The Quintessential BBQ Bash of the Year

Summer may be but a faint recollection, but there’s no need to stow your barbecue cravings for the year. The Windy City BBQ Classic is back on October 11, marking one of the biggest and best food events of the year. Entering its third year, the Classic hosts more than 40 pit masters and upwards of 4,000 attendees.

Taking place at the south parking lots of Soldier Field, the main caveat for this competition is that competitors have to use only wood or charcoal to cook meat for a panel of 50 judges. Each team is vying for glory (and more than $14,000 in prizes — not too shabby). All varieties of smokers are fair game, as long as gas or electricity are not used. Everything from ribs and brisket to pork shoulder and chicken are up for grabs, presented to the judges for critiquing on appearance, texture, and flavor. In addition to an ego boost and prizes, the winner of the competition moves on to the Jack Daniel’s World Championship held in Tennessee.

During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the pit masters and sample barbecue dishes from a roster of local and national barbecue restaurants, such as Barn & Company, Honky Tonk, Big Fork, Sun Wah BBQ, Smoque, and more.

Aside from all that barbecue, there will also be live blues music, demos from Rob Levitt of The Butcher & Larder and Matt Jost from Weber Grill, beer courtesy of Lagunitas, cider from Virtue Cider, cocktails made with Tito’s vodka, and more.

Windy City BBQ Classic
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