Updated
Updated · jamesbeard.org · Jun 9
2026 James Beard Awards Kick Off 3-Day Chicago Weekend With June 13-15 Ceremonies
Updated
Updated · jamesbeard.org · Jun 9

2026 James Beard Awards Kick Off 3-Day Chicago Weekend With June 13-15 Ceremonies

3 articles · Updated · jamesbeard.org · Jun 9

Summary

  • Chicago will host the 2026 James Beard Awards across three ceremonies from June 13 to June 15, opening a weekend of honors for media, impact, and restaurant and chef categories.
  • Two livestreams extend the event beyond Chicago: the Media Awards stream June 13 at 5 p.m. CT on the James Beard Foundation YouTube channel, and the Restaurant and Chef Awards stream June 15 at 5:30 p.m. CT via Bon Appétit.
  • Free panel discussions around the city will feature James Beard Award-winning chefs and other food-industry leaders, focusing on leadership, food storytelling, and advocacy.
  • Choose Chicago is partnering on a broader slate of pop-ups, parties, panels, and other culinary events, framing the awards as a citywide food weekend.

Insights

How are the James Beard Awards trying to fix the entire restaurant industry?
Is culinary skill no longer enough to win a James Beard Award?
Why are America's best restaurants now found in small towns instead of major cities?