Green Tie Ball Heads to Willy Wonkaland With Restaurants in Chocolate

Admit it. You've always wanted to be Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. Sure he was poor and his four grandparents all awkwardly shared one bed, but the kid had a heart of gold and a golden ticket to cocoa paradise. This weekend your dreams can become reality, as the Green Tie Ball returns with a magical Willy Wonka theme. And the best part is you don't need to scavenge for tickets to attend! Hosted by Chicago Gateway Green, an organization dedicated to reviving the city's expressways and communities, the annual bash promises to be one of the best culinary events of the year. Especially since it's not every event where you get to pretend you're in Willy Wonka's whimsical factory.

The Green Tie Ball takes place September 7 at A. Finkl & Sons (2011 N. Southport). It features tastings from over 55 restaurants, including Siena Tavern, Jellyfish, Tavernita, Mercadito, and Lockwood, not to mention multiple open bars. Veruca Salt would have liked that. Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini return to emcee the event, while Lupe Fiasco serves as a guest DJ. A VIP reception goes from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., featuring a green carpet, a Champagne toast, premium open bars, VIP gift bags, and more. VIP tickets cost $250 per person in advance, or $275 at the door. The general gala begins at 8:30 p.m., wherein guests enjoy the smorgasbord of Wonka-inspired bites. Admission costs $150 per person in advance, or $175 at the door. Tickets can be purchased here. There are also V-VIP Oompa Loompa lounges and an afterparty at Underground.