<p>The James Beard Awards are back, bringing acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs from across the country to Chicago for the ceremony and a spate of related events.</p><p>The so-called “Oscars of the food world” will descend on Chicago’s Lyric Opera House on Monday.</p><p>This year, <a class="Link" href="https://www.wbez.org/food-drink/2026/03/31/james-beard-award-finalists-2026-chicago-monteverde-carino-feld" target="_blank" ><u>three Chicago chefs</u></a> are on the short list to win one of the prestigious prizes: Bailey Sullivan, of the West Loop’s Monteverde Restaurant &amp; Pastificio, is a finalist in the emerging chef category. Plus, Norman Fenton of Cariño in Uptown and Jacob Potashnick of Feld in Ukrainian Village are among this year’s finalists in the best chef: Great Lakes category.</p><p>The mainstage award ceremony is sold out, but there are still many ways for Chicago foodies to get in on the culinary fun. Plus, if you want to see in real-time who wins a medal, <a class="Link" href="https://www.bonappetit.com/story/james-beard-awards-2026" target="_blank" ><u>the ceremony itself will be livestreamed</u></a>.</p><p>From brunches to collaborations galore, plus panel discussions, a night market and a 5K run, here are 21 ways to brush shoulders with some of the culinary world’s biggest stars at James Beard Award-adjacent events.</p><hr><p></p><h2>Friday</h2><h3><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY2coD-HIWN/?igsh=dmZndXZyYmdoYzY1" target="_blank" ><b><u>Mirra x Kiko: Tides &amp; Spice </u></b></a></h3><p>Seatings at 5:30 p.m.