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Ribfest Chicago is returning to Northcenter on Lincoln Avenue, from Irving Park Road to Berteau Avenue. It’s celebrating 26 years of barbecue with over 50,000 pounds of pork. Be prepared to pig out!
This will be happening on June 5, 6 and 7, 2026. Admission is free, but festival directors request a $10 donation for individuals. Proceeds from donations will go to the Northcenter community schools and nonprofit organizations.
Ribfest is the most anticipated food festival in Chicago. The award winning ribs from Chicago’s BBQ masters are unforgettable!
Rib Vendors
- Armadillo’s BBQ
- Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs
- Chicago BBQ Company
- Austin’s Texas Lightning BBQ
- Hell’s BB!
- Salt Creek BBQ
- Mr. Greens BBQ
- Eve Lee Cooking
- Lexington Betty Smokehouse
Non-Rib Food Vendors
- Lee Concessions
- Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood
- Genoa Italian Concession
- Bo’s Concessions
- El Patron Cantaritos Y Micheladas
- BabyGold BBQ
- La Cocina de Carmelita
- Banges
- Bust Outs
- Kim Sushi & Thai Cuisine
In addition to the amazing ribs, you’ll also get an indie music festival with local, regional and national acts with different musical genres.
Entertainment Schedule
Friday, June 5
Main Stage (Irving Park)
6 pm – iPop
8 pm – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press
Northcenter Town Square Stage (Belle Plaine)
5:30 pm – Drunk in July
7 pm – Black Oil Brothers
Saturday, June 6
Main Stage
12:30 pm – The Birkenrocks
2 pm – Super Creeps Music of David Bowie
4 pm – Fletcher Rockwell
6 pm – La Fete Du Fair
8 pm – Second Hands News – Music of Fleetwood Mac
Northcenter Town Square Stage
3 pm – Upbeat Music & Arts
4:30 pm – Chase Wilkins Jazz Trio
6 pm – Sam Fazio
7:30 pm – Luke Band
Sunday, June 7
Main Stage
1:30 pm – School of Rock
3:30 pm – The Whiskey Misfits
5:15 pm – Rearview: Pearl Jam Tribute
6:45 pm – Rib Contest Announcements
7:30 pm – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
Northcenter Town Square Stage
1:30 pm – Caught Steelin’
3 pm – Pink Raspberry Cats
4 pm – Rib Contest Judging
5 pm – 3 Martini Jeannie
7 pm – Band Calderisi
Kids Square
Be sure to bring your kids. The Northcenter Kids Square features carnival games, activity booths, a bounce house and onstage performances. It’s a great place for children of all ages.
Ribs
If you liked the ribs at Ribfest Chicago – and who wouldn’t – and want to learn more about cooking ribs, try these cookbooks. You can use our links to save money on them.
- Top 30 Most Delicious Ribs Recipes: A Ribs Cookbook With Pork, Beef & Lamb by Graham Bourdain
- League Of Texas Barbecue Cookbook by Robb Warren
Chicago Hotels
If you’d like to visit Chicago for the Ribfest, you should consider these hotels. They are offering discounted rates that can save you money on your stay.
And, if you’d like more information about saving money on a visit to Chicago, check out this blog.