Cost: $150 per day, $250 for a weekend pass (includes admission to one seminar each day); $30 for entrance to the Whole Foods Family Village (kids under 12 free). Get tickets here.

Organizer: Illinois Restaurant Association, City of Chicago

What to expect: This celebration of food and wine in Millennium Park will include tons of tastings and seminars on everything from molecular gastronomy to building a Thai salad.

Why to go: The chefs. Yes, it's expensive. But you'll be treated to fare from some of the finest toques from around the country; Chicagoans include Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo), Michael Altenberg (Crust), Stephanie Izard, Graham Elliot Bowles (Graham Elliot), Koren Grieveson (Avec) and more.

Additional info: On Friday, there will be an opening reception from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace, open only to those who purchase the Connoisseur Package for $400.