
Jan 28, 11:30 PM – Jan 29, 3:30 AM (UTC)
Hoste, 1857 West 16th Street, Chicago, 60608
Chicago’s most delicious startup tradition is BACK – and it’s the tastiest way to kick off the year! Join us for a high-energy night of food, drinks, and community as we showcase Chicago’s rising food & beverage startups.
Chicago’s most delicious startup tradition is BACK – and it’s the tastiest way to kick off the year!
Join us inside the Hoste cocktail venue, a modern industrial cocktail taproom in the heart of Pilsen, for a high-energy night of food, drinks, and community as we showcase Chicago’s rising food & beverage startups.
You’ll sample some of the city’s finest bites and sips, meet the founders behind them, and hear a fireside chat with a special guest who knows what it means to serve up success.
Enjoy a premium welcome cocktail (Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Negroni, or Martini) courtesy of Hoste. Then make your way around the festival floor sampling delicious bites and sips from 15 different exhibitors.
Sample Bites & Sips like:
Quesabirria tacos
High-protein savory dips
Gluten-free snacks
Premium finishing salts
Waffle & dessert bar
Alcohol & N/A spirits
Cane sugar sodas
Functional wellness shots
Hot chai
and more!
Enjoy a sit-down conversation with TOP CHEF COMPETITOR, CHOPPED CHAMPION, JAMES BEARD NOMINEE, AND CHICAGO RESTAURANTEUR CHEF ZUBAIR MOHAJIR.
This is lively conversation with old friends and new friends.
This is energy worthy of getting out of the house on a cold January night.
The 6th Annual Great Chicago Food Bash is the place to be.
NOTE:
This is our largest event of the year and we are likely to reach capacity. Don't delay on getting your tickets!
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Want to be an exhibitor? Apply to exhibit no later than January 4th to showcase your product to 100+ new people. Exhibitor spots are limited and we prioritize earlier applications, so get your app in ASAP.
Past exhibitors have gone on to receive distribution at Costco, Whole Foods, and other major retailers, win grants, and raise large funding rounds.
January 28 – 29, 2026
11:30 PM – 3:30 AM (UTC)
| 11:30 PM | Doors Open, Welcome Drink, and Food Festival! |
| 1:15 AM | Fireside Chat with special guest |
| 2:30 AM | After-party! |
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