What's Happening In Chicago: September 2016
Celebrate the change in seasons by eating, drinking, and making merry at these awesome September events in Chicago!
Cochon555
BBQ season isn't over just yet, folks. Cochon555 hits up Chicago on Sept. 11 with its all-star Heritage BBQ. The Lowes Hotel Chicago will host this event that is equal parts culinary tour and competition. With a focus on heritage breed pigs and family farming, renowned local chefs like Cameron Grant of Osteria Langhe, Ashlee Aubin of Salero, and John Manion of La Sirena Clandestina, among many others, will present their unique dishes and show off their global take on cuisine. Tickets are available here.
Cider Class Series
On Sept. 12, The Northman will get you pumped for fall with the latest installment in its Cider Class Series. From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., attendees will sip on ciders and nibble on light snacks while receiving some of the best cider education around. There will even be an opportunity to try a rare cider exemplifying the lesson. Tickets are $30 and can be found on Brown Paper Tickets.
Chefs Behind Bars
As No Kid Hungry ramps up to its Taste of the Nation, you can start the support early by checking out the Chefs Behind Bars competition at The Dawson on Sept. 14. Chefs Shaun Connolly of Presidio, Rob Sidor of Bohemian House, and Aaron Cuschieri of The Dearborn will try their hand at mixology, and you get to judge. Try its signature cocktails and put in your vote while supporting a worthy cause. Tickets are $45 ahead of time and $50 at the door.
Jake's Cider Bash
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is also giving a nod to the joy of cider with Jake's Cider Bash on Sept, 15. Taste over a dozen artisan ciders or get creative with one of the cider cocktails. There will be a delicious fall spread including smoked apple BBQ wings, hot links with cider braised onions, applewood smoked pork loin sliders, and, of course, apple pie. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.
Carnivale
Grab the legwarmers and scrunchies and head to Carnivale on Sept. 18 for its totally tubular Back-to-the-80s brunch. Get down on brunch favorites like chicken 'n waffles, banana Nutella French toast, and DIY bloody Marys while DJ Boy Wonder plays all the best 80s hits. A photo booth and other surprises are in store! Come dressed in your 80s best to get a complimentary mimosa. Check out the website for reservations.
Chicago Gourmet
Chicago's premier food event is back again this year! Chicago Gourmet takes over Millennium Park Sept. 23 through the 25. The main event will showcase many of the city's amazing chefs as they develop bites inspired by this year's theme: Food is Art! Tickets are nearly gone, so move fast to be a part of this display of Chicago's finest food. Also be sure to check out the beloved Hamburger Hop and the new Tao of Tacos hosted by Rick Bayless. Tickets are available on the Chicago Gourmet website.
Goose Island
Goose Island is celebrating its Migration Week here in Chicago at the end of September, bringing lots of fun events for beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. This year they are bringing the party to Logan Square and showing some neighborhood love. Migration Week events include:
- Sept. 26: Lift some kegs at the Brewers Workout at Illinois Centennial Monument from 6:30 to 8pm, followed by post-workout beers at The Rocking Horse.
- Sept. 27: Taste some Goose Island beer-inspired creations at Bang Bang Pie from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Sept. 28: Longman & Eagle will host a beer dinner built around vintage Matilda, offering tastes of rare vintages that are no longer for purchase.
- Sept. 29: Fulton & Wood, Goose Island's experimental branch, will release its newest brew 1516, a gently smoked Bavarian Kellerbier, at The Radler from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Oyster Fest
Shaw's Oyster Fest is back on Sept. 30 to bring one last seafood blast before fall takes hold. Oysters are naturally the stars of this event, with six varieties offered on the half shell. Other delicious bites will include lobster rolls, king crab bites, clam chowder, and fish tacos. The fest is also teaming up with Founders Brewing Company to bring you its quality beers to round out the experience. General admission is $20, and VIP is $50. You can get tickets on their website.