Events

News

Driving the news: As summer winds down, Chicagoans can celebrate the season with a series of food-focused festivals, from chef-driven events in parks to community apple and wine fests. These events combine culinary creativity, live entertainment, and local flavors to make the most of late summer and early fall.

Details:

• Revelry Fest (Lake Forest, Sept. 4-7, $78-$155): Four days of chef demos, burger battles, and immersive food and wine experiences, featuring top chefs like Jonathon Sawyer, Joe Flamm, and Stephanie Izard.

• Green City Market Chef BBQ (1817 N. Clark St., Sept. 4, $179 general/$289 VIP): Celebrating sustainable local ingredients with over 100 restaurants, bakeries, and beverage purveyors. VIP tickets offer early access and reserved seating.

• Taste of Chicago (Grant Park, Sept. 5-7, Free): One of the world’s largest free-admission food festivals, showcasing around 60 vendors, from Eli’s Cheesecake Company to Lexington Betty Smoke House, along with live music and dance lessons.

• Chicago Gourmet (Sept. 25-28, $75-$300): A citywide event highlighting over 100 local and national chefs, wine tastings, a hamburger battle, and themed culinary experiences.

• St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago (Sept. 26-28, $5-$10 suggested donation): German food, live oompah bands, craft beer, stein-hoisting contests, polka dancing, and Kinderfest for kids.

• Lincoln Park Wine Fest (Oct. 3-5, $30 general/$67.50+ VIP): Outdoor wine tastings featuring domestic and international varieties, with VIP access to specialty selections.

• Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest (Oct. 3-5, $10 suggested donation): Nearly 40 years of celebrating apples with food, drinks, live music, fall-themed merchandise, and a pooch costume contest.

• Great Food Expo (Rosemont, Oct. 25-26, $5 general/$30 VIP): Two days of celebrity chef demos, workshops, and pop-up shops, part of a national food expo series.

Why it matters: These festivals highlight Chicago’s culinary diversity and support local farmers, chefs, and food artisans. Whether you’re sampling gourmet burgers, exploring international wines, or enjoying fall-themed apple treats, there’s something for every food lover.

The big picture: Late-summer and early-fall events offer more than just food—they bring communities together, spotlight Chicago’s local food systems, and provide a social outlet before the colder months.

The bottom line: From farm-to-table experiences to iconic citywide festivals, Chicago’s late-summer and early-fall food events give residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season with great food, drinks, and entertainment.

JOIN THE FUN ON INSTAGRAM 🎉

Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 70,000+ people love the content! ⤵️

Food

BREAKFAST

☕️ Buttermilk Cafe (Downers Grove)

What makes a morning good? We think it’s the perfect blend of gourmet coffee and warm smiles in an upscale atmosphere that’s just as inviting. A good morning is when your day’s off to a fresh start because you’re sitting down to bold, bright flavors and only the freshest ingredients.

CHECK IT OUT

LUNCH

🌯 Javi's Burritos (Glen Ellyn)

Experience the perfect blend of convenience and taste with our Mexican take-out, available in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton, Illinois. Whether you’re craving tacos, burritos, or quesadillas, we bring the zest and spices of Mexico right to your doorstep.

CHECK IT OUT

DINNER

🍗 Yorky's (Elmhurst)

Whether you’re dining in, taking out, or catering for an event, we’re here to serve you. Join us for a memorable meal in a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home.

CHECK IT OUT

Watch This

Thinking of making a move to the Chicago Suburbs? In this video, I'll tell you exactly where I'd live if I were moving here in 2025!

Market

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.

🗞️ In Other News…

• 2 New Restaurants Set To Come To Yorktown Center

• DuPage Symphony Orchestra Announces Opening Night Donor Reception Sponsors

• Bears announce 5 team captains for 2025

🏠 Are you thinking of buying, selling, or investing in the Chicago Suburbs? We’d love to be your Real Estate Resource of Choice. Get started here!

Brandon Blankenship Real Estate Broker
Powered by Keller Williams Premiere Properties

The #1 Solo Agent with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

call or text @ 630.923.9535