One of Chicago’s most iconic events continues to get the attention it deserves! Returning for its 23rd year in Northcenter, Ribfest Chicago is clearly all about one thing – ribs! But what goes better with ribs then live eclectic music on two stages, cold beer, a kids area and so much more!
Experience top BBQ vendors who offer racks of their signature ribs and sides, while competing for two Best of Ribfest Chicago titles: the People’s choice award chosen by the crowd; and the top award chosen by a panel of celebrity judges.
Although ribs play the starring role, Ribfest Chicago offers so much more. A wide variety of local, non-rib restaurants also offer their signature dishes. There is a family area with plenty of activities and games for the kids and its own stage.
Opening it’s doors in September 2005, in the heart of Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, Mrs. Murphy’s has been serving up scratch made Irish pub favorites, complemented by a thoughtful assortment of craft beers, a friendly wine list, and a deep list of Irish whiskeys (now more than 50!) for more than 16 years. And let’s not forget about their Chicago-style ribs. They’re coated in their amazing Irish whiskey BBQ sauce for some finger-licking tastiness!
Austin’s Texas Lightening has been delivering WINNING results since we opened in 2010. Our goal is to provide both superior BBQ and great customer service for our customers. AUSTIN’S TEXAS LIGHTNING has over 60 years of experience in BBQ business and is passionate about exceeding your expectations.
Ogre Eats BBQ Owner Edward “EJay” Boyd is a Multi-Faceted BBQ Chef & Grillmaster, Mobile BBQ Caterer, Certified Pitmaster, Gourmet Sausage Maker & Trained Actor Hailing from the Southside of Chicago, IL. EJay discovered his love for grilling at the age of 14 years old working for his Uncle at Kenny’s Ribs in Chicago. Through his uncle’s mentorship, EJay learned all of the basic elements of Grilling, Smoking, Sausage-Making & Safety while juggling responsibilities as a Student Athlete.
Chicago and North Center’s own Maxwell Jenkins is thrilled to be back judging at Ribfest! Maxwell grew up right here in the neighborhood before taking off to space as the iconic character of “Will Robinson ” in Netflix Epic Series “Lost in Space”. In between seasons he appeared in several films including Joe Bell opposite Connie Britton and Mark Wahlberg, and “A Family Man” with Gerard Butler. Maxwell also played young Jack Reacher in Amazon’s most watched series ever, “Jack Reacher”. Maxwell just wrapped his latest project, “Dear Edward” soon to be released on Apple+. When not doing film & television work Maxwell can be found flipping and flying as an acrobat in his family’s Midnight Circus. Maxwell is also a proud Chicago Public School kid, a graduate of our neighborhood Coonley Elementary and a rising Senior right here at Lane Tech.
