From Markets to Galas: Chicago-Area Food Highlights This Fall

Farmers Market Forecast: Summer-to-Fall Local Food Transition

This monthly update for the September issue arrives at the peak of our region’s vegetable and fruit season. But with the autumnal equinox set for September 22, local food fans are anticipating a delicious month of change.

Transitions can be the best of times, offering a taste of two seasons. Growing seasons for individual crops depend on temperature and rainfall, but in some years, sweet corn shares tables with early pumpkins and summer peaches mingle with fall apples.

According to the University of Illinois Extension’s “Illinois…What’s in Season?” chart, shoppers should soon get their fill of artichokes, berries, green beans, leeks, melons, nectarines and peaches, which are typically gone from farmers markets by the end of September. Coming in strong for the fall season are apples, cabbage, pumpkins, spinach and sweet potatoes, while many long-season summer crops will still be abundant.

Many farmers markets remain open into October—some right up to Thanksgiving—but the list begins to thin in September. Before heading out, check Local Food Forum’s Farmers Market Tracker.

Local Food Happenings…

Liberty Prairie Says Olé to Mole, September 16

Liberty Prairie, a nonprofit based in Grayslake, focuses on food and farm education, and farmland conservation.   

The organization’s series of cooking classes and dinners at its Prairie Crossing Farm features rising star regional chefs. Mexican food fans won’t want to miss the next event on September 16: a hands-on mole-making demonstration followed by a traditional meal of chicken, rice and beans.

Guest Chef Ernesto Rodriguez, founder and owner of El Molcajete Sauces, in Evanston, will share the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico’s food capital and the heartland of its tequila and mezcal production.

Guests will sample Oaxacan-style beverages and taste his variety of mole sauces, chili oil and organic tortilla chips fried in coconut oil.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website .

Illinois Stewardship Alliance’s Farm to Fork Feast Hits Naperville on September 27

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is the state’s leading policy advocate for the local food and farm community, working with lawmakers to help small farmers thrive and expand access to locally produced food.

The organization’s Farm to Fork Feast takes place September 27 at the historic McDonald Farm, in Naperville. The annual fundraiser is a great opportunity to learn about the Alliance’s important work, enjoy a locally sourced dinner al fresco and compete for silent auction packages.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Secure.EveryAction.com/CDTFJj6VL0-LI2J3BMk3xg2.

Early November Galas to Benefit Food Education Nonprofits

The Evolved Network and Pilot Light, both Chicago-based nonprofits, are leaders in food education. Working closely together, the organizations have roots in the region’s highly philanthropic culinary community.

Renowned chefs Paul Kahan, Jason Hammel and Matthias Merges founded Pilot Light, which since 2010 has assisted schools locally and nationwide in integrating food education into their curriculums. Sebastian White, a clinical psychologist turned chef, created The Evolved Network to provide underprivileged youth with food education, cooking lessons and life skills through farm-to-table experiences.

This year, the organizations’ major fundraising galas—with tickets now on sale—will bookend the first full week of November. Both feature top-ranked chefs and are sure to sell out, making early ticket purchase advisable.

The Evolved Network’s Eat and Evolve – November 3

The Evolved Network’s annual Eat and Evolve event takes place November 3. After three years at Chicago’s Eden restaurant, the Gala is moving to the SBH Showroom Vault at the historic Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago.

White has built his culinary experience collaborating with top chefs on his own fundraising dinners and other philanthropic events. The chef lineup includes Kahan of One Off Hospitality; Paul Virant of Petite Vie, Vistro Prime and Gaijin; Diana Davila of Mi Tocaya Antojeria; Devon Quinn of Eden; Dylan Patel of Avec; Norman Fenton of Cariño; and Arshiya Farheen of Verzênay.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TheEvolvedNetwork.org/eat_evolve.

Pilot Light Annual Gala – November 7

Pilot Light’s annual gala will be held November 7 at Chicago’s Rockwell on the River. The nonprofit has grown rapidly since 2014 under Executive Director Alexandra DeSorbo-Quinn, and its annual fundraiser has a long history of success. The organization, however, isn’t resting on its laurels.

After years of celebrated chefs preparing meals behind the scenes, Pilot Light is adding a theatrical element, with cooking tableside.

Pilot Light is also launching an annual Chef Honoree with Chef Rick Bayless of the renowned Frontera regional Mexican restaurant group. Bayless has supported local ingredient sourcing by restaurants through his role as a founder of Green City Market and the more than $3 million distributed by his Frontera Farmer Foundation. He also promotes diversity and opportunity through Impact Culinary Learning, a chef training school focused on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

While one of the higher-priced charitable events in the Chicago food space, the gala promises an unforgettable experience.

For more information including the full line up of all-star chefs or to purchase tickets, visit  PilotLightChefs.org/calendarevents/pilot-light-gala-2025-feed-your-mind.

Bob Benenson is the writer and publisher of Local Food Forum, a Chicago-based publication that maintains a regional farmers market tracker and covers the markets regularly. For more information, visit LocalFoodForum.com.