THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – IT’S RIB TIME AGAIN IN CHICAGO!
THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – IT’S RIB TIME AGAIN IN CHICAGO!
There is no better way to kick-off the month of June and its many summer street festivals than with Ribfest Chicago at 4000 N. Lincoln Avenue (Lincoln–Damen–Irving Park) in the North Center neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ribmania as we call it here in Chicago draws top professional food eaters in the world vying for a $4000 prize purse with Uncle Bub’s BBQ defending its 2013 “Best Ribs Winner” honors which is chosen by celebrity judges with this year being no different. And don’t forget to place your vote for the “People’s Choice” Award for the best restaurant with best ribs as all vendors will be offering a 2-bone sampler. But that’s not all! Now in its 16th year this bash will be celebrating its “Sweet & Smoky 16” with 16 restaurants offering some of the best ribs you’ll ever taste in this town live music from 20 bands and a Kids’ Square (12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Saturday & 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Sunday) with inflatables games dancing & mini golf. A $5 donation at the Kids’ Square will earn each child a Prize Pack and an entry to win a new bike. For those of you who wish to party on after Ribfest closes down for the night head on over to ROCKS Northcenter (4138 N. Lincoln Avenue) for the after-hours party!
Let’s not forget another Chicago favorite. The Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival also takes place this Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) at 3200 N. Sheffield Avenue (Belmont and Sheffield Avenues) in the Lakeview neighborhood. Celebrating its 30th year this popular street fest showcases some of the region’s favorite tribute bands such as 16 Candles Wedding Banned and many others along with plenty of food libations and art vendors!
Another legendary annual event that helps kick-off Chicago’s summer street festivals is Andersonville Midsommarfest which is celebrating its 49th anniversary of the area’s Swedish heritage at 5200 N. Clark Street (Foster Avenue and Clark Street) this Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This fest not only features an array of international food vendors unique artisans and vendors family-friendly interactive activities a pet parade and kids’ activities but also some lively entertainment with dances around a Maypole and performances by Nordic folk dancers!
It’s time again for a trip to Greece – Opa! The Lincoln Park Greek Fest sets-up at St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago (2701 N. Sheffield Avenue) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) for days packed with the aromas tastes traditions and sounds of Greece. This year’s fest features authentic Greek food vendors local bands dance performances church tours and much more!
Finally for those of you who want something a little more laid back the Printers Row Lit Fest takes place this Saturday (10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) at 750 S. Dearborn Street (Dearborn and Polk Streets) in the South Loop. Celebrating its 30th annual outdoor event the Lit Fest will feature over 200 authors who will be participating in panels discussions a variety of other programs and book signings as well as the Lil’ Lit Park where kids can enjoy storytelling sing-alongs performances costumed characters and much more!
SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
