World Dumpling Fest

Details

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 11am to 10pm
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 11am to 8pm
new vectorized wdf logo only use this version 2026 (1)

Overview

World Dumpling Fest celebrates diverse cultures throughout Chicago and the world with music, dance, and of course, dumplings! The Chicago Cultural Alliance is excited to host their sixth annual World Dumpling Fest in it’s new Lincoln Park home.

This all-ages event features food, music, and local small businesses sharing their cultural identities through their respective crafts. World Dumpling Fest features diverse cultural “dumplings” from +10 neighborhood-based restaurants in and around Chicago.

World Dumpling Fest is a fundraiser held to support the work of the Chicago Cultural Alliance with the mission of supporting, promoting, and advocating for over 40 centers of cultural heritage from around the Chicagoland area.


CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

 

Tickets are required to purchase food and beverage to the event.  No need to stand in a long line to purchase them, purchase in advance for better access and to save money!

Online Ticket Options:

#1:
$10 Admission
#2
$50 package includes:
– 50 food tickets (1 ticket = $1)
– admission for one
#3
$100 VIP Ticket includes:
– 50 food tickets (1 ticket = $1)
– admission
– seating
– upgraded bathrooms
– 2 drink tickets

Tickets will be available for purchase on-site for 1 ticket = $1.00.

Banges – Banges brings bold, festival-ready flavor to World Dumpling Fest with satisfying handheld bites made for dipping, sharing and enjoying on the go.

Cafe Tola – A Chicago favorite known for its colorful cafés and signature empanadas, Cafe Tola serves flaky, generously filled Latin-style dumplings inspired by Latin American and global flavors.

Himalayan Restaurant – Himalayan Restaurant showcases Nepalese momo, beloved Himalayan dumplings traditionally filled with savory meats or vegetables and paired with flavorful dipping sauces.

Home Bakery – Home Bakery brings classic Polish comfort food to the festival, including hearty pierogi and traditional flavors that highlight Poland’s rich dumpling traditions.

Kinaree Thai Kitchen – Kinaree Thai Kitchen brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to the festival, showcasing savory Thai-inspired dumplings filled with aromatic herbs, spices and bold Southeast Asian flavor.

Kurtos R Us – Kurtos R Us brings a taste of Poland with warm, comforting pierogi featuring classic fillings and plenty of old-world flavor.

Lee Concessions – Lee Concessions serves Asian-inspired festival favorites, including flavorful dumplings that combine savory fillings, satisfying textures and crowd-pleasing sauces.

Menya Jiro – Best known for its Japanese ramen, Menya Jiro also serves juicy gyoza, bringing a classic Japanese dumpling to the World Dumpling Fest lineup.

Polombia – Polombia blends Polish and Colombian cuisines into one creative concept, making it a perfect fit for a festival celebrating food across cultures. Its inventive offerings combine the flavors and traditions of both cuisines.

Rainbow Thailand Street Food – Rainbow Thailand Street Food brings the bright, aromatic flavors of Thai street food to the festival, with dishes inspired by the herbs, spices and vibrant flavors of Thailand.

Rory’s Rib Shack – Known for hearty barbecue and smoked meats, Rory’s Rib Shack brings a barbecue-inspired twist to World Dumpling Fest with big, savory flavors.

Sausage Fest – Sausage Fest brings hearty, street-festival flavor with a menu inspired by Polish sausage, bratwurst and other savory favorites.

Tandoor Char House – Tandoor Char House puts a South Asian spin on the dumpling experience, bringing the aromatic spices and bold Indian-Pakistani flavors for which the Chicago restaurant is known.

Tank Kitchen – Tank Kitchen brings Vietnamese flavor to the festival, drawing inspiration from traditional Vietnamese cuisine and bold, fresh ingredients.

Teera Somsak – Teera Somsak offers flavorful Asian-style dumplings featuring savory fillings, delicate wrappers and a delicious balance of traditional seasonings.

The KTM Kitchen – The KTM Kitchen showcases modern Nepali and Indian cuisine, bringing bold spices and Himalayan-inspired flavors to the diverse World Dumpling Fest lineup.

Union Dumpling House – A family-run Chicago restaurant dedicated to handcrafted dumplings, Union Dumpling House offers Chinese-style dumplings with a variety of savory meat and vegetable fillings.

We’re working hard to get a line up that is guaranteed to pair well with dumplings.  Check back soon!

In the meantime, here’s who we’ve had perform in the past:  Philippine American Cultural Foundation, Center of Peruvian Arts, Crossing Borders Music and the National Cambodian Heritage Museum, APIDA Arts presents: “Ki”, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance presents: Latin Music Project, Friends of the Gamelan, Irish American Heritage Center, Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago, Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center presents: Los Pleneros de Don Segundo, South Side Community Art Center presents: Margaret Burroughs Collective, South Asia Institute presents: Do the Needful

Looking to connect with active consumers at this event? For pricing and a customized benefits package, please contact Karyn Terrones at karyn@chicagoevents.com or 773-584-6625.

Vending Applications

Application Deadline: August 16th, 2026.

Please note that all applications are subject to acceptance and availability.

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