Ribfest Chicago XVI 2014 Dates Announced 50,000 Fans/50,000 Pounds of BBQ/25 Hours of Food, Fun & Music Ribfest Chicago celebrates its Sweet (and Spicy) Sixteen 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 event to a three-night party, and from 5,000 attendees to 55,000 fans. The BBQ component has grown from five local restaurants to twenty-five rib and non-rib vendors, while the quality of live entertainment has made Ribfest Chicago a nationally-recognized music festival that hosts top local and touring bands. Music, BBQ, Chicago and family fun in the summer doesn?t get any better. Highlights of the event include our celebrity-judged ?Best Ribs? award, the amateur rib-eating competition and ?RibMania,? our professional rib-eating competition featuring several Top Ten ranked eaters and sanctioned by IFOCE/Major League Eating. It's no wonder that Ribfest Chicago is annually ranked highest in the Chicago Reader's poll for Best Food Fest. WHAT: Ribfest Chicago returns with more smokin? music and barbecue as we cook up some new twists for Chicago's favorite festival, which will take place: Friday, June 6, 2014 - 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday, June 7, 2014 - Noon to 10 pm Sunday, June 8, 2014 - Noon to 10 pm A nationally-recognized music festival, our twenty bands are a hot blend of Indie, pop, indie roots and alt country for one of the most unique lineups in the city. The 5th Annual RibMania features 10 top-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. Visit www.Ribfest-Chicago.com Ribfest Chicago has contributed nearly $250,000 to Northcenter schools and nonprofits in an effort to improve education and fight hunger, in addition to funding chamber projects and annual programming. $5 Donation requested to benefit Northcenter philanthropy programs. Sponsored by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. WHEN: Friday, June 6, 2014 - 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday, June 7, 2014 - Noon to 10 pm Sunday, June 8, 2014 - Noon to 10 pm Kids Square open Saturday ? Noon to 8 pm, & Sunday ? Noon to 7 pm WHY: Proceeds benefit Northcenter Chamber initiatives, annual community programming, greening and beautification efforts, the School Grant Program and charitable funding approved by the Chamber Philanthropy Committee. For more information, visit www.Ribfest-Chicago.com or call the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce at 773.525.3609.