Samantha Nelson –

The Haunting pop-up cocktails. (The Haunting)

Halloween 2026: 39 Chicago restaurants and bars with family-friendly bashes, dance parties, drag brunches and more

October 26, 2026 at 11:42 a.m.

Chicago’s bars and restaurants go all out for Halloween, so no matter what your favorite part of the holiday is, there’s a treat in store for you.

Cider and Ale Festival at the Morton Arboretum. (The Morton Arboretum)

10 pop-up events to eat and drink at in Chicago this October, from Apple Fest to a chili cook-off

September 30, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Autumn is here, and with it a whole new set of flavors to savor at Chicago-area pop-up events.

Oktoberfest brat from Mac's Wood Grilled. (Terri Mooney/Mac's Wood Grilled)

Oktoberfest 2026 guide: 28 Chicagoland celebrations

September 16, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Bring an appetite and prepare to shout “Prost!” — the German word for cheers — a lot when you head to one of these Oktoberfest celebrations.

Chef Stephanie Izard will host an end-of-summer bash at Cabra. (Boka Restaurant Group)

9 pop-up events to eat and drink at in Chicago this September, from a Scandinavian festival to Martini Expo

September 2, 2026 at 12:01 p.m.

Whatever you’re craving, you can find something delicious at these nine September dining events.

Diners stop by The Dinner Belle's table at Taste of Andersonville. (Nick Robins Photography)

10 pop-up events to eat and drink at in Chicago this August, from a spritz party to Panda Fest

August 3, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

August is the last chance to take full advantage of summer before the weather starts to cool, and Chicago bars and restaurants are making the most of the season.

Pepperoni and Mike’s hot honey drizzle pizza in a takeout box at Pizz’amici, on Sept. 25, 2025. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Musicians coming for Lollapalooza, Riot Fest and North Coast reveal their favorite Chicago restaurants

July 29, 2026 at 11:45 a.m.

Musicians from around the world travel to Chicago during the summer to play Lollapalooza, Riot Fest and North Coast, and between sets, sound checks and after parties, they find some...

Pizza from Paulie Gee's. (Paulie Gee's Logan Square)

10 pop-up events to eat and drink at in Chicago this July, from a spicy margarita competition to a taco crawl

July 1, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Neighborhoods are showing off their unique flavors with a Rogers Park Taco Crawl and the third annual Taste of Bronzeville, while a cocktail pop-up offers a taste of Singapore.

Daisies is offering a Chicago-style hot dog croissant as part of its Fourth of July specials. (Daisies)

July 4 dining guide: 20 Chicago restaurants and bars with specials for America 250

June 29, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

July 4 falls on a Saturday, so plenty of bars and restaurants are celebrating all weekend long.

Father's Day tasting menu at Nobu Chicago. (Nobu Chicago)

Father’s Day 2026: Chicago restaurants and bars with specials for dad

June 15, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

From a family cooking class to golf-watching gatherings, these 28 Father’s Day celebrations are sure to make Dad proud.

People order from food trucks near Buckingham Fountain on Sept. 7, 2025, during the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

31 Chicago food and drink festivals for summer 2026

June 3, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The city's food festivals include events devoted to specific foods like tacos and burgers or provide the chance to taste beers from dozens of local breweries.

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