1 Windy City Smokeout (United Center) Country western icons Willie Nelson and Tim McGraw provide the background music for the nation’s leading outdoor country music and BBQ festival, with pitmasters and craft beer brewers serving up fantastic bites and sips alongside the sounds. (August 4-7)
2 Old Irving Beer & BBQ Challenge (St. Viator School Campus) A well-known get-together of those who barbecue and those who brew, serving Q paired with suds, like Begyle brews with Pork Mafia meat and Cruz Blanca beers with Four Boys Barbecue… and so many other such marriages made in barbecue-and-beer heaven. (August 6)
3 Ribfest Chicago (North Center) Three days, thirty-plus vendors, 50,000 pounds of pork and 60,000 attendees adds up to a lot of good times at this annual festival, celebrating its twenty-second outing. (August 19-21)
4 Sangria Fest (Humboldt Park) There may be no more refreshing a summer drink than sangria, and this fest rolls out fresh flavors: pomegranate, pear and berry sangria. There’s also food and music… of course! (August 20-21)
5 Taste of Greektown (Halsted between Van Buren and Adams) Hellenic pride on display, with food from local favorites like Artopolis Bakery & Cafe and Athena Restaurant, and, of course, much dancing and Mediterranean merrymaking. (August 26-28)
Dining and Drinking Editor for Newcity, David also writes a weekly food column for Wednesday Journal in Oak Park and is a frequent contributor of food/drink and travel pieces to the Chicago Tribune, Plate Magazine and other publications. David has also contributed chapters to several books, including Street Food Around the World, Street Food, and The Chicago Food Encyclopedia. Contact: dhammond@newcity.com
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