On Monday, January 19, Chicago’s culinary community will gather at the Ramova Theatre for Todos Ponen: Una Noche De Pueblos y Platillos, a citywide fundraising event designed to address the intensifying food insecurity facing Latino families due to recent ICE enforcement. More than 40 restaurants, 800 to 1,000 attendees, and partners from across neighborhoods and industries will unite to address food insecurity, wage loss, and the instability reshaping immigrant households across Chicago.

Rather than distributing food boxes, each family will receive an $800 grocery gift certificate to shop at neighborhood stores like La Chiquita, El Guero, and Jimenez Supermercado. This model allows families to choose the food that fits their needs while also strengthening local Latino-owned grocers. Local nonprofits will coordinate secure and discreet delivery of the grocery cards, ensuring families who are afraid to shop publicly can still access what they need.  The event is projected to raise $100,000–$125,000, which will allow 125 Latino families to receive $800 each in direct grocery support.

For those looking to experience and support the event at Ramova Theatre on January 19, tickets can be purchased here. General tickets are priced at $125, and VIP Tickets are $175 and include early access.  

Get into the holiday spirit with a holiday cookie decorating workshop at Little Goat Diner! Join their Pastry Chef extraordinaire as she shows guests how to create their own edible cookie work of art. And to "sweeten" the deal, each ticket purchase includes a glass of wine (or n/a beverage), and a small savory bite from the kitchen. The best way to unwind in the middle of the busy holiday season - have a cookie, have a cocktail, and get creative with Little Goat! Ticket includes cookie decorating supplies & instruction, one drink ticket, and one small savory bite and can be purchased on OpenTable here.

On Monday, December 15, Petterino’s will host “A Very Petterino’s Christmas,” an evening packed with holiday spirit. Guests can enjoy:

• A visit from Santa

• Christmas carolers performing throughout the evening

• A caricature artist creating custom sketches

• Live jazz beginning at 6:30 p.m

This Black Friday, November 28, guests are invited to gather around the fire for an intimate Fireside Supper with Chef Jonathon Sawyer, recent Food Network 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing winner, and James Beard Award-winning chef at Kindling’s Hearth.

Designed as a cozy escape from the holiday rush, the evening features six wood-fired courses, storytelling, and Chef Sawyer’s signature wit, all enjoyed in a communal setting limited to just 18 guests. The night begins with a cocktail and welcome at 6:00 PM, followed by supper at 6:30 PM.

Priced at $90 plus tax and gratuity, with optional beverage pairings for $55, this dinner kicks off a series that blends fireside warmth, culinary creativity, and lively storytelling. Tickets available on OpenTable.

Experience the 34th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival like never before at NoMI. Enjoy lavish food stations, festive activities for the kids, and unlimited trips to the hot chocolate bar. As the parade begins, enjoy front-row, standing-room views of the spectacle from the city’s most coveted vantage point!

Tickets are $225 for adults, $75 for children, free for 5 & under and can be purchased on OpenTable here.

Join Aba this fall for an intimate tasting experience guided by Sommelier John C. Slatter, featuring Italian wines from regions including Piedmont, Toscana, Sicily and more, paired with an exclusive four-course menu crafted by Chef Partner CJ Jacobson. Savor family-style mezze including Hummus with Spicy Brassicus, Charred Octopus Salad, Brasato al Brunello, Creamy Parmesan Polenta, and more while learning about each selected wine pour.

Tickets to the November Cellar Tasting Series are $119.95 per person, plus tax (20% gratuity required) with two seating times of 5:30PM and 8:15PM available. Tickets can be purchased here.

Taste of Hope brings award-winning chefs and Chicago foodies together to celebrate the American Cancer Society’s progress in the fight against cancer. ​ Taste of Hope has always featured wonderful Chicagoland restaurants, and this year is no different! Taste of Hope 2025 will showcase over 30 Chicagoland restaurants, each offering a tasting station with the best food and drinks Chicago has to offer.

Now in its twelfth year, the event is hosted annually by the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope Executive Leadership Committee and has raised over $5,000,000 to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ​

Tickets can be purchased here.

Join the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) for the annual Ravenswood Costume Crawl, where local haunts team up for an evening of treats, drinks, and Halloween fun. Show up in costume, hang out with friends and neighbors, and enjoy a fantastic selection of local bites and sips as you hop between shops and restaurants along Montrose Avenue. A selection of participating businesses includes Bayan Ko Diner, Chicago's Pizza, Dovetail Brewery, Gnome Brew, Half Acre Beer Co., KOVAL Distillery, Margie's Candies, Paradise Port Cafe, Wolcott Tap, and more.

Tickets are $32 in advance (or $120 for a bundle of 4 tickets) and include 14 tasting-sized portions of bites and beverages, a canvas tote bag, and goodies. Purchase tickets here.

J. Alexander’s, the premier restaurant concept known for its exceptional steaks, fresh seafood and signature dishes, is partnering with Orin Swift Cellars for an exclusive wine dinner on Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature a four-course menu paired with award-winning wines, beginning with a welcome cocktail crafted with Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

From the first pour to the final bite, each course is designed to highlight the depth, nuance and craftsmanship of both the food and wine. Guests can RSVP and view the full menu here.

Sip, savor, and create at The Gwen's A Spirited Affair, a captivating series of interactive experiences featuring premier spirit and wine brands, paired with thoughtfully curated bites. Come enjoy an evening filled with creativity and fine wine. Bring your friends or loved ones and paint your own canvas masterpiece while savoring selections from the Fess Parker Winery portfolio. This interactive experience is held in The Gwen Hotel’s Private Affairs space on the 5th floor, directly across from Upstairs at The Gwen.

Tickets are $65.99 and can be purchased on eventbrite here.

With Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated The Life of a Showgirl album dropping this October, Chicago Swifties will have the perfect place to celebrate together: a themed listening party at Bandit on Friday, October 3rd. This fan-fueled celebration will offer Chicagoans a chance to connect, sing, and celebrate one of the biggest music moments of the year.

Highlights include a listen to The Life of a Showgirl, followed by fan-favorite tracks from every era, themed cocktails and bites (with Swift-inspired names) and an Eras costume contest, friendship bracelet making, photo ops & other surprises!

Tickets are available now: here.

Dearly Beloved in Chicago's Near North neighborhood is hosting a special evening of premium Old Fashioned tastings crafted by Chicago's most talented mixologists from renowned establishments. Taking place on Sunday, September 28, 7-10 pm, the Old Fashioned Fest will feature eight old fashioned drinks prepared by local cocktail bars including Alla Vita, Ina Mae Tavern, Frontier and more! Additional cocktails will be available for purchase, along with the full menu.

The Old Fashioned Fest is part of an ongoing seasonal cocktail competition series hosted by Machine Hospitality Group’s Dearly Beloved, with past events including Martini Fest and Daiquiri Fest, and an Espresso Martini Fest coming up on Nov. 23!

Tickets are $35 per person (21+ event) and can be purchased here.

Raise a stein and celebrate Oktoberfest, goat-style. Guests will enjoy a chef-curated prix fixe brunch menu featuring seasonal favorites, a welcome pour of Märzen, festive cocktails, and plenty of good vibes. Lederhosen optional, fun guaranteed. An à la carte beverage menu and a separate kid’s menu will also be available.

Tickets are available on OpenTable here.

Cruz Blanca Brewpub is back with Das Bueno Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 12–4 PM — a one-day-only Mexican–German mashup on the West Loop patio. Guests can enjoy house-made sausages from guest chefs, including Duck Inn’s Kevin Hickey and Leña Brava’s Brian Enyart, paired with seasonal beers and specialty cocktails. Festivities also feature live music and stein-holding contests for a full street-party vibe.

Tickets are $10, which includes a souvenir stein and your first beer, and can be purchased on eventbrite here.

The Dearborn is bringing a taste of Ireland to Chicago a little early with its annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Thursday, September 18, from 5–7 p.m. Guests can expect an evening filled with Irish cheer, festive music, and exciting giveaways, perfect for raising a glass six months ahead of the big day.

Highlights include:

• Guinness activations & sampling – with a special Guinness glassware engraving opportunity

• Teeling Irish Whiskey tastings – complimentary samples from their award-winning portfolio, plus $10 Lucky Old Fashioneds and Teeling Small Batch shots.

• Festive atmosphere – Irish music, beads and trinkets, and raffle prizes courtesy of Guinness, Teeling, and The Dearborn.

Master the art of Spanish cooking at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s Paella Cooking Demo. On Friday, September 12 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, learn how to make the Valencian dish from Executive Chef Eric Jorgensen. As you learn, enjoy a five-course meal featuring classic pintxos and tapas like Scallops with saffron butter, Tortilla Española, and paired beverages, ultimately leading to a serving from the paella presentation.

Tickets are $80 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included) and can be purchased on Tock here.

Sunda New Asian (110 W. Illinois St, Chicago, IL)'s popular Sushi Rolling Class is back the first Saturday of Every Month from 4:00 – 5:00pm. Learn the ancient art of making sushi with their exclusive Sushi Rolling Class, led by award-winning chefs! Experience the thrill of crafting your own sushi rolls from scratch, including vibrant salmon, crispy shrimp tempura, and spicy tuna, all wrapped in delicate seaweed and sushi rice. In this hands-on, interactive session, guests will dive into the art of sushi making with personalized guidance. This unique culinary experience is hosted in the communal-style seating for an immersive, fun atmosphere.

Tickets are $65 per person and are available on OpenTable HERE 

Lobster lovers, rejoice: Lobster Festival is making its delicious return to Shaw’s Crab House beginning Friday, August 15 through Monday, September 1!

At Shaw’s Crab House – Schaumburg, dive into a limited-time menu of lobster favorites like the Lobster BLT, Spicy Lobster Crispy Rice, Lobster & Filet, and more. To wrap up the festivities, enjoy live music on Labor Day: head to the Oyster Bar on Monday, September 1 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM for a special performance by The Breezy Rodio Band.

Over in the city, Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago is also celebrating with a special menu of lobster dishes like Popcorn Lobster, Twin Maine Lobster Tails, New England Lobster Roll and more, available for a limited time only.