Livin’ La Vida Local: Ribfest Chicago 2013

Get Your BBQ on This Weekend in Chicago’s North Side 

Courtesy of Center Square Center

Courtesy of Center Square Center

Summer’s coming, and that means barbecue. Enjoy all the Best Local barbecue eats Chicago’s north side has to offer at the annual Rib Fest Chicago, June 7-9. Step outside your corporate apartment in Chicago or the suburbs and taste the ribs!

Courtesy of elevateyourpresence.com

Courtesy of elevateyourpresence.com

Rib Fest is taking place this weekend at the intersection of Lincoln Ave., Irving Park Rd. and Damen Ave. The fest is open Friday 5-10pm, Saturday noon-10pm and Sunday noon-10pm, so there’s plenty of time to stop by and get a taste.

Courtesy of Concierge Preferred

Courtesy of Concierge Preferred

There’s a $5 donation at the gate of the event, which is in its 15th year. The proceeds to this rib eating fiesta benefit the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. Plus that donation gets you live music from 20 bands, more than 20 rib vendors, family events, a rib eating competition and mingling with some local foodies.

Courtesy of Time Out Chicago

Courtesy of Time Out Chicago

The “People’s Choice” rib contest is the main draw of the event. Thirteen of the vendors will be competing (and will be handing out samples to gain your vote). The winner will be decided by a panel of locals, including WGN meteorologist Paul Konrad.

Courtesy of Chicago Tribune

Courtesy of Chicago Tribune

Can you taste that barbecue yet? Rib fest is a 28-minute brown line el ride from 400 N. LaSalle in River North, a 29-minute red/brown line el ride from Grand Plaza in River North and a 15-minute drive from River 595 in Des Plaines on I-90 E.