Ribfest Chicago 2023 Guide

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Ribfest Chicago is returning to Northcenter on Lincoln Avenue, from Irving Park Road to Berteau Avenue. It’s celebrating 23 years of barbecue with over 50,000 pounds of pork. Be prepared to pig out!

This will be happening on August 18, 19 and 20, 2023. Admission is free, but festival directors request a $10 donation for individuals and $20 donation for families. 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
  • Johnson’s Southern Style Barbecue
  • Big Joe’s Backyard BBQ
  • Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs
  • Aussom Aussie Australian Barbecue Co.
  • Chicago BBQ Company
  • Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
  • Blazin’ Bronco BBQ
  • Ogre Eats BBQ
  • Austin’s Texas Lightning BBQ

Non-Rib Food Vendors

  • Lee Concessions
  • Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood
  • El Campeon
  • Tandoor Char House
  • Genoa Italian Concession
  • Bo’s Concessions
  • El Patron Cantaritos Y Micheladas
  • Slice Factory
  • Carnitas Roldan
  • Super Polo

Dessert Vendors

  • Frozen Dreamz
  • DJ’s Concessions
  • Kona Ice

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, August 18

Michelob Ultra Stage – Irving Park

  • 4:30 pm – Four Star Brass Band
  • 6 pm – Too Much Molly
  • 8 pm – Trippin Billies

North Stage – Berteau

  • 5:30 pm – Black Oil Brothers
  • 7 pm – Starlight City
  • 8:15 pm – One Of These Nights

Saturday, August 19

Michelob Ultra Stage

  • 1 pm – Furious Frank
  • 2:30 pm – Big Shoulders Brass Band
  • 4:30 pm – Jeff Givens Band
  • 6:30 pm – Nikki O’Neil Band
  • 8:30 pm – Dancing Queen: An Abba Salute

North Stage

  • 1:30 pm – Greasy Gravy
  • 3 pm – Abby Lyons Band
  • 4:30 pm – Petty Union
  • 6 pm – The Chain
  • 8 pm – Run Forrest Run

Sunday, August 20

Michelob Ultra Stage

  • 1 pm – Lamajamal
  • 2:30 pm – The Band Calderisi
  • 4 pm – Mike Wheeler Band
  • 6 pm – Phillip Michael Scales
  • 8:30 pm – Michael McDermott & the Arsonists

North Stage

  • 1:30 pm – Viceroy
  • 3:30 pm – Into The Heart
  • 5:30 pm – Karen Hart Band – Pretending
  • 7:30 pm – The Gingers

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.

Chicago Hotels

If you’d like to visit Chicago for the Ribfest, you should consider the following hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.

  • The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop 36% Discount
  • The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown 33% Discount
  • The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North 26% Discount
  • Jaslin Hotel 24% Discount
  • 21c Museum Hotel Chicago 21% Discount
  • Swissotel – Chicago 20% Discount
  • Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown 20% Discount
  • Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile – Medical 20% Discount
  • Omni Chicago Hotel 20% Discount
  • Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago 20% Discount
  • Selina Chicago 20% Discount
  • The Chicago Hotel Collection River North 20% Discount
  • The Chicago Hotel Collection – Magnificent Mile 20% Discount
  • Congress Plaza Hotel 15% Discount
  • citizenM Chicago Downtown 15% Discount
  • The Whitehall Hotel 15% Discount
  • Ambassador Chicago, part of JdV by Hyatt 15% Discount
  • Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park 15% Discount
  • Pendry Chicago 15% Discount
  • Hotel Saint Clair – Magnificent Mile 15% Discount
  • Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile 15% Discount
  • Level Chicago River North 15% Discount
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago 15% Discount
  • The Blackstone, Autograph Collection 12% Discount
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago 10% Discount
  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, an IHG Hotel 10% Discount
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile 10% Discount
  • Hotel BnB-2 10% Discount
  • Viceroy Chicago 10% Discount
  • Virgin Hotels Chicago 5% Discount