Windy City Ribfest & Windy City Smokeout. Two very similar names and events in the same month. Both have BBQ. Both have musical acts. Both have beer. And most importantly, both have a place in our soon to be partially clogged hearts from stuffing our gullets at these fests. So which is better? We broke it down by category to let you decide.
Food
Smokeout – All styles and variations of BBQ. You’re sure to find wings, pulled pork, and ribs too.
Ribfest – Just ribs here, but with the focus being on them, we’ll have to assume that they’re probably going to take the cake.
Music
Smokeout –Mostly country music here. Kacey Musgraves is awesome, and she’s probably the top headlining act. You’ll also find Lee Brice, Pat Green, and Chris Young
Ribfest – The entertainment is all from Chicagoland, headlined by Lucky Boys Confusion, Trippin Billies, and Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press
Price
Smokeout – Between $40 to $145 per day
Ribfest – $5 donation at the gate
Date
Smokeout – July 10th-12th
Ribfest – July 3rd-5th
Location
Smokeout – Grand & the Chicago River
Ribfest – Lawrence & Broadway