2015  -  2014  -  2012  -  2011  -  2010)

August 31-Sept 2, 2018  81st Annual Nauvoo Grape Festival - Nauvoo, Illinois

August 31-Sept 3, 2018  31st Annual Casey Popcorn Festival - Casey, Illinois

September 1-2, 2018
Cider and Sliders Festival
Chicago, Illinois
What a combination! Apple-infused beers and the iconic mini-burger better known as the slider will pair up at this inaugural fest in Chicago’s vibrant West Lakeview neighborhood.  Held on Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and Addison (3400-3600 N.), it’s a Labor Day weekend happening to celebrate both the twilight of summer as well as showcase tasty sliders from area eateries and 50-plus ciders at ticketed afternoon tastings.  In addition to flavor-laced craft brews and patties, visitors will also be treated to two stages of music, a kids’ activity area and arts & crafts.

September 6, 2018  Journeys: A Culinary Odyssey - Chicago, Illinois
Join the American Liver Foundation, Great Lakes Division for this first of its kind event where guests satisfy their passion for exquisite cuisine and celebrate those who pave the road to liver health.  The evening showcases the signature dishes of our culinary experts and takes you 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 6-8, 2018  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 7-8, 2018  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 7-9, 2018
Festival of the Vine 2018
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 8-9, 2018  Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Fest
Chicago, Illinois
Southern hospitality meets Midwest outdoor fun!  Smoked meats and barrel-aged bourbon whiskeys take the spotlight.  Beyond ticketed afternoon bourbon tastings and plenty of mouth-watering chicken, ribs (and more), there are also two stages of soulful music.  There are also artisans, plus a kids’ area filled with fun family-centric activities.

September 8-9, 2018  County Fair Chicago - Chicago, Illinois
County Fair Chicago is a new festival that highlights great food and refreshments, craft beer, live music, and an artisanal market. The Fair adds a twist to the Chicago event scene by hosting various blue-ribbon competitions in the art, food & drink, garden, and community philanthropy categories. The whole family will have the opportunity to learn a new craft or skill from an assortment of artisans leading demonstrations and presentations. Street fest meets rooftop gardening meets organics from the ‘burbs. Sponsored by Binny’s Beverage Depot and SCA.  $10 Admission.  WHERE: Directly behind 4901 W. Irving Park Rd (Lamon/Dakin parking lot).  Proceeds from the event are utilized to benefit the beautification of the Six Corners community and local charities.

September 14-16, 2018 - Fulton Market Harvest Fest - Chicago, Illinois

September 15-16, 2018  Sam Adams Lakeview Taco Fest
Chicago, Illinois
Whether one prefers their shells filled with traditional chicken, steak, chorizo and beef, or stuffed with imaginative ingredients such as mushrooms, seafood, goat and duck, this fall fest is a wildly popular fixture to the Windy City’s food scene. More than a dozen local eateries challenge themselves to make the tastiest tacos.  The fest also features special beer and taco pairings, two music stages, crowd-pleasing Mexican wrestlers, activities for kids, and visitors can text vote for Chicago’s “Best Taco.”  A $10 suggested donation benefits the Friends of Lakeview & the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce.

September 21-23, 2018  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 28-30, 2018  Oktoberfest Chicago - Chicago, Illinois
One of Chicago’s most popular celebrations of fall and all things Bavarian — Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus — returns for its 18th year of seasonal revelry. It takes place both in and outside the iconic church located in Chicago’s West Lakeview neighborhood.  Includes craft beer tasting nights on Friday and Saturday in the parish’s German Beer Hall.  Another highlight (in addition to beer, brats, pretzels, and pop and Bavarian music acts on two stages) is Saturday & Sunday afternoon’s “Kinderfest” featuring games and other activities for youngsters and families.
 

2017 ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 2017
Food Shows and Local Food, Beer and Wine Events
events waiting for new dates

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, 2017
Journeys: A Culinary Odyssey
Chicago, Illinois
Join the American Liver Foundation, Great Lakes Division for this first of its kind event where guests satisfy their passion for exquisite cuisine and celebrate those who pave the road to liver health.  The evening showcases the signature dishes of our culinary experts and takes you 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 8-9, 2017
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 13-16, 2017  51st 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 13-16, 2017  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 15-17, 2017  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 15-17, 2017  Wheat Fair & Festival--Okawville Agricultural Products Fair - Okawville, Illinois
Queen pageant, carnival rides, food & drinks, antique tractor pull, farm & homemaking exhibits, and parade.

September 16, 2017  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 16, 2017  6th 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 16-17, 2017  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 16-17, 2017  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 17-20, 2017  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 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 19-24, 2017  Chicago Gourmet - Chicago, Illinois
10th Anniversary.  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 22-24, 2017  37th Annual Honeybee Festival
Paris, Illinois
Free entertainment, food, craft vendors, beer tent, parade, carnival rides, antique tractors and more!

September 23-24, 2017  Farm Heritage & Harvest Festival
Grayslake, Illinois
Lake County Fairgrounds. 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 27-October 1, 2017  69th 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 28-October 1, 2017  Annual Barry Apple Festival
Barry, Illinois
Celebrate fall with the annual parade, car shows, arts & crafts, food, entertainment, and delicious apple treats!

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 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 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.
 

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.