Ribfest Chicago 2015

70,000 Fans/50,000 Pounds of BBQ/25 Hours of Food, Fun & Music After being selected and featured on the Food Network-s 2014 ?Eating America, with Anthony Anderson? and televised to 100 million households and 150 countries, Ribfest Chicago returns with more smokin- music and barbecue as we cook up Chicago-s favorite food and music festival. Ribfest Chicago celebrates its seventeenth summer this year and we couldn-t be more excited. From humble beginnings in a local parking lot, Ribfest relocated to Lincoln Avenue and eventually grew from three blocks to five blocks, from a two-day party to a three-night event, and from 5,000 attendees to 70,000 fans (in 2014). The BBQ component has grown from five local restaurants to thirty Chicagoland rib and non-rib vendors, while the quality of entertainment has made Ribfest an internationally-recognized music festival that hosts premier touring bands. But despite its impressive growth and success, the fest has maintained its neighborhood feel. Music, BBQ, Chicago and summer fun doesn-t get any better. More highlights include the celebrity-judged ?Best Ribs? award, an amateur rib-eating competition and ?RibMania,? the Midwest-s only professional rib-eating competition featuring several top ranked eaters and sanctioned by IFOCE/Major League Eating. For more information or to purchase an exclusive Ribfest Chicago VIP pass, visit www.Ribfest-Chicago.com. Like us on Facebook @RibfestChicago or follow us on Twitter @RibfestChicago WHAT: It-s no wonder that Ribfest Chicago has been recognized as Chicago-s ?Best Food Fest? for the past three years. This festival remains one of the city-s best summer attractions, which will take place: Friday, June 12, 2015- 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday, June 13, 2015 - Noon to 10 pm Sunday, June 14, 2015 - Noon to 10 pm As a nationally-recognized music festival, our twenty original bands are a hot blend of Indie, pop, rock, indie roots and alt country for one of the most unique lineups in the city. The 6th Annual RibMania will feature eight nationally ranked professional eaters at the Midwest-s only sanctioned rib-eating contest on Friday night, and families can spend the weekend in Kids Square enjoying entertainment, inflatables, games and more. Ribfest Chicago has contributed approximately $250,000 to more than fifteen Northcenter schools and nonprofits in an effort to improve education, benefit critical nonprofit work, assist special needs and fight hunger, in addition to funding chamber projects and annual programming. $5 Donation requested to benefit Northcenter philanthropy and community programs. Sponsored by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. WHERE: Northcenter neighborhood on Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road (4000N-2000W) and Berteau Avenue (4185N-2100W). CTA Bus 50, 80 stop at Damen/Irving Park Rd. El: Brown Line to Irving Park. WHEN: Friday, June 12, 2015 - 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday, June 13, 2015 - Noon to 10 pm Sunday, June 14, 2015 - Noon to 10 pm Kids Square open Saturday ? Noon to 8 pm, & Sunday ? Noon to 7 pm