The wing-slingin’ fest returns with food, drinks, music, and more
On Sunday, March 5 from 1pm – 5pm, head to the UIC Pavilion at 525 South Racine for Chicago’s Best Wingfest, where nearly 2,500 people attend each year to chow down on as many wings as they can stomach. Chicken wings of all varieties will be served up by some of the best restaurants around, competing for the ultimate title, “Best of Fest.”
One location, tens of thousands of wings.
Chicago WingFest – Sunday, March 5th Tickets on sale now: www.wingfest.net
A photo posted by Chicago Wingfest (@chicagowingfest) on Dec 29, 2016 at 11:07am PST
The competition part
Competing wing dishes will be judged in four categories: “Mild,” “Hot,” “BBQ,” and “Exotic.” The festival uses a double-blind judging process that makes for a truly fair competition. Judges are chosen randomly from the crowd, no garnishes or dipping sauces are used to enhance the wings, and competing restaurant names are never spoken during the taste test. Wings are then scored on a 1 – 10 scale based on Appearance, Aroma, and Taste. A first place winner is chosen for each category, then the dish with the highest points wins the overall “Best of Fest.”
Last year, Dinosaur BBQ took the title of “Best of Fest,” which to much disappointment recently closed its Chicago location. First place in the “Mild” category went to Reverie/Gators, “Hot” went to Timothy O’Toole’s Pub, “BBQ” went to Dinosaur BBQ, and “Exotic” went to Output Lounge.
The fun part
Aside from all the wings you can eat, there’ll be beer, cocktails, prizes, raffles, live blues music, and entertainment from WXRT’s Lin Brehmer. You’ll probably catch sight of Chicago celebrities on-site too, so keep your eyes peeled. There’s a strict no-taking-food-to-go policy, so you better sample everything you can while you’re there!
It’s unlikely that tickets will be sold at the door because the event sells out quickly. General admission tickets are $50 and allow for access to unlimited wings. VIP tickets are $100 and also include five drink tickets, a goodie bag, and access to a VIP seating area. This is a 21 and over event.
Each year, Chicago’s Best Wingfest raises money for local charities like Chicago Neighbors United. If you’re ready to sling some wings, get tickets here and check out their apparel store.
Competitors announced to-date
Mahoney’s Pub & Grille, Downtown Dogs, Reggies Chicago, Gators Wing Shack, Revel, Howells & Hood, Whisk, Rhyme or Reason, Paisans Pizzeria, McQ’s Bar & Grill, Firewater BBQ, Buffalo Wings and Rings
Love barbeque? Check out our infographic.
