BBQ lovers, rejoice! Ribfest Chicago hits Northcenter, featuring whiskey tasting

Ribfest Chicago is set to return to the Northcenter neighborhood Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7, bringing three days of barbecue, live music and more than 20 food vendors, according to the festival website. The event is held on Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue. The festival marks its 26th year and bills itself as one of Chicago’s most anticipated food events.

Hours are Friday, June 5, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 6, from noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 10 p.m. Organizers are asking for a $10 suggested donation at the gate.

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Funds support local causes

Ribfest Chicago says gate donations go back into the Northcenter community and help support local schools, nonprofit groups, economic development and greening efforts. The festival says it has provided nearly $400,000 in direct funding to those causes to date.

The event also notes that Chicago street festivals are nonprofit fundraisers, not city-funded events. That structure helps explain why the suggested donation is part of the festival’s admission model.

For visitors looking for a higher-end experience, Ribfest Chicago is also offering a VIP pass and whiskey tasting sessions, according to the festival website. The VIP page says the package includes lounge access, exclusive seating, a private restroom, phone charging, and drink tickets.

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The whiskey tasting option is marketed as a separate ticketed experience tied to the festival, giving attendees another way to spend time at the event beyond the food and music.

The festival is expected to draw barbecue fans to a familiar stretch of North Side streets as Ribfest Chicago continues its long run in the neighborhood.