UPTOWN — Windy City Ribfest is returning to Uptown next month on the heels of last week's popular Ribfest street festival in North Center.
Aussom Aussie Australian BBQ, Chicago BBQ Company, Famous Dave's, Porky Chicks BBQ and Texas Thunder BBQ are the pitmasters slated to serve at the street bash, July 4-6.
Ribs aside, the event will also feature craft beer and live rock and pop music from JT Hodges, Cowboy Mouth, the Trippin Billies and others.
The festival, organized by Uptown's chamber of commerce, spans North Broadway from West Lawrence to West Leland avenues. At least 20,000 people are expected to visit the three-day rib bash, according to the chamber.
"It's a great opportunity for the community as a whole to come together and enjoy some good music, good food and more importantly it provides this town square for the Uptown community," said chamber executive director Keith McCormick.
The father of two said the event is scheduled over Independence Day weekend, when a lot of people "are looking for stuff to do."
Like many of the families he expects to see at Windy City Ribfest, he said "I prefer to keep it local and stay in my neighborhood if I can" during the weekend "rather than dragging everybody Downtown" to see fireworks.
McCormick and the chamber aim to make the festival as Uptown-centric as possible.
The event will feature a "community stage" with a yet-to-be announced lineup of Uptown-based performers that McCormick said could include Shake Rattle and Read owner Ric Addy's band, the Pogo Ponies, and youth from the People's Music School and urban arts group Elephant Rebellion.
The chamber still seeks vendors from the area to fill booths and local music acts, and is providing members with discounts for signing up.
"We are excited to help make this year's Windy City Ribfest the best yet, and need your help to let the neighborhood's local talent shine," the chamber said in an email to area businesses and organizations in its membership.
Attendees will be asked for a $5 suggested donation upon entry.
For schedules, tickets and more information, click here.
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