James Beard Awards set June 13–15

The James Beard Foundation has set the 2026 James Beard Awards for June 13 through June 15 in Chicago, extending the organization’s run in the city and laying out a three-day program spanning media, achievement, restaurant and chef honors. The foundation says the awards recognize work across culinary arts, hospitality, media and the broader food system. This year’s schedule now includes confirmed venues and nominee announcements on the foundation’s website. Tickets for at least some ceremonies are already on sale, according to James Beard Foundation event pages. ### Which events fall on each day in Chicago? Saturday, June 13, is scheduled for the James Beard Media Awards, which Choose Chicago and the James Beard Foundation say will honor cookbook authors, broadcast producers, hosts, podcasters and food journalists in Chicago. The foundation said the 2026 ceremony will be held at the Art Institute of Chicago, the first time winners will be announced there, followed by a reception featuring Chicago chefs. Sunday, June 14, is set to include recognition for the 2026 Impact Award honorees in Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation says those honorees will also be acknowledged again onstage the following night during the Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony. Monday, June 15, is reserved for the Restaurant and Chef Awards at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The foundation describes that event as the annual ceremony honoring chefs and restaurateurs from across the country, and says the Humanitarian of the Year honoree will also be recognized there. (choosechicago.com) ### What has already been announced for the 2026 awards? January 21 was the date the James Beard Foundation published its 2026 semifinalists list, saying restaurant and chef nominees would follow on March 31 and winners would be celebrated on June 15 in Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) That semifinalist announcement covered the restaurant and chef tracks. March 31 was the date the foundation released the 2026 restaurant and chef nominees, along with its Impact Award honorees, Lifetime Achievement honoree and Humanitarian of the Year honoree. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation said those awards remain part of a broader program that recognizes leadership, sustainability, equity and community in the food industry. May 6 was the date the foundation published its 2026 Media Award nominees in book, broadcast media and journalism categories. (jamesbeard.org) That announcement tied the media finalists directly to the June 13 ceremony in Chicago. ### What do the awards cover beyond chefs and restaurants? The James Beard Foundation says the awards cover culinary arts, hospitality, media and the broader food system, not only restaurant kitchens. Its main awards page says the program recognizes talent and achievement as well as a commitment to equity, community, sustainability and “a culture where all can thrive.” (jamesbeard.org) The 2026 structure reflects that wider scope. Media winners will be announced separately on June 13, while restaurant and chef winners will be named on June 15, and achievement honorees will be recognized across the weekend. (jamesbeard.org) ### Where can readers find nominees and tickets now? The James Beard Foundation has already posted the 2026 restaurant and chef nominees and the 2026 media nominees on its website. Its Restaurant and Chef Awards page says tickets for the June 15 ceremony can be purchased now. (jamesbeard.org) Choose Chicago has also published a city event page listing the Media Awards on June 13. Additional James Beard Foundation calendar listings tied to awards weekend, including a June 14 brunch event in Chicago, are also live. (jamesbeard.org) ### What happens next before the winners are named? June 13 is the first ceremony date, when the Media Awards are scheduled at the Art Institute of Chicago. June 15 is the final night, when the Restaurant and Chef Awards will be held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, with Impact, Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian honorees recognized as part of the weekend program. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) (choosechicago.com)