Ribfest Is Around The Corner

By Chuck Sudo in Food on May 29, 2012 6:30PM

Street festival season kicks into high gear this weekend but fans of smoked meats should break out their wet naps and bibs for Ribfest Chicago. For some, the crowds that flock to Damen, Irving Park and Lincoln every year for the popular event may not be worth the hassle. Others can't resist the intoxicating smell of barbeque smoke and the tangy taste of sauce.

This year 36 food vendors, including plenty of new faces for those who aren't looking to intentionally boost their LDL levels through the stratosphere, have signed up to hawk their wares June 8, 9 and 10. (Center Square Journal has a full listing available here.) There is a professional eating competition at 6 p.m. June 8 and an amateur rib eating competition 6:30 p.m. June 7 at Black Rock (3614 N. Damen), with the winner heading to the RIBMANIA! pro competition the following night.

The music lineup for Ribfest is nearly as loaded as the food vendors, with Heartless Bastards headlining the south stage Saturday night, and the two stages at Lincoln/Irving Park/Damen and 4165 N. Lincoln alternating their lineups so music lovers don't have to choose between two bands playing at the same time.