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The James Beard Awards 2026 are approaching fast! It’s the US food industry’s biggest night, as the country’s leading chefs, restaurateurs, and industry luminaries gather in Chicago for a night of accolades, heartfelt storytelling, and inspirational moments. We’ve got everything you need to know about this year’s ceremony, including how to watch the event via livestream right here on Bon Appétit. While you’re here, catch up on who’s nominated at this year’s awards, and check out all of BA’s official Chicago recommendations, including where to sleep, where to drink, and even where to find the best hot dogs.
A little background: The James Beard Foundation was established in 1986. The awards came shortly thereafter, doling out the first accolades in 1991. Over the decades the event has cemented itself as the preeminent culinary event of the year, earning the nickname “the Oscars of food.” Today the James Beard Foundation is as committed to championing the voices of the culinary industry and celebrating those voices at the annual awards. This year Bon Appétit has proudly partnered with the foundation to be the official livestream partner of the Restaurant and Chef Awards.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about the James Beard Awards 2026.
The James Beard Awards have three events: The Media Awards, the Achievement Awards, and the Restaurant and Chef Awards. All events will take place from Saturday, June 13, through Monday, June 15.
The Media Awards event will take place at the Art Institute of Chicago. The Achievement Award recipients will be honored at an event in Chicago as well as on stage with the Restaurant and Chef Award recipients, which will be held at the historic Lyric Opera.
Here are all of this year’s finalists, including Outstanding Chef and Best New Restaurant.
You can watch the full event here at bonappetit.com. Follow our Instagram and TikTok for coverage straight from the red carpet and behind-the-scenes events.